Kids

I used to hate people who would brag or boast or talk about their children ALL the freaking time. Maybe hate is too strong a word. Let me see, maybe dislike? Or rather I find it annoying. Like their children are the centre of their universe and that they have nothing else to talk about or their lives revolve around nothing but their children. I didn't quite understand why. I've encountered people like that for like a millionth time? It's like suddenly, out of no where, they'll whip out their camera or phone and then start showing me or the people around them their pictures. "This is my boy, he's three. He's so smart. You know the other day he...." You get my drift. I was on my way back from work one day. The taxi driver was kinda chatty so I made an effort to small talk. Not long after we drove, he took out his phone and showed me pictures of his two lovely boys and started praising and complimenting his kids, like how clever they are and probably their whole lives' journey. I met a woman on board and we were talking. Guess what our topic of discussion were? No rocket science eh? I practically know how old they are, which school they go to, what they're good at and not, etc.

Never understood why. Until recently, whenever I'm around my nieces or nephews, when I experience myself, how my cousins or sister dote on them, it's something even I can't describe with words. You could almost feel the love, the attachment, the bond. That sparkle in their eyes when they talk about their children. Or the beam on their faces. I find it fascinating. So, I started to observe how my parents treat me. Whenever I return home, I get treated like a princess. My mom would drive me anywhere I wanted to go. Like as though I didn't know how to drive! PPffff.. And she would cook whatever I wanted to eat. Or bought whatever I wanted. And dad. Gosh. Dad. He would hog us and not allow us to see anyone or spend time with anyone but himself. Except, only when he wants to play golf, then maybe I can go visit my brother or relatives or friends. Dad would want to sleep in my room and talk to us till late. Which I kinda hate cause sometimes I just want 'me' time. And then I realize, I AM the centre of their universe. Like all parents, their children would always be the centre of their universe.

You watch them grow. From the very second they were born, to their very first step, their very first word, to school, to college, and until they leave the nest. They're the miniature of yourself and your partner. The sacrifice that parents make for us, their children, is honorable. It is admirable. I adore children. Somehow watching them makes me happy. They represent everything pure, unpolluted, saintly, they're whiter than white. They're carefree, jovial, inquisitive. They make me smile from cheek to cheek. The things that they're capable of, it's rib-tickling. I would sure love to have "some" some day. :)