Tribute to my parents
My parents are wealthy now but did not have much money when I was little. There was no room for big expenses like vacations. They could not buy expensive presents for birthdays. Yet my childhood was a happy one.
They gave me something more valuable than the most fancy gift. They taught me principles and values. They encouraged me to learn and study. They taught me to trust in myself and capacities in most fields (not all, they're not perfect).
This helped me a lot in regards to dealing with some difficult life issues and gave me the courage to overcome obstacles.
A pity they can't read this. They are still alive and healthy but they have no internet and poor knowledge of English.
Having such a good example certainly made me a better parent to my children. Funny thing is, that now I am a grandmother, that I sometimes see myself when I see how my kids handle theirs.
Come to think of it, I never told them how I feel. And I should do that now that they are still around. Much nicer than to make a speech on their funeral which will not come soon I hope!
Update
My parents are still around, thank God. After writing above article I thought of a way to let them know. I am not so good in expressing such thoughts verbally person to person. What I did is translate the above in Dutch and made a nice graphic of above text and a picture of me and put it in a photo frame. I gave it to them on the next birthday party. I felt a bit embarrassed because almost all family was present. My parents were moved to tears and showed the photo frame to all present.
It is more than a year later now. The photo frame stands in full sight on the cupboard. Repeatedly when we visit them they mention how much they appreciate this gesture. It makes me feel good that they feel good about it.
Maybe an idea for you? I have read many stories beginning with "if only I had" and "I wish I had told them that...."
Post Your Ad Here
Comments (8)
Rona T.6
Program Analyst
Paula, you have demonstrated what you call unconditional love, you went out of your comfort zone to make your parents comfortable and very happy and that's what life is all about. I am looking forward to seeing my parents soon as well. I get excited about things like this. It was a joy knowing what you did.
Paula van Dun16
Retired
I just got back from my parents and gave them the present. They were touched by it. Lol, they showed it the entire family that was present at the birthday party what made me feel a bit uncomfortable. But still I am glad I did
Paula van Dun16
Retired
I am going to show my parents the above tomorrow (lol + translation) on my mothers birtday. In a nice picture frame and a good bottle of wine
Paula van Dun16
Retired
Rona my parents have absolutely no clue of what I am doing. They have no internet and do not even know what social media are, But they are proud of me for other things like how I raised my kids.
Rona T.6
Program Analyst
Yes, Paula it’s a blessing that your parents are still alive and you do need to find a way to communicate your love and appreciation to them in their love language; everyone loves to feel love and appreciated. I believe your parents are very proud of you because you have demonstrated what they have thought you and it shows here on apsense.
Mohann Krish6
I can understand you are unable to express your emotions to your parents. And this is only natural and common to all of us - you are no exception. How we do it or should do it should be only by way of showing our concern by actions. I am sure your parents your parents will grasp every emotion of love and concern just by looking into your eyes. No language is needed. Bless you!
Paula van Dun16
Retired
I am sure it will. But I am not good in expressing emotions in live talk. I have no barriers in writing them though. I think I will give them a letter and a nice bouquet of flowers on the next occasion.
Cheryl Baumgartner12
Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
I think just saying it would mean a lot.