Being a parent means ....

We've just became a parent 8 months ago, the feeling is surreal. I've always think that there are only certain people in the world can become the parents. They look like parent, talkative like parent, says 'No No No' to their children like our moms, they smile even the kids cry non-stop, they apologize to people when the kids show tantrums, they talk about their children so much, ooohhh... they just born to be parents.

Me, I never dreamed to be parent cos that involves lots of responsibilities. I always think I can become a working woman, busy to fix the affairs of the world, and sipping a cup of coffee in Sunday afternoon with friends without shrieking noises. I want to travel light means no emotional bagages, no souvenirs or toys to bring, shop what I like till I drop.

My husband, oh well...if he knows I am writing about him here he will questioned me so much. He sneezes with mouth open, he makes explosion noise by clapping both hands with tissue plastic cover in it to open them, in the restaurant! and a couple of other things. I thought being a parent means being a good person, showing good example to children, calm in every situation and have a good manner? Both of us are not what we picture the parent to be.

A baby came in November 2007. We had a crash course to become parent for 9 months, and now we are asking left and right to do what is the best. It's been quite a rough ride in the beginning. In what I believe in the Baha'i Faith, the station of parents is incredibly lofty. Our prophet, Baha'u'llah says,

"The fruits that best befit the tree of human life are trustworthiness and godliness, truthfulness and sincerity; but greater than all, after recognition of the unity of God, praised and glorified be He, is regard for the rights that are due to one’s parents. This teaching hath been mentioned in all the Books of God,and reaffirmed by the Most Exalted Pen. Consider that which the Merciful Lord hath revealed in the Qur’án, exalted are His words: “Worship ye God, join with Him no peer or likeness; and show forth kindliness and charity towards your parents…” Observe how loving-kindness to one’s parents hath been linked to recognition of the one true God!”

Those writing above are one of the reason we choose the path. We learn ourselves from becoming the parent for our children, we love and show our gratitude to God because we have the children, we show the wonderful nature that God has provide for us, we show kindness and trustwothiness because we hope our children will grow to be a better human beings than us, and so on....why do we refuse to have such bounty?

Another writings below is from 'Abdu'l-Baha;

"As for thee, have for them an abundant love and exert thine utmost in training them, so that their being may grow through the milk of the love of God, for as much as it is the duty of parents to perfectly and thoroughly train their children."- 'Abdu'l-Baha

Now we are parent of a beautiful daughter! Should we think to have more than one? I think we should deal with one first :-)....