Nostalgia with Father

Today begin with an unexpect call from my father. His voice sounded cheerful, though tired. “This is my work, clearing two rows of pepper plants,” he said in his distinct Konjo accent, which always reminds me of Tawau. I smiled as I listened. Father spoke while asking for prayers to always be blessed with health.

Despite his age, his spirit for farming remains strong. He is currently planting pepper, a crop that has become our family’s daily source of livelihood.

Hearing his story warmed my heart. I was reminded of my childhood, when I often helped him on the farm, though I usually played more than worked. Now, being far from Tawau, those memories feel so close.

In return, I took photos and videos of my activities as a rider today, delivering orders from one place to another. I wanted him to know that I, too, work hard, albeit in a different path. I sent him the photos and videos, hoping to cheer him up and show that I have never forgotten the values of hard work he instilled in me.

I also asked for his permission to handle some document corrections with the local neighborhood leader. “So that future processes will be smoother, Dad,” I explained. As always, he gave his full support, saying, “Yes, Son. Take care of what’s important for your future.”

The conversation was simple but meaningful. Amid our respective busy lives, this nostalgia strengthened my resolve to keep striving. Father, with his hard work on the farm, and I, with my journey far from home, are both fighting our own battles. Today, I learned that distance never separates love and the spirit that is passed down.