Just because ..........

One of my fondest memories of unconditional love occurred in when I was nine. My 3 siblings and I were huddled around the television in the family room glued to the Sunday afternoon matinee when my father poked his head in and said with a huge grin on his face, to follow him outside to the garden. "Your mom and I've got a surprise for you."

Hearing the word surprise, we became mexican beans and ran a race that only rivaling siblings could race. But as we turned the corner, we were stopped in our tracks by the sight of four shiny-new bicycles all lined up and eagerly-ready to travel the tarred and sandy paths in our neighbourhood.

Temporarily frozen and fixed on our parent’s surprise, I then briefly guessed the gutsy-looking two wheeler that would be my pride and joy before making a hallelujah dash to my parent’s sides, thanked them for the gift and plopped down on right in front of the marvel machine. To my delight, I found it to be exactly what I've been praying for, a red-hot BMX bicycle!

Consumed by my gift, I was a bit oblivious to what my other siblings received. (Although I did remember sniggering endlessly later at my elder brother's expense for getting a boring black Seven-up instead of a racer) But what I wasn’t oblivious to was the fact that it wasn’t the usual post-exam results ritual that I would be granted a reward for doing well, nor was it someone’s birthday or some special occasion. It was just an ordinary warm Sunday. Curious to the reason for our gifts, I went to my mother and asked, "Mom, I really love my present. I really do, more than anything, but I was wondering. Why did I get a present today? It's not like it's my birthday or anything like that?"

She smiled a smile only a loving mother could smile and playfully replied, "Just because......"

My curiosity not satisfied, I asked, "Because of what?"

"No reason. No reason at all. Just because......" She said with that same cheeky grin that mothers sometimes have for sweet revenge.

"You mean you gave us all presents just because, for no reason at all?" I asked in the usual shrieky tone of amazement that rambunctious kids have.

"That is correct." She replied with joy. "Now go and do some riding. Doesn't matter that the sun's still blazing; the bicycle won't melt and neither will you!"

And ride I did ... well into the late evening.

As I laid in bed that night thinking about this extraordinary day, I couldn't help but come to the realization that it was possible for me, a nine-year old boy, to love and be loved "just because" for "no reason at all." Of course, the results rewards ritual continued and I had a fair share of them ie. the Vampire Supreme hockey stick and the red pogo stick, but the most meaningful gift would still be that marvelous two-wheeler which became my trusted travel companion to many adventures around the neighbourhood and often beyond too.

Now as a grown-up, positively and deeply affected by my early childhood revelation, I have reached upon the conclusion, albeit with countless trials and errors that not only it is possible to love without a reason, it is, in fact, the only way to love.

Thank you Dad, Thank you Mom.
I'm so thankful Dad; for you having inculcated good family values unto us and bringing us together once again to honour you at your resting place this Ching Ming.
I'm so thankful Mom; for your continued good health as we, your children celebrate your birthday this weekend.

I love you both very much ...... just because







"Walk on a trail of loving kindness
Walk on a path of compassion
And all else around you will be beautiful."
Every Blessing