For as long as I can remember, life for my parents has revolved around 3 fundamentals: family, church and work.
Oh, sorry…no, make that 4. I forgot about their fishing.
Simple, God-fearing, hard working Indonesian immigrants who came to Australia with not much more than their 3 young kids and the ambition to create a new life of opportunities.
But nothing makes them happier than to have hearty homemade meals together as a family, with an extra plate or two for guests.
It’s frustrating to find some random person in my lounge room, eating my mother’s cooking, making small talk like they’re long lost relatives. But the thing is – to mum and dad – EVERYONE is family.
After 37 years, my parents said goodbye to another family – their Australia Post colleagues.
On Saturday night, I went along to the farewell party at the Chinese Restaurant to fulfill daughter duties of obligatory attendance. Instead, I was completely blown away by the 5 full tables of friends who wanted to wish my parents a happy retirement.
After everyone else’s speeches, the intention was for me to say a few words on behalf of the family.
But I was caught off guard.
The heartfelt words that others had to say about my own parents – my own simple folk – left me in awe, hooking my emotions in a complicated twist.
“These people are the back bone of Australia Post”
“Between the two of them, they have more experience than all of us in this room”
They fondly spoke of my mum’s “glorious spring rolls”, how much they’ll miss the “plates and plates of food” she cooked and brought in to replace the usual drab in the canteen and her constant insistence to “Eat! Eat! Eat!”.
By the time it was my turn, I was a blubbering mess.
I understand how hardworking my parents are. I’m aware how generous they can be. It’s a revelation, though to hear it and have it appreciated by so many others. In fact, there was sense of pride for my parents I had never experienced before.
Anyone can work long hours, spend years and years dedicated to an organization.
But at the end of a career, it’s the spirit of generosity that people will remember most.
What you’re willing to do for others; To do beyond what’s asked with chivalry and poise; To create a positive environment for those around you.
Ma and Pap, you’ve left behind a legacy. I’m grateful and so proud to be a part of it.
Now it’s time to kick back and enjoy these Golden Years.
I don’t know two people who deserve it more.
Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT
Luisa says
I freaking love this post and the beautiful words of positivity you left as well. I know many people in my line of work, like your parents. And they make my day, everyday. I don’t have the most fulfilling role – but the fact I have such a great culture and environment to work in, makes it all the worth while 🙂 I can understand why you would of been a blubbering mess. I would of too! xx
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Ai Sakura says
What absolutely wonderful parents you have! Our parents are truly what make us the parents we are today… And I can see where you get your love, generosity and kindness from. Happy retirement to them too 🙂
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kirri says
It is one thing to appreciate your parents but quite another to experience them through the loving and appreciative eyes of others – That’s something special.
What a wonderful legacy they have created x
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Josefa @always Josefa says
What a beautiful moment to share with your parents and an even greater achievement for them. One day your twins will look up at you in the same way Grace x
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Eleise says
Awww what a gorgeous post, it brought tears to my eyes! Happy retirement to your parents. We need more people with that beautiful everyone is family spirit!
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Seana - Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel says
Oh Grace, you’ve got me all totally weepy… this is a lovely tribute to them, from their colleagues and how good for you to see it. We often don’t see the whole picture of our parents’ lives and I know that sometimes, and I kick myself, I get caught up in the past, to the detriment of the present.
A lovely read, makes me feel humble too, your parents represent so many immigrants who have had to graft so much harder than I ever have.
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Kylez @ A Study in Contradictions says
That is absolutely lovely Grace, your parents sound fabulous! Its certainly very easy to just see our parents as our ‘parents’ and to not notice, or simply just take for granted the wonderful people they are.
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Mrs Holsby says
Beautiful, Mama G. I’m sure the pride goes two ways in your family.
PS What time is dinner at their place?
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Liz @ Clover Feet says
This is exactly how I often feel about my father in particular. It took me a long time to learn to appreciate him the way other people in our community do.
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Kaz @ Melting Moments says
Such a lovely post. What giving, warm hearted parents you have 🙂 It will be nice for you to have them around more now that they’re not working.
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natalia familia says
They sound like amazing role-models for you and your kids. What an amazing achievement! Congratulations to them. xx
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Robomum says
I loved that pic when I saw it on Facebook.
Simple, hard working Indonesians. Replace ‘Indonesians’ with ‘Greeks’ and you have my parents as well. Parents from that generation, they’re from different stock, I think.
Congratulations to your parents. Party time! X
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rhian @melbs says
What a lovely post, sounds like your parents certainly deserve to enjoy their retirement. It is so lovely to see how much others appreciate your folks too. 🙂
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Kathy says
Lovely tribute to your parents Grace and sounds like it was so well-deserved. Hope they are basking in all the warmth from their work colleagues and your new perspective on just how special they are.
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Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
Grace, that’s so lovely that your parents are so appreciated, they’re obviously an asset. I hope they do their best to enjoy their retirement xx
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Rachel Sands says
That is so touching, Grace!
Emily @ Have a laugh on me says
Aww bless Grace, thanks for sharing that, I almost want to give them a BIG huge. They sound like my parents, hard working, low income farmers, who still work, and use tea bags twice to save money!
xxx
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dani from Sand Has No Home says
This is lovely!
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Sonia Life Love Hiccups says
Oh you gorgeous girl and what an amazing couple your parents are. I aspire to be someone who is remembered not so much for the work I have done, but the way in which I did it. Your mum has the most gorgeous smile – I can see where you got it from now 🙂 xx
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EssentiallyJess says
That kind of dedication is so impressive. You must feel very blessed Grace xx
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BossyMummy says
It’s always interesting to see our parents through the eyes of others isn’t it 🙂 wishing them a long and happy retirement 🙂
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Sabeen says
That got me all teary Grace – your parents sound like two very special individuals who truly deserve to put their feet up and enjoy this new phase in their lives. I wish them a very happy retirement xxx
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Jean says
Great post, Grace!
Nami says
Happy retirement! How fantastic that you got to share the shower of appreciation. Too often, we don’t hear any of it until a funeral or memorial. Parents have to wait too long to be appreciated by their own children – don’t they?
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