There are moments in life when emotions cloud our judgment — when hurt and anger blind us to the quiet sacrifices made for us every day. One of the most constant and selfless sources of these sacrifices is a mother.
Jiafen had never known a time when her mother hadn’t been there for her — until the argument. It seemed trivial in hindsight, but in the heat of the moment, it felt like a blow to her pride. After the shouting match, she stormed out of the house, frustration boiling inside her. She didn’t know where to go or what to do next — only that she needed to get away.
A lesson in gratitude
As Jiafen wandered aimlessly through the streets, her emotions slowly gave way to a more basic need: hunger. She hadn’t brought a single penny with her.
She stopped near a small noodle stall, drawn by the savory aroma of freshly cooked broth. Her stomach ached, but she hesitated, embarrassed by her situation.
The stall owner, a kindly man with weathered hands and a gentle smile, noticed her lingering. Wiping his hands on his apron, he called out: “Miss, would you like some noodles?”
Jiafen hesitated, her cheeks flushed with shame. “I… I forgot to bring money,” she said softly.
He chuckled warmly and waved her over. “Don’t worry about it. Come, sit down — I’ll make you a bowl of wonton soup.”
Gratefully, Jiafen took a seat on one of the low stools. Soon, a steaming bowl rich with fragrant broth and tender dumplings was placed before her, along with a few simple side dishes.
As she took her first bite, the warmth of the food melted the cold knot in her chest. Tears welled up and began to spill freely down her cheeks.
“Miss, are you all right?” the stall owner asked gently.
“I’m just… very grateful,” Jiafen said, wiping her tears. “We don’t even know each other, yet you were kind enough to cook for me. But earlier today, I fought with my mother. She told me not to come back. You, a complete stranger, showed me more kindness than she did.”
The owner listened quietly, then spoke with calm sincerity. “Miss, I only made you one bowl of noodles, and you feel this grateful. Yet your mother has cooked for you, cared for you, and looked after you for more than ten years. How could you not feel even greater gratitude toward her?”
Jiafen was stunned. A single bowl of noodles from a stranger had moved her to tears — but what about the countless meals her mother had made, day after day, without asking for thanks?
She finished eating, wiped her eyes, and took a deep breath. It was time to go home and say the words she had long taken for granted: Mom, I’m sorry. I was wrong.
As she neared her house, she spotted her mother outside, scanning the street anxiously. Her face was drawn with worry, but when she saw Jiafen, it lit up.
“Fen, hurry home!” her mother called out, voice full of relief. “I’ve already cooked dinner. If you don’t eat soon, it’ll get cold.”
At that moment, all of Jiafen’s anger and pride dissolved. Tears filled her eyes again — not from hunger or shame, but from love.
A mother’s love
The sweetest word that can ever cross human lips is “Mother,” and the most heartwarming call is “Mom.” No voice in this world is as tender, as selfless, or as beautiful as that of a mother.
Yet, in the hustle of everyday life, we often take the love and sacrifices of those closest to us for granted. We may express gratitude for the small kindnesses from strangers, but how often do we pause to reflect on the quiet, constant sacrifices made by the one person who has always been there?
Too easily, we overlook the depth of a mother’s love, distracted by the noise of daily life or the frustrations of our own expectations. While no mother is perfect — and no relationship is free of difficulty — we must remember that it is our mothers who bring us into this world, who care for us unconditionally, who nourish us, and who sacrifice so much for our well-being.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the immeasurable role our mothers play in our lives. In times of disagreement or frustration, it is tempting to focus on their flaws. But if we can shift our perspective — letting go of both the small grievances and the large ones — and instead choose to look for the good, we may come to see our mothers in an entirely new light. In this light, we will recognize the love, care, and dedication she has provided, in the best way she knew how.
When we choose to focus on what truly matters — the quiet sacrifices and love a mother gives — we realize that these are not mere actions, but precious gifts. It is in this space of gratitude that we can honor all our mothers have done for us. With deep appreciation, we can thank them for every sacrifice, every act of love, both seen and unseen, that has shaped and nurtured the people we are today.
So this Mother’s Day, if you carry resentment in your heart, choose to forgive. If there’s a chance to make amends, take it with humility. If there’s something kind or meaningful you’ve been wanting to do for your mother, do it. If you’ve never told her how she has touched your life, say it. And if you’ve never truly thanked her for all she’s done, now is the time. Take the opportunity while you have it — for no one is promised tomorrow.
Translated by Patty, edited by Amanda
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