Parents

While doing the laundry this morning, my thoughts started to run wild again. I got reminded of a particular day a few years back when I was having lunch with my mom and my sisters at Vista Point. And my sisters and I got the craziest idea to ask my mom a question.

"你快乐吗？" (are you happy?)

We were being so dramatic I know. I don't even know what prompted that question. Probably because of some drama series we watched during that period of time but I truly cannot remember anymore. Just take it that we have too much dramatic genes in us. But you know, I am glad we asked.

She nodded her head pretty seriously and said "还不错" (not bad)

My family isn't one who is really open-minded like the American society. We don't really express our love for each other, though you see it clearly in all our actions and conversations. Beneath all the jokes and laughter, you feel our love and bond strongly.

We know that saying not bad actually already meant good. And we were so happy we asked. Who wouldn't be glad to hear that your mother is happy? Even if it was for that few seconds I believe it was worth it.

天下无不散之筵席 

快乐这个东西 是得来不易的

或许快乐就像我们的生命一样 

这一秒你拥有 但下一秒很可能就会失去

所以 请好好珍惜好吗 

那一阵子的快乐 

To be very honest, my parents are already 57 years old this year. And I am only 18.

Every time my friends tell me their parents' ages, I am really envious. Maybe coz they are probably gonna have so much more time with their parents than me. And I would really give in anything for my parents to just have a few years more time with me. And every time I meet someone whose parents are of or about the same age as my own, I heave a sigh of relief. At least someone knows how I really feel.

I am honestly very scared of this day arriving. You know? The day when my parents will no longer be with me. I don't know how I am going to continue living. I don't know how I am going to continue being me. I don't know how I am going to cope with it.

And that is probably why as long as I can, I will make time to come home for dinner and I will make time to accompany my parents as best and as much as I can. And this is also probably why I cannot stand people who are always complaining about their parents or who cannot wait to move out of their house and live on their own.

I really don't get it because even if they always nag at you or they always expect a lot from you, they are still your parents. They gave you a life and they brought you up so without them you wouldn't even be here today.

Please cherish your parents while you still can. I am not trying to be a noble person here saying all these but really. If you don't spend time with them now then when? They aren't gonna be there forever. And they aren't gonna stop growing old. As you are growing up, they are growing old and getting weaker. Don't wait for the day to come and then tell yourself you're gonna regret for a lifetime.

Nothing will ever be more important than your parents, than your family, trust me.