YOUNG VOICE
A Parent's Promise
A close friend once shared his high school graduation memories. He was at the podium onstage, stading in front of an audience composed of parents. He was neatly dressed with his hair gelled.
A woman from the crowd stood out because she was dressed differently. While others wore branded and customized long gowns and tuxedos, the woman wore a casual dress. However, the sparkling diamonds and flowing silk gowns worn that night were nothing to the attention that the woman in a casual dress commanded.
My friend, who was delivering his valedictory address, mentioned the woman's name and it was followed by an applause from the crowd.
The woman is his mother, who was happy that her efforts have paid off.
The joy that a parent feels upon seeing one's child onstage with a diploma is beyond measure.
Not a long time ago, that child was just a baby crying in their arms when they become hungry or answered nature's call. Then, parents see them all grown up, equipped with experience as they unlock another door of opportunities, including living one's own life.
I call it a parent's promise. Right after holding their newborn, they look up to heaven and say that the baby will receive what's best for him or her. This is one promise that is, most of the time, fulfilled.
I think of the mothers who work as nannies to other children so they could earn money for their own kids' tuition. I think of fathers risking their lives in dusty construction sites so they could send money so that their children can buy a personal computer where they could work on research papers. The things that parents do for their children.
We can repay them by simply fulfilling their dream of us of finishing our studies.
It disturbs me when students, instead of studying for midterm exams, go to bars to party.
Before you spend that cash on computer games, think of that chemistry book you're supposed to buy. Before spending your allowance on alcoholic drinks and cigarettes, think of your sibling who's in danger of stopping school because your parents could not afford to send her to school.
This March, another batch of students will graduate. Another batch of parents will feel proud that their children have fulfilled their dreams.
Remember my fellow youth, the tassels were moved and the diplomas were unfolded because of those particular smiling faces in the audience, clapping hardly whenever your name is called. They whisper, "That's my child."
Yes, there may be instances when parents get too demanding, too strict, too controlling and annoying. But, always know that they demand so we can deliver. They are strict so we may be disciplined. They control so we may be guided. They annoy so we may feel what we would always do to them. They were once like us. So obviously, they know the best, they understand.
My parents made a promise seventeen years ago and currently their promise is right on its fulfillment. Next semester I will be in second year college. More semesters to go through, but I won't get tired of studying.
One of the reasons why some parents can't fulfill their promise is their children not letting them.
Realize that someday your own children may possibly do the same thing. Wouldn't it be a red hot slap on your faces?
During my high school graduation, when I was talking on the podium, I saw my Nanay, Tatay and grandparents looking proudly at me. That moment fueled me to continue and finish college. Someday, when my hourglass reaches it's half, I'll be in the audience and hopefully my child will be at the podium. I'll make the same promise my parents made and fulfill it just the same.
My dear friends, love your parents.
Let them fulfill their promise to you.
Study Well.
Happy Graduation!
(For comments and reactions please send an email to reylangarcia@gmail.com or an SMS to 09186363090. Visit my blog at http://www.theyoungvoice.blogspot.com)