Heart And Soul: Cherish your parents

Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: lifestyle@thestar.com.my with the subject "Heart and Soul".
When my late mother was alive, my brother once planned a trip for our mum to visit him and his family in Australia.
Upon arrival, which happened to be Mothers Day, mum and dad were whisked to a new abode for their stay.
My brother and his wife had a granny flat built next to their house.
It was a self-contained one- room house with a small kitchenette, bathroom and a small living room.
My parents were overjoyed with this small house. With that they had their privacy, and so did my brother and his family.
Mum could cook the food that she and dad liked, and on weekends they all sat together and had dinner in my brother's house.
It was a delightful win-win arrangement. They took turns to prepare weekend dinners, alternating between an Aussie and a Malaysian menu each week.
My Australian sister-in-law soon developed a liking for nasi lemak and my parents were quite happy with lasagne and pizza.
More importantly, they enjoyed the privacy in their own respective homes.
This year, at my golden girls morning tea session, one septuagenarian proudly told us that her children are treating her and her husband to a Mediterranean cruise.
The children had planned with their cousins to send their uncles and aunties too, so it was a family cruise for oldies. Two weeks of visiting Greece, Italy and Spain. It will indeed be a memorable trip.
One of the mothers in our group proudly revealed her gift; a digital watch that tracked health stats, reminded her of medical appointments, and offered dietary tips when her sugar levels rose.
Another septuagenarian friend was pleasantly surprised when her children pooled their resources and hired a live-in helper to accompany her.
She had fallen a couple of times, and sometimes forgot where she parked her car when she went for outings.
Initially, she protested when her caregiver came but soon after, it became a fantastic arrangement.
Her children, who lived away from her, were happy she was in good hands.
The caregiver did the household chores but more importantly saw to her needs.
For children who cannot spare the money for expensive gifts for their parents, a simple call to see to their needs and to find out how they are doing will do wonders.
To show your love for your parents, one can also send them their favourite food or help with repairs needed in their home.
They may be small gestures, but ever so meaningful.

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