A Parent's Love

I just watched the movie "Money Not Enough 2" by Jack Neo today. Even though I was told that it was a heart-wrenching movie, I was surprised at the impact which the movie actually had on me.

In the scenes which shows the mother's love for the 3 brothers, and also the scenes which she was misunderstood and mistreated, I did not just teared, I wept. I think that if I'm watching it alone, I might have even wailed. I couldn't understand, how can one person have such deep love for those who treat her so badly till the point they were willing to sacrifice her for someone else? They treated her as a burden and a nusiance, yet she still gave all she had. Her time, money, dignity, love etc. I really cannot even begin to feel such emotional torture if it even happens in real life.

I love my mum and there are times which I made her angry, disappointed, sad at me. Sometimes, in anger she said things that really stunned me. I pray that she'll stay healthy, as I cannot imagine me living a life without her. Times when I need to change, times to say sorry, times to just love her, these are times which I cherish. These are times which I will never forget. Even if I forget everything that happens in the movie, I'll never forget how the mother in the movie looks behind her son when they didn't realise that she can hear them. That look of extreme disappointment will always bring tears in my eyes. I'll never forget it, and never want to see it on my mother's face.

Hardest Things to Say (Part 2 of 3)

For those people who have been faithfully waiting for an update, I have to apologise for the long wait. Things do happen in my life and any inspiration that I have for writing this series can be misplaced. Even if no one reads it, I don't really care.

Well, I really do not know why is it that many people are unable to articulate to others the words "I love you". Not only as for lovers, but also between family members. It's really been a long while since I said and heard these words coming out from my family. Maybe it's the Asian culture, maybe it's just something embarrassing to say out in public. Funny isn't it, when people can show outward expressions of affection in public, yet they do not say "I love you" there.

Being around different people lets me see things in different perspective. Being with kids younger than 12, as well as being around those older than 70 can really change my mindset on what love really is all about. To show concern for those that you care; that now to me is the most important factor for love. Having seen those less fortunate than me makes me realised how blessed am I living in my family. Listening to stories from the older generation about their life in the Japanese Occupation lets me feel the need to really want to console them.

Yet, people do not feel the need to love those different from them. They can accept those who are similar to them, those with no defects or those that are better looking, smarter etc. When it comes to those that are seriously in need of a hearing ear or a warm shoulder, how many times have such people been left by the roadside.

When we see a person with a missing arm trying to sell tissues in the public, do we react out of compassion? Or is it out of guilt? Thin line between the two, but very important. I cannot say for the rest of society, but I personally am guilty of the latter. Small acts of kindness, though small, can mean so much to others if you really take the effort and time to make it.

Time and time again, I'm taught the importance of loving people fervently; but till now, I'm still unsure of what does it really encompass. There are times when I feel frustrated with even my friends; sick of being surrounded by people; just wanting solitude. Yet there will always be someone who cares enough for me to bring me back to where I am. For that, I'm grateful and thankful for those people who do show such acts of kindness. But as my primary love langauge is words of affirmation, it does serve me better if I hear what you say.

I'll end this here for now. Even though it's supposed to be "The Hardest Things to Say", It's also the hardest to do. I'll talk more on the love langauges for people once I finished this series. Till then, I hope that if I meet you, I'll be able to love people without prejudice.

Words for the post:

articulate - uttered clearly in distinct syllables