As children, we view our parents through a gilded lens—an idealized perspective that shields us from their flaws and struggles. This initial view shapes our understanding of love, trust, and security. However, as we mature, the veil of childhood innocence lifts. We begin to see our parents as multifaceted individuals—each with their own challenges, fears, and vulnerabilities. The once-perfect image cracks, revealing imperfections and human frailty.

This story explores the evolution of parental perception, the impact of traumatic events, and the courage to break free. It reminds us that our parents, like us, are complex beings navigating their own struggles. Through adversity, we find strength to forge our unique views, leaving behind both physical and emotional burden.

In 1997, a pivotal event occurred in my life—an attack on my father—that would later serve as a turning point for our family. While he was in the hospital, he grappled with a crucial question: Should he return to his parents’ home or reunite with his own family, given the choice of who would become his primary caregiver during his recovery. Unbeknownst to him, his relationship with my mother was already teetering on the edge of divorce. This decision weighed heavily upon him, considering the loss of everything, including his status.

As my father returned home, the subsequent years of living together transformed into a toxic family environment—a crucible of perpetual conflict, love-turned-resentment, and emotional volatility. Behind closed doors, silent battles raged, leaving emotional scars. When I turned 16, we physically separated, and he felt betrayed.

Years went by and I left my home country, yet I insisted on keeping in touch with him. He withdrew into a solitary life, surrounded by religious books, still in love with my mother. Over two decades, I rebuilt our relationship. We grew close again, but the gap between my mother and I widened. Ironically, in the end, all of us sought solace in memories we longed to immortalize, seeking closure.