The holiday is here, and those who should go home have gone back. Those who aren't leaving today will leave tomorrow, while those who don't want to go are glued to their computers, enjoying this rare quietness. It has been a long time since the school has been this peaceful since the new students arrived.
Tonight at dinner, I ran into a friend who was going home. After a few pleasantries, he asked when I was going home; I said I wasn't going back. He was surprised and said, "What can you do at school if you don't go home?" I replied that I found a part-time job. He remarked, "Why are you so money-minded? The Mid-Autumn Festival is here, and you’re not going home to reunite with your family." My classmates and I shared a laugh and didn't say much more...
Although I didn't respond, I wanted to say that I am not what he calls money-minded, nor do I not want to reunite with my family. Who wouldn't want to live forever under their parents' care, to be a little bird that never grows up? But how many people can actually do that? Let's not discuss that for now; let's say there are many opportunities to return to our parents, and there is plenty of time. I don't think we need the seemingly grand excuse of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
We always have many excuses: "I'm busy with work," "I'm busy with studies," "The company doesn't give holidays for learning." We often use these external reasons as shields. Why not reflect on ourselves? Do you really want to return to your parents, to be a child again, to accompany them in doing what they love? If you truly want that, I believe all these problems are not problems at all; they are just a few simple words.
What parents want is not the lavish gifts you bring during the holidays, but a few warm words of comfort and care in everyday life. In today's world, where material needs are not lacking, maintaining contact with parents is more important than anything else. I often hear that some people only call their parents when they run out of living expenses. I think if you could spare a little time from your entertainment and games to chat with your parents, they would be much happier.
When you face this glamorous world, do you think your parents are not worried about you? When you are happily enjoying time with your friends, do you know your parents are thinking of you? When you don't miss your parents, they will miss you, worry about you. If you are unhappy and don't tell your parents, they will surely lose sleep over it, while when they are not feeling well, they won’t mention a word to you...
There are many opportunities and times to go home; don't look for excuses like holidays anymore. When everything faces the phrase "A child wishes to support their parents, but they are no longer there," it feels so powerless. So please, don’t let holidays become your excuse to go home...
(September 28, 2012, night.)