A tribute to a pair of loyal parents

Lately I have been quite divided on the action taken by the parents upon their children.  Their roles and responsibilities have put so much restrictions to their very own lives. I decided to write a tribute to a pair of parent whom i known quite well.

Mr. and Mrs. S were formerly from Shanghai.  In Shanghai, Mr S is a very active opera singer and was sought after in most of the events.  While Mrs. S was a doctor and specialized at lungs area in China.  Both of them are successful and, met and married in Shanghai.  After their first son was born in the 70s, the couple would like a better life for their son. Hence with Mrs S accreditation, the family moved to Hong Kong. This would provide their son a better future in terms of education and living.  However, Mr S ended up working as a factory worker, while the wife managed to find a job as a clerk in an export/import business.  Over many years, the couple worked really hard, and later they have another baby daughter. 

Overall, their living was just below average, they worked very hard to save money for their children.  20 years later, the son managed to find a decent job in a airline company, while the daughter grew up closer to the mother, as the father was mostly out at a factory.  Mrs S was promoted as a manager and was the breadwinner for the family.  The family I assumed was happy, however, there were a lot of challenges especially living in Hong Kong, where properties are scarce and very expensive.  When I first met the family they appeared to be very humble but they appeared to be happy.  The parents hard work seems to pay off, however, they were in their 50s at that time.  Eventually, Mr S has to retire, while only Mrs S and her son is working to support the family.  The son got married and has 2 sons, however, he did not spend much time with his father, instead he was too busy chasing dreams.  If the elder couple was lucky they may see their son's family few times a year although they live in the same island.

Few years ago, Mrs. S died of cancer, and she being a doctor she knew her own fate.  Before she went away, she wrote notes and placed them strategically at every place so that Mr. S will not forget where and what to do after her passing.  Mr. S was left alone with his non communicative daughter at home.  While the daughter who spent most of her communication with her mom, she found there was nothing much in common with the stranger at home - her father.

I am very touched with Mr and Mrs dedication.  They could have their own golden dreams during their heyday, but they choose for their children.  They practically became a labour in order to raise the family in an expensive Hong Kong island.  In the end, their children, grown apart from them, just because the children has their own dreams.  I do not think the elderly couple expecting a lot from their children, however, it was kinda sad to see Mr. S is pretty much alone by himself.

I am grateful I met Mr and Mrs S.  Their dedication and sacrifices they have made.  I just wish one day Mr S deserves more from this lives.