My love for Korean dramas started after watching “Crash Landing On You”. A show recommended by my daughter.

I can’t actually count how many KDramas I’ve seen after that.

Today, I finished Navillera. The story is about a young man, an aspiring ballerino and a 70 year old man whose childhood dream was to learn ballet.

Unknown to the old man’s family, he is suffering from Alzheimer’s.

During one of his Alzheimer’s episode, the old man found his way to the ballet studio. While watching the young ballerino, the old man’s memory returned.

That’s how it all started.

These two strangers bonded way beyond their love of ballet.

They’ve been each other’s person, each other’s family.

When the young man accidentally found out about the old man’s sickness, he’s been his silent protector ever since.

I can’t tell you how many times I cried while watching the show.

I remember a scene, where the youngest son was telling the old man that when he found out about his sickness, that all he could wish was for him to have more time. More time for his father to remember him. More time for them to spend together.

Time…

Why is it always about time?

Why do humans always lack time for doing the things that makes them happy? Why do we always have to buy time when it comes to spending it with family, specially our aging parents?

Stories like this one, it always brought me to tears.

I remember the last time I spoke to my father. Even though I knew deep in my heart that, that could be the very last time I would talked to him, I never said what I wanted to say. Instead, I encouraged him to get better. I was not ready to let go. I wanted him to get better so I could have more time with him.

As for my mother. She has early dementia. Whenever we video talk, we talk about the same things most of the times. She would also tell me to have a haircut many times over. Sometimes, she would tell me that she already ate even if she hasn’t yet. But you know, every time she ask me the same questions or tell me the same stories, I always answer it like it’s the first time I heard about it.

You know what the first thing she ask my daughter whenever she popped on the screen to say hello, “ when will you come here?” And she would have the sweetest smile every time her granddaughter tells her, “soon.”

Distance shortened by making time.

But I know it’s not enough and will never be enough…

This holiday season and everyday after that, make time.

For you.

For your family.

Most importantly, for your aging parents.

It’s not the presents. It’s your presence.

Your undivided time.

Until next time,