Growing Up

Growing up means seeing the same things in a different perspective, so different that you cannot open your arms to the truth immediately. Indeed, it is very likely to be an upsetting reality. Of course it makes you smile from the bottom of the heart from time to time. Despite my homesick, this trip to Hong Kong has been the best one out of all the previous times. Parents (the good ones) always love their kids fully. I do not regret getting a lipoma on my back, and being sent to the hospital to get rid of it. Without you, lipoma, I would never discover how much my parents care about me. I truly feel the love this time. Meanwhile, I also see how tough my parents have to work in order to get along.

A marriage is not as easy as it seems. Sometimes the bond takes a lot of strength to maintain and carry on. Hong Kong is 全民皆賭, meaning every citizen is a professional/ non-professional gambler. You see gambling tips on the most popular newspaper everyday; general public discuss what to buy in the stock market; a long line up to buy lottery tickets every Wednesday; men yelling out the number of the horse they bet on. Basically you are surrounded by this insane gambling atmosphere. It makes you stifle so much that you want to run away. Gambling is pretty much what my father lives for. This biggest hobby of his occupies most of his leisure time. It is the only thing that gives him the thrill in life. Mostly he only gets excited when he talks about it. I didn't believe in my mom until I see it with my eyes. Dad has gradually loss his connection with the world. Although he picks up newspaper on a regular bases, but he pretty much focuses on the gambling section. He is only capable to discuss his business and gambling. It hurts me so much to see the truth. I do not doubt how much my dad loves me, but I wonder what he can do after his retirement. Is he going to continue living like this until the day he dies? What else does he like to do other than gambling? How can my mom bears this when it's only him and her in the house after his career is over? It is out of my imagination, or I should say I don't dare to imagine the future of my parents. I can only hold my tears to myself.

After dating this guy for a year, my good friend is going to get married soon. I should congratulate her to find the love of her life so early (she is just as old as me, still in her early twenties). But is a marriage simple as that? My parents' case makes me wonder about the meaning of marriage. Forming a family with a stranger takes more than love and romance to sustain. It is a commitment to take care the other half for a life time no matter what. In depth understanding is necessary too. Without knowing this person in a full scale, how can you sleep beside him/her for 50 years? Other than giving birth to a child, getting married is the most important decision that requires carefully consideration. Perhaps I have over complicated the situation. Divorce is so easy to do in this era. All you have to do is sign a piece of paper. But is it that easy? My suggestion is always choose your partner with your mind, not purely with your heart. This is probably the key to a successful marriage.