Young Regan, in his late teens stepped into the college to pursue his studies in the field of medicine. Inspite of hailing from a remote under-developed village, his desire to become a reputed physician began to take shape with his parents’ encouraging words to perform well in studies while at his higher secondary education. Being their only son, his parents shed the sweat from their brow in raising him up since he was born. They began to accumulate cash little by little from their hard work to fulfil their dreams to get him enrolled into a reputed medical college; as a result of which, they had to go bed hungry a countless night, but not Regan. As Regan grew up, he also developed a passion to learn medicine and emerge as an efficient physician. That particular day of stepping into the college for the very first time was a dream come true for both the parents and the son. The parents dropped him at the college hostel, bade goodbye and parted. The parents and the son had frequent mails exchanged and the parents never failed to send their son the enough cash he asked for every time. Things went on well for a year. Slowly Regan got into bad company and his letters to his loving parents turned too short, with only the cash he was in need of as the only content. His parents thought that their son was too busy with his studies that he couldn’t find time to write lengthy letters as earlier. They were much happy that their son was sending them letters without fail, though his letters lacked words of comfort and love.

One fine evening, a letter from Regan reached their mailbox with the content, “Mummy and Daddy, I will not be sending any more letters, but don’t forget to send me the usual cash you used to send. For any reason, don’t come to visit me. This is your son Regan signing off.” Though the old parents were shocked to read this text, they consoled themselves that he should be seriously busy with studies, as his year of graduation drew closer. They kept on sending the cash he was expecting with the only desire that their son should be happy always. A couple of years passed by….no letters were exchanged…. the parents grew sick to see their son. On account of the mother’s nudging, the father decided to go and meet their son at the college hostel inspite of the restrictions put forth by their only loving son. With an old bag full of village goodies and eatables, the father travelled to meet his son.

The joy that he would be seeing his son’s face overpowered the pain in his weak and feeble legs tired of illness. He walked to his hostel room after signing up the visitors register at the lounge. He knocked at the door calling “Regan”. As soon as Regan stepped out, he was shocked to see his father in his old outfit, with a big old bag. He quickly shouted at his father for stepping in to visit him and quickly sent him away without even enquiring of his mom’s wellness. Shocked with disappointment, his father stood there as Regan slammed the door. Before his father could leave, he almost fainted when he heard his son’s reply to one of his friends who asked him who was that old man at the door he was talking to; for Regan replied, “oh, that old man? He is one of my servants back there at home. Seems my father had sent him.” With a lump in his throat, Regan’s father walked back home; his journey back home seemed much miles farther than usual. Choosing not to reveal his son’s behaviour to his wife, he said that his son was fit and fine, and that he is doing well in his studies. He also said that he conveyed his love to his mother.

Years rolled by and now Regan emerged as a reputed physician. He gathered wealth, built new house and made his parents to dwell together with him. It was then time to get married. Preparations for the wedding was in full swing and finally the day had come. When the exchange of vows was to begin, Regan searched for his father to be beside him, but couldn’t spot him anywhere. He sent word to bring his dad. After searching for him all over the arena, he was spotted in his old dirty clothes at a corner of the dining zone, cleaning the tables. When he was told that his son needed him, he replied with tears, “I’m not his father, am one of his servants back there at home.” Regan, on hearing this reply brought to him, realised these very words he spoke concerning his father years back during his course of study. He felt ashamed for dishonouring his loving father who shed his sweat to raise him up amidst all odds. Rushing from the wedding hall, he ran to his father, knelt down at his feet, and sobbed wildly, seeking for his forgiveness. And there bloomed a true bond of love. His father took his son gently, hugged him, and wiped off his tears, put on the attire purchased for him and with the pride of winning his son’s love, walked by his side down the aisle, as his lips murmured thanks to Almighty God! He whispered in his son’s ears, “Son, Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Regan nodded with assurance as tears of joy rolled down his father’s cheeks.
"Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." Exodus 20: 12