Reunited…

Parents always take pride in their children and brag about which overseas university they have graduated from, what high-ranking position they hold, how much they earn a month like the old ladies in this video clip. They may never admit it but deep in their hearts, it saddens them that in their old age, their children are not around by their side or do not even come to visit them often.

Chinese New Year is a good time for family members to return home from near and far on this auspicious occasion to gather together as one big happy family for the traditional reunion dinner on the eve of the festival. This message is nicely presented in this video clip. It does not have to be a grand banquet – just a simple meal will do but what is most important is the togetherness that seems so lacking today now that the extended family has become a thing of the past.

In good times or in bad, it is good to try and keep the traditions alive even in some small way like the granny in this video clip. What I fail to understand is  there are people who can afford to go on extravagant vacations anywhere in the four corners of the globe but they are not bothered to make a trip home to be reunited with their families on this supposedly joyous time of the year but of course, if they do not have a home to go to – like the poor little boy in this video clip, then that’s a different story altogether.

There are some who may not be going home this Chinese New Year. Maybe the flights are fully booked or the air tickets are ridiculously expensive…or the flights may be cancelled at the last minute because of the incessant torrential rain that has been going on for so long that it seems it is never going to stop. On Friday night, I heard this news report on the radio that the Sibu-Bintulu road is impassable to vehicles because of a landslide and clearing works may not be completed hat soon because of the horrendous weather. Such unpredicatable sad state of affairs may foil even the best-laid plans.

Well, I hope you’ve all clicked the links and watched the videos, courtesy of Petronas and are feeling quite miserable by now. Don’t worry cos’ you’re not alone! My daughter is not coming home either this year…