Parents’ Day: A Quiet Reminder of the Ones Who’ve Always Been There

Some days, amidst the noise of meetings, deadlines, and dinner plans, there comes a quiet thought — a tug, really — that reminds me how long it’s been since I hugged my parents.

Living far away from home means life is often measured in calls across time zones, quick check-ins between busy schedules, and festive seasons spent sending gifts instead of being present. It’s been over a year since I’ve seen my parents in person. That sentence carries more weight than I’d like to admit.

This Parents’ Day, I found myself thinking not just about them — but about everything they continue to be for me. The cheerleaders, the calm in chaos, the voice of reason after a rough day. They’ve always been there, never asking for anything in return. And now, when life has placed me oceans away — caught between a career and a young family of my own — I often feel this quiet ache. Not of guilt, but of longing. A wish to be able to show up for them the way they did, and still do, for me.

But here’s the thing I’ve come to realise: parents rarely keep score. They don’t ask for grand gestures. They just want to know you’re okay. That you’re eating well. Sleeping enough. That you’re happy.

So this Parents’ Day, I’m choosing to stop measuring my love in distance. Because love doesn’t count the miles. It shows up in the smallest things — the early morning “good morning” texts, the surprise courier of homemade snacks, the silly video call with a blurry ceiling fan, and lots of laughter.

To all of us who live far from our parents, or who are navigating this strange transition from being cared for to wanting to care for them — you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel torn. What matters is that the bond is still strong, even if the flight ticket is still pending.

And to the ones who parent us — in whatever form they come — thank you. For your quiet strength. Your unwavering support. And your love that travels faster than any plane ever could.

Let’s take a moment today — not just to wish them, but to truly connect. To tell them the one thing they always love to hear:

“We’re doing okay. And we miss you.” Happy Parents’ Day.