What does happiness and success mean to you?

Six months ago, I went to and from hospitals and doctors with my father due to his condition. His left hip was fractured in a freak home accident a year ago, that led to the worsening of his prostate condition.

It felt the hospital and doctor visits would never end. I was already feeling it would be a normal part of my day.

During the waiting times, I would sit down at the doctor’s lounge and check Facebook Stories. Some friends were out somewhere having fun.

Friends can travel. They can have fun at the beach, try new food, feel no worry.

Not for me. There I was in my new world, in an enclosed space, with a mask, beside my father, waiting for our turn to see his doctor.

To be clear, I did not like the situation. I hated it. Because my father could be in a better situation. We could be in a better situation.

I felt envious of those friends.

I asked, “Why can’t my life be like that? It’s not that I don’t want to be with my father. But why can’t we be like that?”

Then I realized that the people I’m envious with also have their own problems — they also worry some things day and night. Some of them no longer have parents to take care of.

When I thought of that, I put down my phone and hugged my father. I told myself that no matter how hard it’s going to be in the coming days and months, I will be present at every moment.

That’s what happened until my father relocated in heaven.

If you define success based on what you see and what the world tells you, you’d really be far behind.

Check your heart and your intention.

In those times when I felt left behind, I saw this post. This reminded me that I am where I am supposed to be.