In a reflective account by Keith Wong, a medical student aspiring to be a family doctor at the University of Ottawa, memories of his parents were unexpectedly stirred during a visit to Barcelona with friends. Wong, a Chinese descent, reminisced about his hardworking parents back in Windsor, Ontario, despite their lack of ties to Spain.
During a summer break from medical school, Wong and his friends found themselves at a cozy restaurant in Barcelona. A middle-aged couple nearby, sharing a slice of cheesecake, triggered memories of Wong’s own parents. The man’s contented demeanor and the woman’s casual attire resonated with Wong, reminding him of his parents’ simple evenings enjoying apple strudels from the local store.
Despite not having completed formal education themselves, Wong’s parents supported him and his siblings through various academic pursuits, including pharmacy, education, and his own medical studies. As Wong nears the completion of his medical training, thoughts of repaying his parents’ sacrifices weigh heavily on his mind.
While some of his peers have started working and can afford to treat their parents to vacations, Wong invested additional years in medical school, accumulating considerable tuition debt. The burden of his parents’ fatigue due to their relentless work ethic adds to Wong’s sense of responsibility towards them.
Wishing his parents could also explore the world as he does, Wong made a bold promise to take them on a trip once he completes his residency. However, concerns arise as his father shows symptoms of health issues and his mother receives medical advice for new treatments, raising worries about their ability to enjoy future travels.
Despite the uncertainty of the future, Wong finds solace in the small yet meaningful gestures of love and gratitude he shares with his parents, whether through tight hugs during visits, regular FaceTime calls, or heartfelt conversations. These connections serve as a constant reminder to Wong’s parents that he values and appreciates them, regardless of the challenges they face.
As Wong navigates through his medical training and reflects on his journey, he finds comfort in expressing his love and gratitude to his parents through sincere interactions and gestures, bridging the physical distance between them with emotional closeness and appreciation.
