It was an early weekend morning. I was awakened by the ranting and nagging of my mum. As usual they were doing their last minute packing to Johore. Both of them overslept. But the blame was put on to my dad. The whole house became a chaos. This added up to my migraine and made me feel extremely moody early in the morning. “There goes my Saturday,” I whispered.

“I had enough of this. How I wish they can just go away and let me have a peace of mind”. I know this is very wrong. They were here for 3 days. Most of the time, I was occupied with my work. I knew they were waiting for me.. they wanted to spend more time with me. But I did nothing. They left. I didn’t even say goodbye to them.  I was so busy tweeting, posting status update on facebook until I saw this video from the facebook news feed.

“A letter from Mom and Dad”. I cried so hard after the first minute of watching. This is what I’ve done to my parents this morning and throughout their stay. Sigh.. I am so sorry.. mom and dad. So sorry. I should have spent more time with you. I should be more patient with you.

A LETTER FROM MOM AND DAD

My Child,

When I get old, I hope you understand and have patience with me

In case I break a plate,

or spill soup on the table because I’m loosing my eyesight,

I hope you don’t yell at me.

 

Older people are sensitive.

..always having selfpity when you yell

When my hearing gets worse and i cant hear what you’re saying,

I hope you don’t call me “Deaf!”

please repeat what you said or write it down

 

I’m sorry, my Child.

 

…I’m getting older

When my knees get weaker,

I hope you have the patience to help me get up

Like how I used to help you while you were little,

Learning how to walk.

 

Please bear with me

When I keep repeating myself like a broken record,

I hope you just keep listening to me

Please don’t make fun of me

or

get sick of listening to me

 

Do you remember when you were little and you wanted a balloon?

You repeated youself over and over until you got what you wanted

 

…… Please also pardon my smell.

I smell like an old person

Please don’t force me to shower.

My body is weak.

Old people get sick easily when they’re cold.

I hope i don’t gross you out.

 

Do you remember when you were little?

I used to chase you around because you didn’t want to shower.

I hope you can be patient with me

 

When I’m always cranky

It’s all part of getting old.

You’ll understand when you’re older

 

And if you have spare time,

I hope we can talk, Even for a few minutes

I’m always all by my self all the time.

and have no one to talk to

 

I know you’re busy with work

Even if you’re not interested in any stories,

Please have time for me.

Do you remember when you were little?

I used to listen to your stories about your teddy bear.

 

When the time comes and I get ill and bedridden,

I hope you have the patience to take care of me.

 

IM SORRY

 

if i accidentally wet the bed or make a mess

I hope you have the patience to take care of me during the last few moments of my life

Im not going to last much longer, anyways

 

When the time of my death comes,

I hope you hold my hand and give me the strength to face death

And don’t worry…

 

When i finally meet our Creator…

I will whisper in his ear

to BLESS you

 

Because you loved your Mom and Dad.

Thanks you so much for your care.

We love you.

 

with much love,

Mom and Dad

 

 
Here is another meaningful video. It reminded me the time I was working overseas. To my surprise, my parents learned how to use skype to communicate with me. There were times, I felt so disappointed when I could hear them from skype but they can’t due to the extremely poor connections in exotic areas. Each mile between us adds to the degree I miss them. Their love suddenly became so clear and their nagging became music.

 

 
And last but not least, a video that evokes tears to the abandoned parents in Old Folks’ Home.

 

People always take things for granted.. we tend to appreciate more only when we lose something. So, here is a strong reminder for you and me. Love our parents while we can! Love them before it’s too late!

There is a saying,

“Your parents, they give you your life, but then they try to give you their life” ~ Chuck Palahniuk