“That conversation left my heart quietly aching,
but when I returned to the words I had written,
it wasn’t just a pain, my heart cried in a language only I could understand”.
Hello readers, long time no see—indeed, a very long time.
I’ve been out of ideas lately, and truth be told, even today, I don’t have a concrete topic to write about. But sometimes, inspiration strikes in the most unexpected moments—and today, it came from a simple yet deeply meaningful conversation I had with one of my senior colleagues at work, which I believe growth and learning shouldn’t just be from the work we do, it can be from just watching and listening to what they have to do and say.
We’ve been working together transcribing a book for publication, and during long hours of editing, when fatigue and sleepiness start to creep in, we often engage in casual conversations—about anything and everything. But this time, the topic turned personal.
He shared about his life—how he began his journey with a mere Nu. 1,500 salary and without a proper education. Listening to him made me realize just how different life was for his generation compared to ours. He didn’t complain; instead, he shared with quiet strength and dignity. But what struck me most wasn’t just his past struggles—it was the deep concern he has for his children, which might be the same with other parents as well.
That, I believe, is the heart of this writing.
So many of us, especially in today’s world, take our parents’ sacrifices for granted. We assume it’s their responsibility to provide, to protect, to pave the way for us—and in doing so, we often overlook the invisible weight they carry. Out of 100 children, I believe almost 90 never fully understand what it means to struggleand simultaneously worry about their children’s future.
Parents rarely speak openly about their hardships. They quietly endure, silently choosing our comfort over their own needs. They don’t think of themselves—they live, breathe, and sacrifice for us. And though they may not always say it, their actions echo the truth: they would give up everything—even their lives—just to see us happy and successful.
That short conversation left a deep impact on me. It was more than just small talk. It made me realize what it meant be parents and made me reflect on my own parents. In this conversation his daughter resembled me and many other children and he as a parent resembled many other parents. It was a reminder—one that made me pause and reflect on the unconditional love and sacrifices that too often go unnoticed.
Let us never wait too long to appreciate the ones who gave us everything without asking for anything in return. May this piece of writing reach to many children who are lost just as me and often forget to reflect on their parent’s sacrifices.
