Appreciate your parents.

There were 13 of us. Each has been given a task to express our feelings, using a manila card. Piles of magazines were scattered around the carpet. By using your creativity, design a story of your life about your family, dream house, dream car and your spiritual needs.  Music was played. Eyes closed. The place turned into mere silence. None could be heard.

30minutes after, everyone was ready, as each need to verbalize his or her story. The question was, “Whoever among you truly love your parents, come forward.” I hated the fact that I need to share about my family. Those deep dark secrets, memories, pain. The first one stands up and holds the microphone, with his eyes closed. Imagining his mom was there, apologizing for whatever sins he had committed. Tears of regret, shame. Everyone’s stunned. I could hear people started sobbing and shedding tears.  Faces looking down. I don’t want to share.

One by one. Such tragic stories. There’s one story I wished to share. He who shall not be named. His mother went missing when he was little. His father had stroke. Since he couldn’t afford to pay the expenses, he had to send his father to the old folks home. He kept saying, “I’m sorry. I had no choice. I’m sorry I’m sorry.” A younger brother to support, so he had to work part-time while studying. A job at a bundle shop. He said “I don’t want to share. I don’t want pity. I’m sorry. I could’ve lie about this but En.A wants me to be honest. I want people to see me as a happy kid. One who lead a normal happy life.”  Everyone was touched by his stories. Who could have known someone who is so cheerful, lived such tragic life. I couldn’t agree with the program. This is people’s deep dark secrets. Life that shouldn’t be told publicly infront of so many people.

He said “You can ask for money from your parents. You can ask for so many things from your parents. What can I ask for?.” He then finished his story and return back to his seat, which was beside me. Helpless as I was. What could I do to ease his pain? I was shocked and speechless at the same time. I was helpless.

There are other stories I would share and inscribe it here. I didn’t shed a single tear as I promised to myself that I wouldn’t cry in public. I strongly hold my tears so it wouldn’t drop, even a single one. But, my heart was crying instead.