I saw this one video on TikTok talking about how you need to talk to your parents more as they get older. Talk to them about their life, their experiences and ask them how they are genuinely doing more often. This video in particular said that she had seven questions for her mom, but I changed it up to only six. These were the questions I asked…
- What’s your happiest memory of us?
- What was your first year of motherhood like for you?
- What’s the nicest thing I’ve ever done for you?
- What do you want most for Alexandros (my brother) & I?
- What has been the best & worst parts of getting older?
- What’s one thing you want me to always remember?
Just remember to be a little more kind and patient to your parents, this is their first time going through life too. Give your loved ones a big hug today, and if you can’t get near them, give them a call or text. Tell them you’re thinking of them. And if the person you’re thinking about is no longer with us, write a letter to them. Or write your thoughts down in a journal, they’re with you for as long as you remember and honor their memory. Love you all, keep a smile on your face through all the madness.
Here are the answers my mother, Khadija Kouiroukidis, gave me on the night of November 28th.
1A. Definitely you and your graduation at VCU. And also when I used to sit and read books with you when you were little.
I love when we have a really sincere conversation and you speak from the heart and I see that you have a good heart. Me seeing that is almost like a relief that I did well like, “oh, he got it.”
I guess it’s also the happiest like many times when I used to see you at church in the altar helping and being part of the whole thing. That really made me happy.
2A. *Editor’s note* she audibly gasped when I said this question.
It was exciting. Like I’m trying to apply everything I learned about kids in all these books. Taking a lot of pictures every month, with every outfit.
They say this about the first child, they get a lot more attention. I have a lot more pictures of you than Alexandros because at the time, I only had to pay attention to you.
If I put you down in one place you’re more than likely going to stay there. It was difficult, but all good things were happening.
Your dad opened his own company, we bought our own house when you were born, all good things started happening.
3A. Many things. You make me laugh and I think through you I learned a lot of things about letting go. Like when you say “we move”, that truly meant something to me. Like staying positive.
When we’re walking together you always look back and come and get me.
You always want to make sure I’m okay.
4A. Hmmmm, what do I want the most. Well, there’s many things I want the most.
First, I want you to stay close to your faith, be healthy and always stick together.
I pray I see the day that guys are satisfied and happy with the dream job that you want. And obviously to find your soulmates and have your own places.
I’m not so, so hurried to see grandchildren, but they will come.
5A. *Editor’s note* she started laughing as soon as I asked this
Let’s start with the worst. The worst of getting older is, feeling my health deteriorating. Like the pain, I hate that feeling. I feel when my legs or back hurt a lot more now.
The best for me getting older, I think I’m more knowledgeable, more confident, I accomplished more and I’m happy with my family.
I wouldn’t change it for anything.
6A. “There are many things I want to say Yanni. Well, I guess the famous quote, “be yourself because everyone else is taken.”
Never try to change for someone else, because you have a gift in many different ways.
Never change.
