Old Old Man

While in Scarborough, I got the chance to talk to an uncle of my sister-in-law's husband. He spent his years here in Canada working, and was alone since his wife's death in the 80's. Now that he is receiving his pension, he said he wanted to back to the Philippines and spend his retirement years there. He said his $700 monthly money will not suffice if spent here.

What I don't understand is why the hell did he keep on convincing me to stay here after finishing my PhD when he himself wanted to go back to the Philippines. I gave him my reasons but he is still insisting his position. I got tired of hearing money money money. I almost asked him if he did lived a happy life working, earning but being alone just to shut him up. But I didn't. One thing I learned in life is to never argue with old people. For one they have their old ways, old beliefs, and there's nothing that could change that.

As a typical Asian, I have high respect to old people. Their years of experience is something I don't have. They view things from a perspective of the wise, polished by time. I just don't understand why I read the conversation as saying money is more important than being with your family, seeing your kids grow, kissing your wife whenever you have a chance, serving the very people that raised you.

There's no denying that life here in Canada is good, better, and maybe even great. However, it really depends to the individual what he meant by good, better, and great. For one comfort does not equate to good. I know this will sound harsh but comfort is for the weak, for those who run away, for those hiding. Moreover, one's comfort could be other people's agony. Owning a car is a comfort, some people calls it necessity. But the energy that it uses and the pollution that it produces cause harm to more people. Cheap commodities are good for those buying them but they are hell to those working day and night just keep up with the demand. In the end those cheap items ended up in the trash unconsumed and expired, someone bought a lot just because it's on sale. On the other end of the world someone is sick from too much work, too much pollution, and too many disasters.

Having lived an uncomfortable life made me strong, creative, and resourceful. Having less in life means whatever I have are only the important ones, and I learn to value them. I see the problems, and I'm not one to just turn my back, run away, and forget or ignore them. I am even surprised of how some people are so quick to reinvent themselves to become one of western world when his/her skin color, and accent scream otherwise. I am surprised that when they introduced themselves they don't mention where they come from when this alone in fact would tell much of who they are. Afraid of being judged but they themselves are prejudice to themselves.

*writer's block intervines, damn!*