There was a young boy known as the rebellious son of a middle- class family. Growing up wasn’t easy, their family struggled financially, constantly taking out loans just to make their ends meet.

Rafael was different. He was kind, with a quiet innate generosity like his father, Micheal. He was an introvert with a sharp mind. Rafael often excelled in school. He understood people’s motives well and he couldn’t be easily manipulated.

Among Micheal’s four children, Rafael was the one most often labeled the rebel of the Smith family.

Still, Rafael, didn’t waste time. He woke up early, handled the chores, took care of his younger brother, and kept the house in order while his parents left for work to beat the traffic.

His mother, Matilda, was a nagger, controlling, yet responsible. At times, Rafael wondered if he was adopted, due to favoritism and verbal abuse he often received from her, and sometimes from his father.

He tried not to overthink about it, but he could not take being controlled and the nagging of her mother which often led to heated argument. Yes, he talked back. It was the only way he felt heard.

Rafael was broken, struggling with his emotions and self doubt. He preferred the company of his friends over his own family. With them, he felt seen and understood.

But time moved on. Rafael graduated, landed a good job, and even earned a promotion. Still his parents offered little support or recognition.

He dreamed of a different life. A life free from control, from criticism, and from the crab mentality surrounding him. He pictured a quiet home and a life without debt. But dreams take time and he was just only beginning.

Years passed. Rafael continued to rise in his career. His salary impoved, but he always gave much of his salary to his family that sometimes, he had to borrow money just to get home.

One night, he came home late, exhausted, carrying a large bag of groceries. He hadn’t eaten all day. All he had the energy to make was a bowl of instant noodles. As he sat down to eat, his father asked if he could have some.

Rafael gave him a bowl but only with a little. He was hungry, tired and angry.

The moment passed.

Years later, Rafael had a family of his own. Then one day, a call came from his uncle. His father had died of cardiac arrest.

Rafael’s eyes welled up. He cried so hard.

He remembered the bowl of noodles he almost deprived his father. A small bowl of kindness.

Moral story: Our Parents are gifts from heaven just are children are. Parents have the responsibility to nurture and instill their children with love and patience so they may grow into whole compassionate people. A Home can be dwelling place, but it can also signify the people around us. If we could only fathom the true meaning of love, forgiveness and compassion toward one another, we will never carry the weight of bitterness and regret.

Always choose love.

© 2025 Eorie Faye