Several year ago, my eldest son, Along, went off to Germany to further his studies. Then, after a few years, my second son, Angah, set his foot in one of the local universities. A few months ago, my only daughter, Nena, followed Angah leaving my youngest son, Harith, my husband and I.
I remember, their final days at home were filled with hustle and bustle of packing and getting them ready for a new life. I, of cause the one that worried the most, but somehow, I missed the burden of feelings of that moments.
But then as we were driving them to the airport or their respective colleges, an unexpected wave of grief swept me. I thought I couldn't stand to them to see them go. It was not that I wanted to hold them in childhood or to exercise control on their lives. No, it just that I mourned the end of an era, a precious time of my life when Along, Angah, Nena and Harith were young, and their voices noisily, irritating, filled the whole of our house and rang buzzing my ears wanting all sorts of thing. An era of hectic moments, when I had to drove them to school, tuition centers and also happy moments 'shopping' and eating together.
However, I could hide the tears as we hugged at their respective colleges and at airport. If you're thinking that I'm hopelessly sentimental about my kids, you're right. But I hope my experience has a message for those of you whose children are still underfoot.
The days that you've been given to care for your children are much briefer than you think. Yes, its true, it's difficult and exhausting assignment, but I urge you to stay the course; finish the job. When you stand where I am today, you'll know that you have performed the most important task a human being can undertake.
And it's worth everything it cost you to do the the job right. Oh, by the way, if you happen to see my sons or daughter, ask them to call home, won't you?
