When I was in junior high school, I started to learn English. One day we learned a new word ‘family’. The teacher said: if you don’t remember how to spell family, just remember this sentence ‘ father and mother, I love you’.

In January 2020, I made a big quarrel with my parents because of the money. I sent a lot of messages in the WeChat group in the morning. “Are we really rich-man? Why are you always so generous to these relatives? Don’t you forget what they have done when we are really poor? You are only care about your face!” My parents were shocked and got angry, and then they responded to me “We didn’t spend your money. You know nothing about family ties. You are so mean even though you are well educated.” Then We haven’t communicated with each other for a long time.

Two weeks ago, I have to go back home because of the Spring Festival. Before I reach home, I was worried about how to answer this question if my parents ask about the last quarrel. Maybe they are still annoyed, maybe I need to make an apology to them. When I arrived home, nobody’s here. “Yep, they are still angry.” My parents went back home in 5 minutes . when I saw them, I said “Mom, I am so……”

“You need to wear more clothes. It is a really cold day, right?”My mom said.

I remember when I went to middle school, I lost in puppy love. The headteacher has asked my parents to go to school. After returning home, they didn’t blame me. When I went to high school, I asked my parents why I wasn’t born in a rich family. I have no talent because I didn’t get any chance to learn it.They just sighed softly. When I went to college I asked my parents: why have you left me since I was s child, you make me a left-behind child, do you know what had happened in my childhood? I stared at my mom, and I saw tears flowing her eyes .

I remember every time I asked them these tough questions, I saw guilt and regret on their faces. I still remember when my dad saw my boyfriend, he was really happy. It seemed like he trusts my boyfriend very much. It seemed like he is happy that I finally find my own happiness. And he said: you need to know, I have tried my best to support this big family, and pay for the education of your three siblings.

Yes, I know that. Every day of my life, parents had told me how much they loved me by what they did and what they gave.

In their generation, parents are shy about expressing love directly. But we need to know, their love is reflected in their behavior. We need to know, they love us just because we are their children, and they have no choice. We need to know, we are their children so that they love us by nature, and for no reward. What they want are our health, peace ，and happiness. What they want is we can go back home and accompany them if we have time. What they want is our love.  

‘Family’ is father and mother, I love you. I think I know more about this. Parents love us by nature, so how to maintain a family? All we need to do is to give a little love to our parents.

Every day of my life, parents had told me how much they loved me by what they did and what they gave.‘Family’ is, father and mother, I love you.