In Vietnamese there's a saying that goes "Của bền tại người", which roughly translates to "durability depends on the person". Something won't last long if it's not handled with care and that's only in the hands of the person owning it. Congrats on repairing instead of just replacing!
Thanks so much for sharing your memories of your Mum. They are so precious. When my mum passed it was a rollercoaster of emotions but lovely to now hold onto the positive creative mindset she encouraged :)
this comment emerged from the warm sensation of tears running down my heart, dear Jonathan. If your music are prayers set to songs, then maybe your writing are also tears and laughter set to letters, which we can relate to in a unique & special way.
I'm saying this 'cause I've been stuck in my feelings these past couple days, not even knowing how to describe this ache, this inner world endless homesickness you know, mostly since tomorrow the 26th is my mum's birthday, her second one in heaven.
it's also funny because I feel kinda bad from purchasing something way too expensive just for the sake of it or just for myself, and if it's food or drinks without even considering to share it with somebody else, whether is someone in need or someone relevant & dear to me. of course, family nucleus included. I guess I'd only get the permission to do it for important events, such as her anniversary of life mentioned, and I do enjoy to say that I did treat her many times with such ease and satisfaction, comprehending that I was given the blessing to give them (her and my dad) back a little bit of the abundant provision they had invested in me gladly.
so, cheers to you, my brother, for treasuring such beautiful details, each and every single one of 'em gifted by the most generous person there is, the One they learned from and passed on to us as an excellent priced item!! There is no doubt they're still alive present to the Lord, and also in these precious qualities they imprinted in our souls.
And now continue to take those amazing rides, I'm sure you cherish it fondly, - btw, bmx is looking just dope bro, kinda retro even!!
You are a beautiful writer wow! This made me want to cherish more moments with my parents and not be so ungrateful. Find small ways to be kind and small ways to say thank you. Definitely want to read this twice once a week lol. Thank you for sharing your joy with us Jonathan - God bless you <3
This was incredibly timely, relatable and healing 😌 Thanks for sharing from the heart and giving this vulnerable view into your life and upbringing. Your parents did their best and raised you well - it's clear to see! It sounds like your family home was full of love 💜
We pick up funny quirks from our parents, and only learn that they're funny quirks when we grow and become more independent. I remember being totally shocked when my parents encouraged me to stop being so frugal when I moved to Singapore 2 years ago I can't help but do the same things I was raised seeing as normal, such as buying the bigger milk because it's cheaper per ml, spending ages in each aisle to find the better (read: cheaper) product or only buying clothes when they're on sale. I also vividly remember my mum and dad's eBay bidding wars with great fondness!
In some ways, it's much harder to break out of a frugal mindset when spiritually it seems wise to steward our financial resources well; but there's a fine line between stewarding and hoarding, and the key is generosity. I'm heading back home to London in 2 days and I can't wait to spoil my parents a bit - it's a privilege that I don't take lightly.
A year, that's still quite recent, may the Lord comfort you again and again. I enjoy to read your memories and remind myself this period of time when we learn not to throw everything out, some of us, children became collectors, and looking for the good bargain. Your mother seemed to be very good at raising her family. Thank You Lord for what she shared to you and her life. I'm touched by your beautiful relationship with your mother, that's a unique bond. She was a gift to you and you were a gift to her. God bless🙏🕊️🫶
What a lovely read I had today! My mom is the same way, she likes to save money. Thanks to that, I don't like fast food (most of it is expensive and tastes bad). When I was a child, I used to try to cook my own meals (I love to cook). All of this helped me a lot when I lived far away from them and had to fend for myself most of the time. These are things that we probably don't value as much as children, but we appreciate them more as adults. It's hard to see your parents get old and then go through a terrible time. A few weeks ago, my mom had surgery, and yesterday I was praying for her and couldn't stop crying before God, trying to find comfort for my soul. Reading this reminded me of the good times with my mom and how good God has been to me. Thank you for sharing this :)
In Vietnamese there's a saying that goes "Của bền tại người", which roughly translates to "durability depends on the person". Something won't last long if it's not handled with care and that's only in the hands of the person owning it. Congrats on repairing instead of just replacing!
Thanks so much for sharing your memories of your Mum. They are so precious. When my mum passed it was a rollercoaster of emotions but lovely to now hold onto the positive creative mindset she encouraged :)
this comment emerged from the warm sensation of tears running down my heart, dear Jonathan. If your music are prayers set to songs, then maybe your writing are also tears and laughter set to letters, which we can relate to in a unique & special way.
I'm saying this 'cause I've been stuck in my feelings these past couple days, not even knowing how to describe this ache, this inner world endless homesickness you know, mostly since tomorrow the 26th is my mum's birthday, her second one in heaven.
it's also funny because I feel kinda bad from purchasing something way too expensive just for the sake of it or just for myself, and if it's food or drinks without even considering to share it with somebody else, whether is someone in need or someone relevant & dear to me. of course, family nucleus included. I guess I'd only get the permission to do it for important events, such as her anniversary of life mentioned, and I do enjoy to say that I did treat her many times with such ease and satisfaction, comprehending that I was given the blessing to give them (her and my dad) back a little bit of the abundant provision they had invested in me gladly.
so, cheers to you, my brother, for treasuring such beautiful details, each and every single one of 'em gifted by the most generous person there is, the One they learned from and passed on to us as an excellent priced item!! There is no doubt they're still alive present to the Lord, and also in these precious qualities they imprinted in our souls.
And now continue to take those amazing rides, I'm sure you cherish it fondly, - btw, bmx is looking just dope bro, kinda retro even!!
much love,
Beautifully written, and what a wonderful way to honor your mum. Really love this style of essay, weaving from one topic/story to the next!
Your memories of your parents are beautiful. Thank you for sharing
This is beautiful, thanks for sharing 💜
This is so precious, Jon. Thank you for sharing something so near and dear to your heart.
😭 I didn’t know your bike had this level of lore! Beautifully written, your mum is such a gem. Also seriously let’s bring back four-o’clockies.
"love what I have, while I still have it." yes!!!
I enjoyed reading this.
Your mom was truly a treasure to you and your family :)
You are a beautiful writer wow! This made me want to cherish more moments with my parents and not be so ungrateful. Find small ways to be kind and small ways to say thank you. Definitely want to read this twice once a week lol. Thank you for sharing your joy with us Jonathan - God bless you <3
This was incredibly timely, relatable and healing 😌 Thanks for sharing from the heart and giving this vulnerable view into your life and upbringing. Your parents did their best and raised you well - it's clear to see! It sounds like your family home was full of love 💜
We pick up funny quirks from our parents, and only learn that they're funny quirks when we grow and become more independent. I remember being totally shocked when my parents encouraged me to stop being so frugal when I moved to Singapore 2 years ago I can't help but do the same things I was raised seeing as normal, such as buying the bigger milk because it's cheaper per ml, spending ages in each aisle to find the better (read: cheaper) product or only buying clothes when they're on sale. I also vividly remember my mum and dad's eBay bidding wars with great fondness!
In some ways, it's much harder to break out of a frugal mindset when spiritually it seems wise to steward our financial resources well; but there's a fine line between stewarding and hoarding, and the key is generosity. I'm heading back home to London in 2 days and I can't wait to spoil my parents a bit - it's a privilege that I don't take lightly.
A year, that's still quite recent, may the Lord comfort you again and again. I enjoy to read your memories and remind myself this period of time when we learn not to throw everything out, some of us, children became collectors, and looking for the good bargain. Your mother seemed to be very good at raising her family. Thank You Lord for what she shared to you and her life. I'm touched by your beautiful relationship with your mother, that's a unique bond. She was a gift to you and you were a gift to her. God bless🙏🕊️🫶
What a lovely read I had today! My mom is the same way, she likes to save money. Thanks to that, I don't like fast food (most of it is expensive and tastes bad). When I was a child, I used to try to cook my own meals (I love to cook). All of this helped me a lot when I lived far away from them and had to fend for myself most of the time. These are things that we probably don't value as much as children, but we appreciate them more as adults. It's hard to see your parents get old and then go through a terrible time. A few weeks ago, my mom had surgery, and yesterday I was praying for her and couldn't stop crying before God, trying to find comfort for my soul. Reading this reminded me of the good times with my mom and how good God has been to me. Thank you for sharing this :)
This is such a beautiful story, thanks for sharing it. I think your battered old bike is really cool!
Thank you for sharing this🥹