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Money Doesn't Buy Happiness

It takes my third brain to think 3 idiots dialogue, "exams are one to many, but father is mostly only one in a lifetime". Every time it comes to my mind, it takes me back to my parents. However, it gives me a chance to become a better human every day. 

"Money is not everything in life. Some believe no relationship is possible without money but no amount of money can buy love or happiness". 

  

Many years have slipped thus far celebrating Dashain (one special occasion for my family) in absence of my ageing parents. Although, wishing to mark or be together with them on this occasion has been one of my top priorities for many years now, but never materialized. I failed every year on my promise. When I failed on my promise, I simply blamed the distance. What a silly excuse I have every year? Can they believe me? 

 

I feel bad when I can't make it to occasions like "this" or "birthday" of my kids to celebrate with them. I feel horribly bad, when none of us (siblings) could make it on these occasions. However, to make the situation lively and connected, we try to send them everything possible –cash and other essentials. It gives them nothing but a short happiness. They don't feel impressed with "material luxury". There is always something missing and deep inside they feel bad. They feel incomplete without our presence. We could do nothing but to think and feel bad when we couldn't make it home. Their happiness is us. We are the world for them. They have raised us well, educated and finally made us capable of the outside world. 

 

As a student I couldn't make it to home when they fell sick. Forget about it on some special occasions and holidays. However, I always dreamt that once I complete my studies, I promised I would have time for my parents. I have passed all kinds of tests and exams. I completed my high school and degree and even successfully passed my RCSC. Now I have a job in hand. After joining my job, I thought I would have plenty of time to go home, relax and be with my parents at least during some occasions. I lived with all the beautiful dreams and happy moments, but all in vain. I felt so sorry for deceiving them every year. I never fail to weave a nice dream for next year on "this" or "that" occasion, I will definitely make home and celebrate together with them. I never fail to think that I will give them all the happiness of the world and the happiness they deserve. Deep inside me is burning with guilt and endless dreams keep whirling but never happened. Time flies by and now I have completed my eighth year of service in government. However, one good part is that I have never failed to perform my duties with highest integrity and sincerity. I wish someday I could serve my parents in a similar manner like my service to TSA-WA-SUM. But time is running out of hand!

 

Like my parents back home, other parents might be undergoing similar circumstances these days as the gungtong(urban migration) is on the rise every year. And technology is driving us crazy into new ways of life style. I worry so much about my own life. 

 

We need to seriously reflect that material wealth lives for a short moment. For our parents, nothing matters more than our company or presence especially on some occasions and holidays. Please make time for your parents or make a few calls in a week. It will give them happiness and they will feel warm and connected. 

 

Declaimer: The feelings shared are the authors own.

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