Make your life and those loved ones who surround you, memorable - by S.R.

Chosen Topic:

Treasure Your Family Members

Consolation Prize - A21

By S.R, a ‘N’ level student-inmate from TM1

Family plays a big part in our lives. They are the control center for our emotions. At any point in life, if we are disappointed about something or angry because of certain issues, our families are the one who are there to console us guide us. They are with us through our ups and downs. Any of our problems will be heard by them offering ears to listen. Just by ranting to them, we already have lift a heavy amount of load. They make a difference in small ways and in big.

People don’t spend time with their family nowadays. Some people do not get the opportunity to but some people let it slip. For instance, those who work double jobs to feed their family surely have an excuse. What about those who prioritizes materialistic things over family bonding? These people do not understand the importance of family. I have heard this saying ‘You will understand the importance of family when you grow older’.

When I mean by these people, I am clearly directing it to teenagers. Majority of Singaporeans wake up and search their phones to check text messages. Especially those who are in a relationship. This happens a lot within the teenage group. In several other countries, people wake up to the scent of bacon and eggs and family members awaiting them to join them for breakfast. Clearly, this does not happen frequently within the population of Singapore as family members are neglected and not given priority to.

Mother, she is the one who carried you in her womb for nine months. Have you ever thought of that? She went through so much pain to see you coming out of her. She cried when you were out. Have you ever once asked your mother the trouble she had to go through to see you? Nine months will be very short for everybody.

Let me tell you that when a mother is waiting for her child to come out, it is no longer nine months but nine years. How about your father? He is probably on his knees every week kissing the stomach that you are in. If you think you do not receive much love, think again. Parents serve a major role in our life and this sentence applies to everybody in this world.

I have seen friends and acquaintances treating their parents like they don’t belong to them. Scold them with vulgarities, disregard their words, abuse their rules. As a good friend, I have done my part educating them the importance of family members. My friend used to video call me every time he wakes up. Now he texts me “Hey, bro. Just ate breakfast with my fam, want to call”. I managed to at least make a difference. I believe that if he, rebellious kid, can change, so can you.

Friends show a mix of true emotions and fake emotions. Good friends often show you the former rather than the latter. But I truly believe that family members never show you fake emotions. Cherish the memories you attain with them.

Everybody’s goal is often something to do with their career. Mine is to be a good father to my future child. Some people do not have a complete family. For those otherwise, please treasure your family members. Start bonding with them more. Try buying a gift for your mother on Mother’s Day and give it to her. You will lose her one day at one point in your life. Even if you regret, you will never get the chance to hold her hand again. Make your life and those loved ones who surround you, memorable. You only live once, so make a difference.