You Are Enough.
Earning money is one thing, but taking a moment to observe the value of what's in your hand...is worth the time. (This does not define everyone. All people live in different difficulties)
…
The trees rustle with the slight blow of the wind—and a few leaves fall—but their fall was harder than it sounded. Meanwhile, people awakened and began to work, other’s went to school. The street’s would become crowded, every time the sun began announcing it’s arrival. If looked at from the very top, the wind would be louder than the lives below—which is something a man began to notice. The world moved quickly, sometimes, he had to run to catch up with his life.
“Soren”, called out a co-worker of his.
He turned around to see a tall young man, around his age, mid 30’s. He was clean, composed—but as he approached—he prepared to speak again.
“Soren, will you be working today? Wasn’t today the scheduled ‘park day’ for your kids?”.
Soren stared blankly for a moment and nodded. He remembered the happiness in his childrens eyes as they played in the park—having the best childhood of their lives. He sighed and excused himself politely from his co-worker. The dilemma was strong. It felt…like it was stronger than him. He knew bringing food to the table was important—he had a full time job, and a part time side hustle! He didn’t know what else to do in order to fix the problems that felt like speedbumps—more damage than safety. That day, he went home after work. He noticed his home was dark, empty. It was not like the days he came from work to pick up the kids for a trip to the park. “It won’t be long. They’ll understand.”, he thought. Would they though? Internally, Soren felt something tear in his home.
The next day was the same. Go to work early, come back home and maybe work some more. Eventually, his plans worked out. He brought home more money to support his family and even buy them gifts. The children were glad and they screamed in joy when they saw the gifts—
“My favorite car collection!”, said one. “I’ve always wanted one of these!”, said the other. “Thank you, Dad!”, they said in unison.
Soren just couldn’t help but smile at his children’s happiness.
Day by day, he worked hard to see their smiles again. He’d come home exhausted, but he felt it was worth it. The feeling was interrupted though when his wife asked for a word. He quietly took the children to sleep, and sat down back where his wife awaited him; the dining room. It felt like…a slight interrogation, but he was calm.
“How is work?”, asked his wife.
Soren smiled, not big, barely noticeable.
“It’s been a bit tiring”, he answered.
They both knew what the other had in mind, and there was a silent realization even if not many words were spoken towards it.
“When you’re gone, they ask me when you’ll come home, and if park days are also gone.” commented his wife.
Soren stayed sitting, thoughful for a moment, but he nodded and his wife stood with a smile. She knew he was quietly suffering, and she wanted to be there for him too. Lastly, she walked back to their bedroom and left Soren in the dining room.
It was now the next morning, and the alarm clock rang like the previous days. He got ready like he always did, but this time, he had something different in mind. He didn’t arrive earlier to work. He arrived at the park where he took his children to play. The morning was fairly quiet, only a few birds sang as people began to wake up. Soren stood under a tree and sat down, his memories taking over for a moment. He remembered his children’s joy in the park—but they were not happy about the trip—they were happy because they were spending time with their father. Maybe…overtime and early arrivals were not necessary, is what he began to think quietly. The thought was not a thought, it was a mere whisper in his head.
The tree he was under surrendered a leaf—it wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t particular, no—it was average, normal. He stared at the leaf for a moment and thought, “Everyone is like that leaf”. It wasn’t a big realization. It was pretty simple, but that thought tug at him harder than he thought it would. One leaf was nothing to others. Even if one fell, there would always be more, and the tree could decide when it wanted to let go. No one would be able to retaliate.
His job wasn’t special, but it could work out if he made a tree of his own—with his own details, his own traits, his own lines and wrinkles. He stopped for a moment. Even then—his biggest concern was his family. Everything needed careful thought before he made his move. The world was cruel, it could throw anyone off board, and right now, he was already part of the tree, why should he fight to be the prettiest if what he had…was enough? He…Was Enough, for his family.
The door to Soren’s home opened, he had returned after asking for the day off. His children were puzzled to see him back, but they ran and hugged him. They smiled like they had won an award, and Soren was their award. He sat down in the dining room and talked with his family about what could be reduced and why. He talked about what was important and what was still possible to obtain. Gifts? Snacks? Candy? The kids listened and looked at each other ever so often, but they agreed to what their father would say. His children were learning, and he was learning too. He was an adult, but he was learning how to become a better parent, a better husband, a better and kinder him. Even towards himself.
“We want to play with you dad!”, said his children.
Soren smiled and felt a small sting in his chest.
“Let’s go play then!” Soren answered.
His children jumped in happiness and ran around like chickens. He valued this moment. He valued his children. What was the money to him, if he didn’t have his most valued, dear ones to spend it on? The world was moving, but his home seemed to stop time for a moment. It was a memory-
they would never forget.
This is not outward advice, it is an observation. This is not an opinion, it is the story of a possibility.
Thank you for reading!
With care, 누나
Don’t be shy, tell me with confidence ^^