When you were little, did you ever really take the time to appreciate what your parents did for you? Especially for me, my days consisted of waking up and playing; breakfast and playing; lunch and playing; dinner and playing, and finally, bedtime. And whilst, we all went to sleep happy, our parents stayed up late, stressed out and working hard. 

We were taught our basic manners and ways of appreciation like: saying “thank you”. But, did we really understand what we were thanking? Not the candy, not the clothes, not the toys, not the joy in our lives that they gave us, but instead, the many things they HAD to sacrifice in order to provide for us. Even if we thanked them, trying to show our appreciation, at that age, we never truly understood the hardships they had to conquer in order to give us the happiness we thought we deserved. 

When really thinking back, there could have been a lot more to thank, but nothing was said. Not showing more gratitude for my parents is one of the biggest regrets of my life. I had no idea what they had to face and how much they gave up for my siblings and I. Providing a proper education, feeding us balanced meals, buying us clothes we desired, and making sure we have all the necessities to be successful in life. It’s not easy to get these things, and with more than one child, it’s even harder. 

I never really thought about this to an extreme, but after living my life, not even through the hard moments yet, it is difficult to believe my parents had to do this, but even with more struggle, being first generation immigrants and practically starting with nothing. They really had to work in order to get to where they are today, compared to myself and my siblings, we were given everything we needed. It channels a thought into my head that you can never be grateful enough for what you have.

We never know how much a person has to go through every day.

We never know how much a person is struggling or how well they’re dealing with it..

We never know how a person is feeling and how much they’re sharing with you.

And even if they decide to tell you, how do you know it’s the truth?

Most of my childhood is a faded memory, but the things that I do remember are almost all good things. And the only reason for this is because of my parents and all of their hard work to make my siblings and I happy. They put us in front of themselves and tried to make the best out of every situation that was thrown at them. Their dedication and love for us made us into what we are today and I can be nothing but thankful for them. 

All things considered, we have to be more appreciative of anyone and everyone. We will never know what another person has to face in their life and we need to be grateful for everything that we have or is given to us. Especially to our parents, we do not give enough recognition for everything they have done for us ranging from giving us shelter and a bed to sleep in, to buying us things that we have only dreamt of. Where we are today would not be possible if they didn’t miss out on opportunities that could benefit themselves, but instead, they have chosen to make a difference in OUR own future. So, take a second… and say a true thank you to your parents.