In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, life threw countless challenges our way, reshaping our realities in ways we could never have imagined. My parents, who are now in their 50s and 60s, found themselves at a crossroads during this turbulent time. Like many others, the pandemic significantly impacted their income, leading them to venture into something new—a cloud kitchen food business. My father also has a seasonal job that occupies him during the summer months, but the financial strain brought by the lockdowns has persisted, pushing my parents to try new things and make ends meet.
Despite their age, my parents have shown incredible resilience and adaptability, starting this business from scratch. They are both talented cooks, and their passion for food has always been a part of our lives, but turning that passion into a livelihood was a different challenge altogether. Watching them navigate this new world with determination fills me with immense pride.
As I reflect on our journey, I remember how I used to view flyers and newspaper ads as insignificant—a medium for doodling or making art, perhaps something that others might consider a waste of paper. But now, as someone who has taken on the role of designing these very flyers for our business, I see them in a new light. The creative process of crafting these advertisements has taught me the value of effort, time, and the meaning behind each piece of paper.
Distributing flyers has become a humbling experience for me. I used to think handing out flyers might be embarrassing, but now I understand that it’s a legitimate and meaningful endeavor. We’re not just promoting a business; we’re sharing a piece of our family’s hard work and dreams with the world. If my parents can step up and embrace this challenge, then I, too, should stand by them without hesitation.
Yet, a question lingers in my mind—what happens to these flyers after they leave my hands? Are they discarded, used for art and craft, or torn apart without a second thought? This thought troubled me, not just because of the money spent on printing, but also because of the hope and love that my parents pour into this business. It was a sobering realization, one that taught me about the values I had once overlooked.
Life has a way of teaching us humility in the most unexpected ways. The flyers, once insignificant, now symbolize a deeper lesson for me—a reminder that every small effort counts and that nothing should be taken for granted. I’ve decided to dedicate my Saturdays to distributing flyers, contributing to my parents’ endeavor in a meaningful way. It’s a small step, but one that reflects the growth and understanding I’ve gained through this experience.
In the end, life itself is a vast syllabus, constantly teaching us to be humble, to appreciate the little things, and to find value in every aspect of our journey. Starting from scratch isn’t easy, but it’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and the unwavering human spirit.
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