Happy Birthday Papa and Goodbye

Today is Dad's birthday and so the family made a trip to go and visit him.

I was perhaps too tired to take notes of how the rest of my siblings are doing, but mum was teary, we got on with the things that needed to be done and got back pretty quickly.

Thought that its an appropriate time to share some of the journey our family took together, ending with a buddhism rite of sending my dad on his final journey to be cremated.

I guess many of us do not truly realise how precious our parents are to us until they are gone forever. Often, many misunderstandings, differences, "generation gap" becomes the excuse for us to bear grudges with our parents and give ourselves the reasons to "ignore their wishes". I want to say that, parents are also human beings, they also need to be loved and cared for, they also need to feel wanted, secure in their children's love and affection. For every smile, affection, kiss, hug that you readily give to a kid, a friends's kid, you should be giving one if not more to your own parents. Because they would have lavished their affection on you unconditionally. Perhaps you were too young to remember the time when your mum rushed you to see a doctor about your fever or your dad had to work 16hrs a day to bring milk powder back home for you. It was not easy for any parent to rise kids, let allow parents who may have financial, health or other difficulties. If you take a close look at those friends around you, those in their parenthood, the amount of dedication they give to their children, you'll see some form of dedication that your parents gave you to as well.

When there are times you are brewing with anger with your in-laws, try to remember how loving he/she was to you/ your spouse. Their love is genuine, once they are gone, you'll never have the chance to sit down with them for a meal or a chat or watch how they interact with others. These are just some of the things I missed about my daddy. My wish for you out there, is not to waste a moment in expressing your gratitude, your love towards your parents or in-laws. You'll be surprised how long they've longed for your affection and love as well.

Dad, we miss you. Happy Birthday Dad!



family jen