The Circle of Life

We went back to Ipoh on Friday evening.

Dad was not well. According to mom, he has been throwing his tantrums for the past few days. When we arrived home, he was watching tele. He looked alright to me, still could recognize us, which was a relief.

The next morning, we woke up early, and took Dad to Foh San for Dim Sum. It was such a hurdle for him to climb up my 4WD SUV, I suddenly felt so bad for being so inconsiderate for buying that stupid tanker-like car.

After breakfast, we went home. Dad started to act abnormal, kept saying he knew that his time has come and that he has to go. But then, he looked perfectly well to us, albeit being a bit weak around his knees and coughing up some phlegm. He kept reiterating being 100 years old. But in fact, he will only turn 98 this coming July.

One minute, he could impress us by jotting down in perfect handwriting about some sensible issues. Next minute, he could waffle on senselessly. We could only nod as though we knew what he was on about. Dad has done considering well, only gone senile during late nineties. Physically, he does not suffer from anything, but his engines are almost worn out. We are so helpless, can't do much now, but will try our very best to fulfil whatever his wishes.

Received an email recently about The Circle of Life. I opined it was meaningful and very appropriate. It went like this:

What is success?

A simple explanation ...

1. At the age of 3, Success means : Not shitting in your pants.

2. At the age of 12, Success means : Having friends.

3. At the age of 18, Success means : Having a driver's licence.

4. At the age of 20, Success means : Having sex.

5. At the age of 35, Success means : Having money.

6. At the age of 50, Success means : Having money.

7. At the age of 60, Success means : Having sex.

8. At the age of 70, Success means : Having a driver's licence.

9. At the age of 75, Success means : Having friends.

10. At the age of 80, Success means : Not shitting in your pants.

There you have it.

The vicious Circle of Life.