Of ageing parents and time: What if "soon" is too late?
THE day has barely begun. The sky is a soft, pale blue, the coolness of morning still lingering in the air. Somewhere in the distance, I hear the low rumble of a neighbour’s car coming to life, followed by the creak of a gate sliding open down the road.
The sun is gently rising, casting a warm glow over sleepy streets. In the distance, the rev of a car engine and the creak of a sliding gate echo through the air. My parents, both 79, stand at the door, their smiles as warm as ever, as if welcoming me back to my childhood self. Their goodbyes have become a comforting part of my morning routine.
However, one morning, in a rush, I forgot to bid them farewell. I returned home, feeling a lump in my throat as I realized the preciousness of this time we share. This story speaks to the importance of recognizing and cherishing the time we have with our aging parents. As we navigate the demands of work, family, and life, it's easy to take the ordinary moments for granted.
But our parents' presence is a gift, and their time is finite. We must make the effort to say goodbye properly, to show our love and appreciation, before it's too late.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
