As we enter the winter season, the weather gradually becomes colder. For someone who has relocated to the UK two years ago, I've grown accustomed to the cold weather, yet the extremely brief daylight hours still prove unsettling.
The discomfort lies not only with the weather but also with dietary habits. I possess a "Chinese stomach," and while the occasional consumption of bread and chips is acceptable, I invariably prefer hot meals.
So, with all these adjustments, why opt for immigration? Indeed, the answer is love. I believe many Hongkongers migrate to the UK not just due to the situation back home but also in the hope of reuniting their families. Parents sell their properties and cars for their children's futures, but what about the family elders? For them, the decision to leave or stay poses a significant dilemma.
We've discovered in various English classes that many elders, apart from facing challenges with the English language, also encounter considerable friction with their family members. Children and grandchildren have their own lives, yet the elders have left behind friends known for decades, abruptly losing their social circles. To circumvent conflicts, they find themselves either wandering outside more frequently or retreating to their rooms.
I might not muster the courage to depart from a place I've lived in for over half a century for my children and grandchildren's sake. Because of love, we learn to become brave and strong. As offspring, how long has it been since we've last checked in on our parents' adaptation to their new surroundings? With the onset of colder weather, have we ensured they are equipped with adequate warm clothing?
Because of love, we have already traversed 9,617 kilometres. Compared to this, providing our parents with a winter coat seems hardly a challenge, doesn’t it?
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