when i was young, my father used to help me finish up whatever food my small stomach could not take. but tonight, i ate the most. and my dad- the least. time and again i will hear my mom telling my dad that they have tor refrain themselves from eating too much of those that brings about high cholestrol, high salt, high oil etc.
all these includes alot of my dad's favourite food.
this christmas may seem no different to alot of people out there, but to me, it definitely carries a significant meaning:
1. i met someone new and special of whom i would like to spend everyday with.
and more importantly,
2. i came to realise how important my family is to me. especially my parents.
even though, for a really long time, i know that they were special people in my life. so dear to me. but it never really dawn on me that as i grew up to mature more and come to understand the meaning of "not taking things for granted", that they too grow older.
many complications set in.
as the years past, and all of us grew, chirstmas slowly changed from a warm family affair, where everyone gathers in malaysia and exchange presents, to one that is not so warm with us, a table of 4, having dinner at jacks place in singapore. if i did not take the initiative to set up the christmas tree downstairs, it would not even be there this year.
chirstmas carols became a passe, til my dad reminded me to play some when we got back from dinner.
tonight, i would gladly exchange 10 years of my life for time to stand still at the age of 7. where my parents were still young, with black hair and a body that can take anything. when i was as childish as ever, with my dad and mom being childish just to entertain me.
back then life was more joyful, with more laughter, less tears, and definitely more family.
i held my dad's hand as we were walking back to the carpark. though 17, my hand still felt small and safe inside that big warm hand- it brought me back to when i was 7.
...
a memory of me holding onto my dad's hand, swinging it and jumping up and down. a memory of both my parents smiling faces.