FAMILY
Family is formed by love. And Love is nothing without commitment and sacrifice. Some argue that compromise is better than sacrifice but nevertheless true love is better expressed than explained. As Filipinos, we value our family more than anything.
Some of us work tirelessly to the point that we forget to set aside time for our family. Money is not the main drive for a family to be happy. It is the love for each other and the amount of time spent – no matter how brief it is. Even simple conversations during a family dinner matter especially when the family is complete. It is the time when the father and mother discuss important matters while the kids listen while gaining life lessons.
Our overseas Filipino workers sacrifice their time away with family in order to support their daily needs. Those kids of OFWs should consider the blood and sweat of their father or mother in other countries just to provide for their comfort. Spoiled brats should be taught about the sacrifices of their parents. They should stop whining about the absence of their parents in school events and in special occasions. Worse, some think that their parents as worthless just because they chose their job over them. We should teach those kids to be grateful for what they have and treasure every moment whenever their parents come home.
The balikbayan box is not just an ordinary pasalubong box. It is the box of love. The things inside the box represent the love and longing of a parent or relative for his family. This gesture by Filipinos should not be the source of new generation “juan tamad” who are dependent on remittances and gifts. The constant reminder from their guardians should be present.
In other aspects, some of us spend more time and resources when our loved ones passes away. Regrets come later as always. While our loved one is still alive, visit them and spend a considerable amount of time and initiate even simple dialogues and bonding. This is the usual problem among Filipinos wherein relatives race against each other whether who’s the biggest spender in a wake for all the people to know and see. Why not be a humble contributor who visits a loved one while he or she can still respond in his home?
These Filipino family values affect us not just with our relationship with our immediate family but also to the relatives, the neighborhood, and to the whole community. This contributes to the well-being of each member and their attitude towards others. It is of utmost importance to revisit our family ties and values in order to check discrepancies and gaps in the relationship and how to address and provide early solutions.
We have different perspectives in life but our norms and values guide us on our supposed attitude and actions towards a wonderful living. Caring for our sick and elderly should be one of our priorities not because it is expected from us but because we love them. Family is our foundation and wealth.