Never Stop Kissing Your Children (Even When They Get Older)
"Don't kiss your children so they will kiss you back but so they will kiss their children, and their children's children." - Noah benShea
I have so many memories of my mother, but the memories I can still feel until now are the times when she kissed me. Oh, how I'd love to feel her kiss my cheek again.
You see my generation was raised by parents who aren't that showy. (As far as I know, and as I have observed with my peers). Maybe because that's how Asians are, maybe because they are scared to appear clingy, I really don't know the reason why but that's how they were.
I remember my Mama's advices, I remember our dates, I remember our arguments, I remember our conversations, but it is only her kisses that I can still feel when I think of her.
When I was younger, she would kiss to wake me up on my birthdays and on Valentine's. Of course, at that time I think she never hesitated to kiss me because I was a young kid. However, it stopped when I think I reached high school.
But what I most remember is that one time, I guess I was about 23 or 24, when my Mama woke me up with a kiss telling me she needs to leave early to spend time on a tour with her friends. I was really taken aback because she never initiated a kiss since I got older. I actually initiated that practice when I became a member of Singles for Christ. I remember a preaching by one of the parents in that community, he asked us to ask forgiveness to our parents when we come home that night, and that I did. And so, from then on, I would kiss my Mama goodbye every time I need to leave. It was about 4 years of constant kissing whenever either of us needs to go somewhere. But it is when she initiated it first that I most remember. I swear I can still feel that in my cheeks until today. Sometimes, I still dream about it. And now that I have my own daughter, I hope and pray to God that He grant us a long life so I could kiss my baby even if she's not a baby anymore.
I will never forget how loving and understanding my Mama is. I will never forget all her hard work and love for me. I will never forget how she was always there for me. However, it is the kisses that will not only stay in memories but will be forever in my heart. I swear I can still feel them.
You may also read: What It Means to Be a Mother
All parents love their children, that's for sure, and we need to express that. A kiss on the cheek won't hurt. A hug will last their lifetime. As for me, I will never forget that morning when she kissed me on the cheek. Yes, she has kissed me thousands of times as a kid, but it was when I got older that I appreciated her kiss more.
Even as adults, children need to feel that they are loved, they need that love to be validated. Don't hesitate to express your love for them. They are just waiting for your kiss.
Never stop kissing your children. It will be the only thing they will be able to take with them about you even when you're not around.
Have you kissed your children today?
Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward. - Psalm 127:3
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