Our parents dedicated their lives to us, working tirelessly and making countless sacrifices to raise us well. While they may not possess the extraordinary powers of comic book heroes, their immense kindness, unwavering love, and steadfast support make them the true heroes of our everyday lives. Today, we reflect on some of the most poignant moments when our parents went above and beyond to ensure our happiness and well-being.
My mother pleaded with me not to marry Liv, warning, “This woman will end up hurting you!” I reassured her, “She’s a good person; one day you’ll see!” I married Liv, and we built a family. Eight years later, after Mom passed away, I was shocked to find numerous photos of Liv hidden under her bed from before our marriage, taken during her university days. I discovered that my mom had hired a private investigator to follow Liv because she never felt comfortable with her. Despite her doubts, Liv truly is a wonderful person.
I understand my mother’s fears; she had endured a painful past, losing trust in people when my dad left her for someone else. Still, I can’t help but appreciate the lengths she went to protect me. My dad worked relentlessly—seven days a week, twelve hours a day—at two different hospitals for much of my childhood. He would get sick on vacation, calling it “motionless sickness,” yet somehow, he still managed to wake up early to make breakfast for my sister and me before school.
He was a firm believer in hard work and set countless examples for me while maintaining a childlike spirit. I don’t know how he balanced it all, but I love him dearly.
My parents moved to Canada with the singular hope of providing my brother and me with better lives. They left behind family and friends—everything they knew—to start anew with just the four of us. During those first years, they worked tirelessly, earning little and living in a cramped apartment in Toronto. Looking back, I’m amazed they didn’t give up and return home, where they had stable jobs and support.
I’m incredibly grateful they persevered. Everything I have and who I am is due to their unconditional love and support.
My father held a demanding job that often kept him away from home during dinner time. Instead, we had breakfast together every morning before he drove us to school. As an adult, grappling with the desire to sleep in and dealing with work stress, I realize how significant that sacrifice was. Those breakfasts were our family time.
Even when my siblings were teenagers and had later school starts, they were compelled to wake early to join us for breakfast. I respect my parents for their commitment.
My parents have always had my back. They never made me feel guilty for pursuing my passion for art, and when I found myself in a tough situation, my mom assured me she would sell her house if necessary to support me. Fortunately, that wasn’t needed, but it underscored the essence of unconditional love and family.
While my parents are not perfect, they did many things right, especially in supporting my brother and me in our interests, even if they didn’t understand them. Though they weren’t fans of skateboarding, they spent hundreds to support my brother’s passion. They helped me get a drum set, allowed my band to practice in our basement, and drove us to shows.
Though they initially envisioned me as a lawyer, they ultimately supported me in whatever path I chose. This freedom helped me realize that I could carve my own path in life, knowing my parents would always be there, cheering me on.
My mom, a widowed immigrant raising six kids, worked tirelessly to fulfill both parental roles, despite advice to remarry. She prioritized us above all else, often working second shifts that kept her away during much of our school life, but she allowed us the freedom to explore our interests and passions. Now a retired dynamo, we take care of her, funding trips back to her homeland, Laos.