As a gesture of kindness towards my parents, I proactively assisted my mom with household tasks without being prompted. Observing their tireless efforts and long hours, I took it upon myself to oversee the household and look after my two siblings. I even took care of my dad during periods when he was unwell due to his leukemia.
My mother worked long hours as a babysitter and also cleaned houses on weekends, leaving little time for household chores or cooking. Meanwhile, my father had a strong work ethic and worked in construction. He would go to work slightly later than my mom and come home earlier, often taking us to school. If he couldn’t do it, one of my aunts would help out.
Tragically, my father battled leukemia for 10 years before passing away on September 29, 2009 at the young age of 41.
I demonstrated kindness by preparing breakfast for my father and siblings, ensuring they had a meal and allowing my dad to take his medication. Occasionally, I would oversleep due to the fatigue from school and the responsibilities of being a young mother at the age of 14. Meanwhile, my mother would wake up early to have her own breakfast. After school, I would complete various household chores such as cleaning, washing dishes, doing laundry, and maintaining the bathroom. If necessary, I would also vacuum and mop my parents’ and siblings’ rooms. Whenever there were clothes that needed folding, I would neatly fold them and put them away. Lastly, I would cook dinner so that it was prepared when my dad returned from work – even when he wasn’t supposed to be working due to his chemotherapy sessions. My mom had a demanding job and with the added stress of my father’s situation; therefore, I willingly assisted her with these tasks. Witnessing how exhausted she was upon arriving home motivated me to alleviate their stress levels while ensuring they had no other concerns.
While at home, I offered aid and encouragement to my father during his off-duty hours. This encompassed administering his medication, cooking meals, and attending to his needs upon his return from the hospital. I assisted him in moving to the restroom, arranged his attire post-shower, and ensured that everything was prepared for him as he experienced extreme weakness following chemotherapy sessions. Witnessing him in such a state was challenging; nevertheless, he did not value my assistance and often displayed a temperamental demeanor.
Medical professionals acknowledge that it is typical for my father to experience frustration due to his inability to perform tasks autonomously. Nevertheless, I find satisfaction in assisting him and derive pleasure from caring for him. Additionally, during weekends, I aid my mother in the household chores with the intention of expediting the process, resulting in more quality time spent together within our abode. Furthermore, this affords my mother the opportunity to unwind and strengthen familial connections while I attend to the needs of my infant.
On weekends, my mother would clean houses to earn extra money. This was because there were times when my dad couldn’t work or had to spend extended periods in the hospital. The additional income was essential for covering our home expenses, bills, food, and other financial obligations during those times when my dad couldn’t work. As I grew older, I began to understand that every effort I made was a kind and considerate gesture towards my parents. I am certain that they greatly appreciated it. In their most critical moments of need, I did everything within my capabilities to assist them, and looking back on those moments always reminds me that I provided unwavering support.
Despite the challenges of simultaneously being a young mother and student, I prioritized my responsibilities at home and school. Despite the difficulties of balancing everything, I ensured that I completed my homework and recognized its importance. During this time, I faced various hardships such as witnessing my sick father, saddened brothers, and hardworking mother who supported him. However, despite these difficulties, I provided support to my parents as an act of kindness.
At the age of 18, I made the decision to move out with the father of my child. Sadly, the following year marked the passing of my father. Although there seemed to be initial improvements in my life, things suddenly took a turn for the worse. We tried our best by exploring the possibility of a transplant for him but his critical condition made it unfeasible. The doctors informed us that there was no hope for him and unfortunately he didn’t survive. I deeply loved him and cherished every moment we spent together.
