Sometimes, it’s much easier to show how much we love our parents than actually saying it. We prepare a feast as their main meal, upgrade the family jalopy to a befitting Mitsubishi then replace their natural herbs with the best multivitamins money can buy.
Gifts and thoughtful gestures are always warmly received by our parents. It shows that their needs never go unnoticed. But like most commodities, physical gifts are prone to wear and tear after prolonged use. Kind gestures do speak volumes but could be an extension of one’s obligation. Both, can’t be compared to words.
Words do not disintegrate like expensive clothes or tyres. They can’t be tasted, like a rich pot of jollof rice. Its value does not depreciate, but rather, appreciates as it is frequently spoken. Its impact can either bring hope, comfort or show intense gratitude when positively communicated. The listener hardly forgets the effect of soft-spoken words especially when it comes from one’s own flesh and blood.
So words, as they say, can either make or break you. And it went comes to our beloved parents, we choose them carefully so that it soothes the emotional and physical burden which comes with old age. Therefore, our words are usually the most precious of all gifts.
And one of the best ways of expressing this is by simply saying those three special words “I love you”. But if you feel you’re unlikely to finish your sentence without shedding deep tears, then you could consider writing it as a letter or note. Ensure to place it where either one of your parents is likely to see it. I can only imagine the profound smile on their faces.
To add more depth to this love letter, why not recall fond memories and relate them to the role your parents played. For example, “Mummy, when you had nothing pretty to wear, you made sure we always looked our best”. “Dad, you never gave up on teaching me how to ride my first bike despite the number of times we both fell over. Laughing tirelessly like two teenagers”.
I too, couldn’t bring myself to utter such sweet words without crying my eyes out. So I decided to pencil in, how much my dad means to me. I hope you find my letter, quite amusing.
Dear Daddy,
I’m sorry I don’t spend enough quality time with you. I’m always busy, trying to do more than necessary while you sit patiently, watching and hoping I would one day, make out a little time for you.
I’m sorry for loosing my temper and thinking I was doing you a favour. You did more than pay my school fees. You got me my first job even though it might have cost you your pride.
I’m sorry for all the pain I caused and should have apologised long before now. You were always right, books before boys. But I thought you were being mean so ignored your advice and made some really bad choices.
I’m sorry for not valuing your opinion. I thought I was the adult, and you, the child. I’d cut you short in our few conversations. What could a widower possibly know about marriage? A lot!
I’m sorry for not always saying how much I love and appreciate you. You told me I could become anything I hoped for even though my grades weren’t convincing. Today, I’m rich beyond my wildest dreams because you loved me, the right way.
I know I hardly say it so here it goes,
I LOVE YOU DADDY
Ngozi.