Honouring parents ... the Star, April 21st 2008

I read this and I like to share ...

Of the 100 Chinese values, filial piety is the one of most significant in Chinese culture, says Chinese educationist Datuk Sim Mow Yu, who is a Buddhist and Confucianist.

In ancient times, Chinese emperors emphasised the importance of filial piety and even went down on their knees to pay respects to their departed elders. "Confucius, the sage of China, wrote a book on filial piety. He taught everyone to practice filial piety". They should be cautious and care for the elderly until they are old and gone. Even after their demise, they must remember them.

The Chinese instil the impotance of filial piety in their children from a very young age. That is why they are able to live together in harmony for generations. In the old days, the Chinese would never allow their parents to be taken care of by others. There were no old folks' home too during that time. In Eastern culture, children and grandchildren are relied upon to fulfil their obligations of looking after the elderly.

Changing times have also affected the way elderly parents are being treated. "With extended families, the grandchildren can spend time with their grandparents, and the family is more closely knit. There is more warmth in such house holds."

"If elderly parents are sent to old folks home, maybe due to changing times, or are unable to care for their elderly, because of their career or some how due to the Western influence which brought about a shift in cultural practice, they should not just pact them off to such centres and forget about them."

My mom always say, A mother can take care of her children no matter how many of them, yet the children no matter (1 or 10) cannot take care of their parents.

Sundays ...

The day that most of us tend to take easy, cos' it suppose to be an off day, so take your own sweet time ... relax. Its the same in most family, mine included. Usually and everyday, we have the responsibility for "suboh" prayers. Taking it seriously, those who understood, will wake up to perform the prayers as expected of them, unfortunately for some its a chore taken likely. Than we could do other things or ... back to bed.

My wife and I, we make it a point to do some light excercise by walking at the Shah Alam Lake. However today the two girls (lia & thira) and izzati(our niece) did not follow because they wanted to just relax in bed.

IF ONLY ...

Most of the time we take things for granted or sometimes procrastinate on things that we wanted to do. On the other hand we sometimes wants to do big things and forget the small ones. I would like to share this writing I read recently :

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperated attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only change myself first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even chenged the world.

Anonymous

Let us all take note that start with us now and not ... IF ONLY

Father In Law

When I wrote last Wednesday, I actually thought about myself, because mine passed away quite awhile back, and therefore (father In Law) was sort of omitted. However soon after I realised that just because mine is no longer with us, doesn't mean that others do not have one.

Since I am writing a little bit about him(we called him BAB), he is one 'cool guy' ... or in another word he always calm and relaxed. He doesn't talk much, but somehow you know he really cares, although in not so many words. One incident that I shall always remember, when one day I was grumbling to him about Lia who wanted to eat out, either at the one of the hotel or the club. His remark was ... well who actually teach her those places!!!

That statement, although short, was right on the nose. I alway remind myself that we as parents are the one who set the examples. AlFatiha to you BAB.

Recreated

Actually due to unforseen circumstances, or more so due to old age, I had to recreate this blog because I could not access the original one (i.e : myfamily-familiku). Hence, effective immediately or unless otherwise inform that blog will not be active.

Why this Blog

Dear All,

All of us have a family, and this blog is dedicated to all family, however more significant to my family.

In the Oxford English Mini Dictionary : family - parents and their children, a person's children, a set of relatives. As for me ... Dad, Mum, Mother In Law, Wife, Sons & Daughters (Lia please don't mind this arrangement), Brothers & Brother In Laws, Sisters & Sister In Laws, Nephews & Nieces, Uncles & Aunties, Grandfathers & Grandmothers, Cousins and all those who are related, directly or indirectly ... and also grandchildren as well (Alia).

Than again, sometimes in a bigger spectrum, whoever we are happy to consider a part us, because they generate good things when we are with them. So ... actually it is really subjective isn't it?

This idea came actually as I was driving Wednesday - 16th April 2008. In my own personal family, we have issues that are happening and it is my wish that somehow we could highlight them in the best interest of all within our immediate family, and somehow benefit others as well.

Let us be frank, however please do remember that we love them and we only wants the best for us all. Sometimes, certain comments or opinion might hurt as if it is directed specifically to (you). However, what is more important is that can it benefit us. On the other hand, as human we can never be without fault.

All because we care ... and we do.

Love you.