It was past 10:30 pm. My wife and kids were still with me at the grand dining hall in Shantou. To allow them to rest earlier, I asked a local to order a Didi Chuxing (a ride-hailing app similar to Grab in Malaysia) for the kids to head back. Unexpectedly, the evening ended later than planned. While I wished they could’ve gone back sooner, I understood.
The host, incredibly hospitable, insisted on taking us for supper – the town’s best beef steamboat. Though I had just finished dinner and wasn’t hungry, courtesy compelled me to join. This unfortunately led to a night of insomnia. My body felt heavy from the uncharacteristically large pre-sleep meal.
Despite the exhaustion, a smile washed over me as I woke up early the next morning. Seeing them sleep soundly filled me with immense joy. Every step I took was deliberate, lest I disturb their peaceful slumber. I brushed my teeth, shaved, and showered – all while the gentle snores continued.
Was I tired? Absolutely. Exhausted, even. Yet, a strange sense of joy resonated within me as I listened to the sounds of their slumber. This, I realized, is the immense power of parental love. It’s a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the well-being of your children. I would do this forever, a shield protecting them from life’s hardships. If it meant trading my life for a better future for them, honestly, the choice would be clear. But cherishing my own life isn’t about self-love; it’s about maximizing the time I can spend with them.
What is love, truly? It possesses a power that transcends understanding. Where does it begin? How does it grow? Does it ever end?
We recognize its beauty, but its true essence becomes most apparent in its absence. Consider this contrasting scenario:
Imagine my exhaustion morphing into anger at their peaceful sleep. Picture me waking them all up, turning on the lights in a fit of frustration. “If I can’t sleep, no one else will!” Of course, this is an extreme reaction, highlighting the stark contrast. Now, consider if these weren’t my children, but strangers. Would my actions or decisions be any different?
Honestly, probably not. I’d likely imagine them as my own, treating them with the same love I have for my children. That’s the profound impact of fatherhood. It fosters empathy and a connection with other parents. It teaches the essence of unconditional love, a love that grows stronger with time. It compels us to share this love with the world.
So, what is love, truly? It possesses a power that transcends understanding. Where does it begin? How does it grow? Does it ever end?
These are questions philosophers and poets have pondered for centuries. Perhaps the beauty of love lies not in finding definitive answers, but in the ongoing exploration itself. As we navigate life’s complexities, let’s embark on this exploration of love together.
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