People say that when we become parents,
we will appreciate our parents more. I wondered if there was something wrong
with me, when I failed to appreciate that sentiment since Mya was born. But
today, I finally felt it. Keenly and acutely.
Daddy and Mummy went back to Singapore
today. As the paradox of relationships would have it, I missed and treasured them
more these last 2 days than any day in the last 3 months when they were here. The
help that they (especially Mummy) extended, the support they gave, how she
unconditionally served us, how tenderly and lovingly she took care of me and
Mya… Reliving the times we had together is bittersweet. Saying goodbye was
harder than I thought, and I miss them so very much already.
And as I project the tender loving
care I have towards Mya, on them; I felt my parents anew. I never got to see
or know them when I was a baby. But seeing them with Mya now, I know a little
better what they were like with me then. It pains my heart to think
that Mya would not know or remember these times her grandparents had with her. But at least I do. I guess that's one of the beauty of grand-parenting. It is food for the parent's soul too.
I’m so thankful to at least be reminded now of the love and tenderness that my parents have towards me. It’s not easy to remember that in the midst of Asian subtlety and conservativeness – Mummy still told me not to cry, even when she knew those tears were for her. I can only pray that God will help me hold onto these feelings, the next time I squabble with my parents. :p
Lesson #4 – Leaving…
I asked Arthur yesterday when we’ll be
moving Mya to her room, so that I can prepare myself emotionally. He probably
thought I was joking, but I wasn’t.
After cleaning out the guest bedroom this
afternoon, and rearranging the furniture; Arthur suggested we move her today since
things are ready. I bawled.
“But I’m not ready for her to leave yet!”
“But she’s just in the room next door.”“I know, but I’m just not ready to say goodbye to her sleeping in our room.”
The tears worked, and little Mya will get to sleep in our room till next Friday.
Someone once surmised that what it means
to be a parent is to teach your child to live without you. Another told me that
parenthood is a journey to prepare them to leave and be independent. It’s so
hard, too hard. I’m not ready for Mya to grow up yet.
How did the Father send His Son to earth?
Jesus’ cries on the cross wasn’t the first time the Father felt apart from His
Son. Surely not. Surely His heart ached a little on Christmas. But
yet, He sent His angels to sing and rejoice. How great the Father’s love for
us!
1 comment:
We had the privilege of having Lillian and Peter (Weixiu's parents) with us for Thanksgiving and Christmas. They were unfailingly kind and patient and always helpful amid all the rush. I remember wondering before Thanksgiving whether they would be willing to let all of us hold Mya as much as we wanted to (always!) or whether they would communicate to us that Mya knew them better and they should therefore be the ones to comfort, entertain, lull her to sleep, and whatever other reason she might need or want to be held. NOT AT ALL. They were so generous, always encouraging us to hold her, and since there are so many of us, they rarely had a chance to take a turn. This was particularly generous at Christmas when their departure was so close. I will never forget what wonderful guests they were!
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