Growth

All it takes for a plant to grow is water, soil, and sunshine. It’s so simple; you’d think that other living organisms would grow in a similar way. But reality is: it takes so much more for a child to grow; shelter, food, water, and love. Without the support and care, a child’s future is bound to be bent or broken.

A few years ago, I went to the market with my dad and we bought a small bamboo plant as a decorative piece for my new bedroom. I watered it every day being careful to not put too much. I made sure my curtains were open during the peak time of day, so the plant would receive enough sunlight but not so much to burn it. I watched it grow and grow, measuring its outstanding height as it grew. I stabled it when it became too tall to hold its own structure, giving it support for as long as it needed. I almost treated it like a child on its own. But then, everything changed.

I didn’t care for it anymore. I was too distracted to give it the food it needed. I wanted to keep my bedroom as dark as my thoughts. I didn’t even notice how much it died – until today.

Why is it that you can care so much for something or someone and then suddenly just not give a shit? Distractions are healthy sometimes but when they change your views on loved ones, you can be so blinded as to not even notice what you’re losing - until it’s too late. You always feel some regret, but for some, it’s as easy as pushing it to the back of your mind. For others, it’s not. I used that bamboo as a symbol to myself - until I lost my hope. What does it take for you to completely lose your faith in something or someone you love?