Frances Bowen, a respected academic in innovation and sustainability, once said that “to become a thoroughly good man, is the best prescription for keeping a sound mind in a sound body.” Upon reflection, I am convinced that I’ll reap handsome benefits from demonstrating goodness to both my parents ever since I was a small child. This short paper aims to illuminate the reasons why I am a good son to my parents.
Firstly, at a personal level, I believe I am a good son to both my parents as I have never questioned their authority in an irresponsible manner. Although it is true that some parental control can be perceived as demeaning and dictatorial, especially in adolescence, I have always found a way to address my parents’ concerns in a mature and firm manner. When I finished high school, for example, I remember my father standing his ground that I should pursue a course that I never had an interest in.
Although our arguments at home were potentially explosive, I managed to bring on board one of his best friends to make him understand that I needed to be given a chance to choose my own trajectory. Eventually, the problem was settled, and the respect I had earned from my parents still remained intact for not questioning their authority in an irresponsible manner.
Secondly, I have never neglected to abide by the advice received from my parents. Personally, I believe that internalizing parental guidance is fundamental to my personal and professional growth because it is difficult for parents to mislead me as some of my friends would do. I remember one time when my parents advised me to develop a profoundly religious orientation so as to ground my life on sound values and virtues. While most of my friends were demonstrating open revolt to the advice provided by their parents by attending dance parties instead of religious gatherings, I decided to follow my parents’ advice by going to church and practice the teachings as received from our pastoral staff. The result of this undertaking is that my parents, as well as siblings, can now depend on me for moral and spiritual support.
The third reason why I believe I am a good son to both my parents is grounded on the fact that I have been, and will always be, a shining star in academics and extra-curricular activities. I can still remember how happy my mother was when she came to collect my academic reports from middle-grade level through senior high school. She always went with a radiant face knowing too well that she would be called upon to address other parents on motivating students to perform better academically. Similarly, my father always accompanied me in major sports competitions, knowing that I would shine in several field and track events. To date, my parents are very fond of the photographs taken during these ceremonies, and I can tell that these priceless photographs still act as a fundamental source of happiness.
The fourth reason is that I have always been there for my parents in times of need or discomfort. When my mother was diagnosed with a severe but treatable health condition a few years ago, I remember I canceled a holiday I was going with close friends just to be by her side. Upon reflection, I realized that this particular gesture provided my mother with a great deal of moral support. Owing to this and the medical attention provided by doctors, she responded well to treatment and was out of hospital earlier than expected. To date, my parents thank me for standing by them in that trying period.
Although I cannot fully exhaust the reasons why I perceive myself as a good son to my parents, I know that goodness is an asset that has assisted me in laying a solid foundation for success in my future personal, family, and professional endeavors.