It’s a Chinese proverb of how we all eventually will return back to our roots.

We recently had a trip back to our home country. Seeing my parents reminds me of the hardship we went through together. Seeing them never fail to teach me the value of family, frugality, love and virtue. My mom and I are also getting closer, and we both now respect each other’s boundaries.

I once swore that I would never change who I am despite my achievements and where I now stand. Coming from a family where even electricity and food was scarce, thanks to both my parents who toiled their entire life, I now have a stable career. I worked hard, but it would never be possible without them. My dad ventured multiple business just to be able to afford my university fees. He was such a strong father. Despite some failures, he never once gave up. I’ve heard terrible stories about men taking their lives after failing business ventures: I’m just so glad that wasn’t my dad.

We’re now financially free, living comfortably, never needing to “ikat perut” (tie stomach to starve). During my trip, we laughed about how my exam results were withheld because I wasn’t able to pay my uni fees on time. We cried tears of joy, being grateful that despite all those tough times, we still held each other’s hand tightly. We forgive and forget harsh words that were said in times of frustration. Because at the end of the day, we’re family.

Mr Monday and Princess Tuesday really enjoyed staying with my parents. Sadly Mojuju’s dad home has some issues so we couldn’t stay over, but they spent nearly everyday with my father in law while we went in Mojuju’s home town, so they had great time there too.

I’m glad my dad is making good progress after his surgery from cancer too. Despite not recovering my existing investment money for his surgery, we again managed to work hard here and there to afford the surgery before it spread. I hope he remain in remission and continue to teach my children the virtue he taught me throughout.

I also went back to my grandma house that is due to be torn down after being sold. All our hearts ached as we roam around foraging for fruits and vegetables that my grandparents once rely on to raise their 10 children. I remember I used to feel the ick using the toilet as a child, but now, I’m just glad I knew how life was for my parents, and how privileged we all are today.

I wish Monday and Tuesday could grow up knowing that side of life that as so harsh, but unfortunately I guess that now will not happen anymore.