In these sixteen years, there is someone who has greatly inspired me and caused significant changes in my growth and development. He has guided me when I am lost, helped me to stand up when I fall, and granted me treasurable memories. Who is this? My father.
Dad is not as ‘talkative’ as Mum. He never scolds at me for having a poor result in study or spending too much time on playing TV games. Instead, he always wears a warm smile, pats on my back gently and says a few words with care when I make mistakes. Simply a few words caused great changes in my childhood and have helped to build up the ‘me’ today.
When I was thirteen, I was money-minded. I even thought that going to school was wasting my time and I always played truant to earn money. After some time, Dad realized that I often skipped school and discovered my wrongdoing. One day, I found that the money I earned was stolen and I spent half a day looking for it. However, I failed and sobbed on a chair. Dad showed up eventually with the money in his hand.
‘If you think money is your all, you will have nothing when a thief steals it. However, for knowledge and ability, no one can take them away from you. Those are what belong to you in your whole life.’
At that moment, I felt a heavy strike on my head. On the next day, I picked up my school bag and started to study hard. Then, I ranked top in my class in Form three. I believe that it wouldn’t have happened if my dad had not said those words to me.
Despite my hard work, I had difficulty catching up in F.4 because of the weak foundation laid in junior form. After I failed three Additional Mathematics tests consecutively, I thought of giving up. During the Christmas holiday, I was puzzled when I was doing my additional mathematics assignments. My tears rushed out and soon I fell asleep in front of the homework. I woke up after half an hour and was shocked ——- all the questions were completed.
‘All done,’ My dad suddenly appeared behind me.
‘But weren’t you even unable to complete your Form four due to Cultural Revolution?’ I questioned.
‘Yes, I was forced to suspend my learning and I escaped to Hong Kong. After that, I have to work to build up a family and support it till now. Even though I have knowledge, I can’t be recognized…’
His words let me understand that I have to cherish my learning now, or else I will regret. Dad’s words have offered me great spiritual support and let me go through those difficult learning times step by step.
My another hard time—– the HKCEE is coming. I hope I can honour my father with a very good result. Thank you, Dad!