Three Memorable Moments with My Growing Up Children

As a parent, the fondest memories with my children never fail to make my heart swell with love and pride. Here, I share three of the most memorable moments, which have shaped my relationship and appreciation for my kids.

Welcoming Me from Work with a Heartful Balloon

When my eldest son Atilla was just eight years old, he met me at the airport after a long work trip. This wasn’t just any ordinary meeting; it was a grand, thoughtful gesture that has stayed with me ever since. His determination and kindness were evident as he and his friend carefully planned the whole adventure.

The previous night, Atilla had bought a large red balloon with a heart-shaped message. In the morning, he and his school friend carefully calculated the journey, waking up early to catch the right bus. As I crawled out of the plane, tired and eager to see my boys, my attention was drawn to a red heart-shaped balloon floating above the crowd. Atilla shyly and solemnly handed me the balloon and we exchanged hugs and kisses.

This small act of affection meant the world to me. Despite being a busy working mother, Atilla made sure to show his love and gratitude. His thoughtfulness has taught me the value of fostering strong familial bonds and appreciating every moment with my children.

Buying a Poster of Kazakh Knights Instead of Superheroes

One day, while we were walking in an amusement park in Almaty, Atilla asked a poster seller for a poster of Kazakh knights. Initially, the seller was surprised and offered him a poster of Queen instead. However, Atilla was persistent and asked for a Kazakh knight poster.

His interest in our cultural heroes rather than Western superheroes was a profound insight into his growing appreciation for his cultural heritage. This shows how important it is to instill cultural pride in our children. I ordered a printing house to make a few refrigerator magnets, T-shirts, and posters with images of these legendary Kazakh knights. My son taught me to value our Kazakh culture even more, and to appreciate the heroes of our history.

Organizing an Iftar Meal for Family and Friends

That year, Atilla turned ten and developed a passion for cooking. Initially, he helped in making soups and main courses following recipes, which I couldn't help but think would make me fat. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that his cooking was delicious. When Muslim fasting (Ramadan) arrived, Atilla, with his serious demeanor, invited his grandfather and several other fasting relatives to an iftar dinner. He served us tea and dinner with utmost kindness and maturity, himself still finishing the cooking for the guests.

This act of hosting an iftar meal showed me that Atilla is not only a talented cook but also a kind and considerate boy. Despite the challenges and the gossip from other neighbors who judged me as a single mother, I was immensely proud of my boy and how he embraced his cultural heritage.

The fondest memories with my children like these teach me the value of family bonding, parenting, and cultural appreciation. They are moments that truly make our journey as parents worth every moment.

Keywords: family bonding, parenting, cultural appreciation