A Journey of Love and Cultural Pride: A Father's Remembered Moments

As a parent, there are countless memories that forge a bond between a child and a parent. This story, which unfolds through a chance meeting at the airport, showcases the profound love and understanding that can develop between a child and a parent. Reflecting on these memories not only strengthens the parent-child relationship but also infuses a sense of cultural pride.

The Airport Encounter

One of the most memorable moments in my life was when my eldest son Atilla, who was eight years old at the time, decided to meet me at the airport after a long work trip. I had no idea about his plans, and the journey from our house to the airport, which was about an hour away, seemed daunting for a child of his age. To be on the safe side or to avoid getting bored on the road, Atilla suggested going on a trip with his school friend to the airport.

Our flight was scheduled to land around 9 am, and the children meticulously planned everything. The night before, my son bought a large red ball. In the morning, he and his friend woke up early to catch the right bus and make it to the airport on time. Upon my arrival, I was exhausted and just wanted to go home, see my boys, and fall asleep. However, amidst the rush and excitement, my attention was drawn to a red heart-shaped balloon above the crowd. On one side, it said, "Welcome."

My son, shyly and solemnly, handed the balloon to me. The gesture left me overwhelmed with emotions. It was a moment that highlighted the profound love and significance of my role as a parent to Atilla. Braving the distance and planning such a thoughtful surprise for me demonstrated not only his love but also his understanding of my value to him.

Embracing Cultural Pride

Later that day, we were walking in an amusement park in Almaty when my son approached the poster vendor. He asked if the seller had a poster of Kazakh knights, a request that caught the vendor off guard. His attention had been directed toward Atilla's long hair, which many thought indicated a preference for rock music. Instead, Atilla's true interests revealed a deeper connection with Kazakh culture. This experience taught me that, in the 21st century, it is equally important to celebrate and appreciate our own cultural heritage.

Inspired by this encounter, I ordered a printing house to create a few refrigerator magnets, T-shirts, and posters featuring legendary Kazakh knights and leaders. My son and I hung one of these posters in his room, replacing a typical American superhero poster. This act not only reinforced our cultural pride but also instilled in him a sense of appreciation for our heritage.

The Cooking Experience

As Atilla grew older, he developed a passion for cooking. Initially, my view of his culinary efforts was mixed. I thought his dishes would make me fat, but in my unbiased opinion, his food tasted delicious. When the time of Muslim fasting arrived in the summer, our little fundraiser truly shone. Atilla hosted an iftar dinner for the fasting relatives, inviting his grandfather and his friends. He served his grandfather, my younger brother, and me delicious food, prepared according to his recipes.

The event clearly demonstrated Atilla's serious and kind conduct. His maturity and thoughtful nature were evident as he ensured everyone's dining needs were met even after finishing his own preparations. As a single mother, I faced various challenges, but moments like these filled me with immense pride when my child showed such kindness and thoughtfulness.

Conclusion

Reflecting on these moments reinforces the importance of cultural pride and the bond between parents and children. Through these stories and experiences, I have not only strengthened my connection with Atilla but also made a conscious effort to preserve and promote our cultural heritage. These memories are cherished and serve as a reminder of the love and culture we share.