Precious moments at home

Grandfather’s demise brought us closer together as a family. I had more time, ironically, to keep my parents company and also go through some old cassette tapes which my mother made when I was a young child. Listening to a younger version of myself singing and telling stories on the whim was a surreal experience. Tears came down uncontrollably- was it tears of gladness, or was it me mourning for my lost happy childhood?

Growing up in the 80s was a happy time for me- there was no Ipad or indeed anything of the likes to take my eyes off what nature and imagination had to offer. Each tape played on the stereo is a true testament to my rich and fulfilling world I had created for myself using a powerful tool we call creativity. I had no Angry Birds to kill, nor did I have any Xboxes or fancy mobile phones to kill off my imagination. I was carefree, I was happy.

In a split second I realised that if and when we decide to have children, this is how I want them to grow up. And at the same time I also realised that no amount of material wealth could bring happiness to a family, if you are not around to watch your children grow up.

We were a modest family then, but life was very stable and we saw our parents everyday.

Now, in the name of the pursuit of a so called career, hubs and I live apart from each other and keep in touch via phone calls and Skype. We live like bachelors in our respective pads. All in the name of advancing our careers, and hopefully getting a better paycheck.

Those few extra precious days spent at home with my parents and going through my childhood memories sent out a clear message- do not take your loved ones for granted, and do not leave them for too long.

So, the plan begins, for this little miracle to try her best to claw her way back to the other side of the world where she grew up. Perhaps, as they say this is called coming full circle, but mine came a little faster.

Wish me luck.