Reasons why we are grateful for our children

They try our patience, they drive up us the wall, they argue with us and they challenge us. We worry about them – their health, their safety, their education, their friendships, their emotional wellbeing.

There is no doubt that our children can, it seems, take over our entire being. But you know and I know that we cannot imagine our lives without our kids. We love them, that is a given. But we don’t often express gratitude for having them in our lives – and letting them know how they bring out the best in us. On this children’s day we bring to you 10 parents who share with us why their children are the "best of them" and why they are thankful to have them in their lives.

Being a caregiver to my son, has taught me how to give

"What is life then? Basking under the sun, looking at the skies with Jun Le—this is life, this is happiness."

Jun Le is my son. He has autism. Handsome and happy—that’s what his name means. He can also be uncontrollable. When he can’t express what he wants, he would throw a fit. He would roll on the floor and scream. And I can’t calm him down. It’s funny that a big-sized guy like me can’t handle a 30kg kid.

On the days I am not tending to Jun Le, I work as a photographer with different groups of people: hospice patients wanting to document their last moments, individuals with visual impairment, and individuals with autism who want to pick up photography. Working with them and being with my son Jun Le have made me learn more about life.

What is life then? Basking under the sun, looking at the skies with Jun Le—this is life, this is happiness.

Watch this touching video of how taking care of his son has helped Bob Lee learn more about himself.

I thank God for my daughter

"You have brought so much joy and the satisfaction of being your mum is indescribable. I thank God for you." - Grace

My son has given me strength and laughter

Single mother Katherine Sng shares why she is grateful for her son Evan.

"I was in a state of shock when I found out that I was pregnant. My boyfriend and I had just broken up. Furthermore, I would not be eligible for any benefits or financial help as I was going to be an unwed mother. After much deliberation, I decided to keep my flesh and blood….

Fortunately for me, I had my family and my friends who supported me and saw me through to the very day Evan arrived. He was a tiny bubba, my bubba. My boy is now an adorable and cheerful four-year-old who is loved by many.

Evan has given me great strength, endless laughter and smiles to my mundane life. Having Evan enchanted and empowered me as a person. He is the love of my life. For him, I have the newfound courage to live life meaningfully as a single mother."

Our child has taught us the meaning of life

This couple, who are first time parents, tell their son about the meaning that he has brought into their life in this beautiful note.

They say, "You have taught us unconditional love. Love not merely as a fleeting feeling, but as a commitment. Even when we do not feel loving, you taught us that love is about actions, not talk – as talk is cheap.

You have taught us the value of life – that life is best spent with the people you love."

My boys make my life complete

"My two boys, who, no matter what, will always and forever be my babies. They are THE BEST OF ME, because they’ve made me realise what it feels to have a life that’s truly complete.

I’ve never felt more satisfied, more comfortable, and happier about life than the way I feel now…simply because they exist. They have helped me discover a love that runs so deeply, so strongly, and so unconditionally." – Beverly

I see myself in my son

In an extremely honest note, this dad says to his son Gaven, that although he constantly is reminding him to clean up, and do his chores, he also sees the good things in him, which remind him of himself.

"But there is in you, goodness, a spirit of adventure, a distinct feature, which I see in you of me so full."

My son makes me want to be a better person

"If there was one person who would make me reflect upon myself, my life and my past and future actions, that would be, Lokesh, my 8-year-old son.

I consider Lokesh to be a gift from god. He has shown me how to love unconditionally, how to show appreciation and most importantly that a family member by your side means half of any problem solved.

Since the age of two, Lokesh has always encouraged me by always saying nice things to me. He will tell me I looked good in my new dress, how he enjoyed my cooking, how the songs I sing to him make him happy and how he loves my hugs and kisses. He shows me so much love that it has been such a motivation to me to be a better mother and a better person in my every day life."

I love you Lokesh, you are certainly the person who has brought out the best in me as a mother, as a person. I am sure you will love and be loved always and be a source of motivation for many others who you will meet in your life ahead." – Prameela

My son has made me kinder, more patient

This father, who signs off this heart warming postcard as "Your proud daddy", tells his son: "You are only 2+, and even though you don’t know it yet, but you bring out the best in me.

Because of you, I’m more patient than I’ve ever been. More kind, more assured, more mellow. A better me."

My kids have made me a less selfish person

"I have been a selfish person for most part of my life. It was always about what was good for me, what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go; my parents and my husband have always been giving in to me.

When I became a mum, the tables seemed to turn 360 degrees. I became a different person, I was willing to give all to my kids, in short I went from being selfish to selfless

I could not have imagined that motherhood would be such a powerful event in my life. It has been able to get the best out of me and continues to challenge me to be a better adult and a provider." – Jamie

The Best of You

These parents shared their notes of gratitude as part of the "The Best of You" movement which encourages and inspires people to appreciate the experiences and people who have brought out the best in them.

The movement was launched by Malaysian biscuit and snacks brand, Julie’s, in May 2014. This year, The Best of You continues its community outreach to encourage personal affirmation.

After receiving countless inspiring and heartfelt stories from people from all walks of life, covering various topics and expressed in an astounding array of media, The Best of You movement will once again honour these stories with The Best of You Finale Exhibition this year at Marina Square Central Atrium.

The Best of You Finale Exhibition

Date: Tue, 13 October 2015 – Sun, 18 October 2015

Time: 11.00am – 9.00pm daily

Venue: Marina Square, Central Atrium, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594

Admission: Free

For more information, please visit https://thebestofyou.sg.

Written by

theAsianparent

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