Not long ago, while organizing my emails, a few messages caught my eye. The sender was my younger sister, but they weren’t really from her. My mother, unable to reach me by phone while I was abroad, had asked my sister to send them on her behalf. When I opened them, I found nothing but simple questions:
“Did you arrive safely?”
“Are you adjusting well to the time difference?”
“Are you feeling okay?”
“Have you unpacked everything?”
“How do you like the food there?”
“I have so many things to ask. What did you do today?”
Worried about her daughter living in a foreign country for the first time, my mother expressed her concern through these simple questions. In hindsight, I realize that it wasn’t just then—she has always asked about my well-being.
“Are you alright?”
“Did you eat?”
“How is your health?”
There were times when her questions felt repetitive, even bothersome. But now, I understand that each one carried her love and concern for me. Unlike my mother, who was always thinking of me, I rarely asked her questions. Perhaps I once believed I knew her well enough—or, to be honest, I simply didn’t give her the attention she deserved. From now on, I will ask my mother more questions.
“Mom, have you eaten?”
“Mom, are you feeling okay?”
“Mom, how was your day?”
Just as she did for me, I will fill each question with love and care, expressing my heartfelt concern for her.