The Long Way Home (Essay 1)

Question 5:

“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.”- George Moore. Being a photographer, I often travelled around the globe in search of captivating pictures. Pictures that interested me were pictures of Mother Nature’s beauty and wonders of the world such as the Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon. However, what I really wanted to capture on film was the feeling of affection for your loved ones.

Home was something that I yearned to have the most. Since young, I had always been quiet. My father left my mother when I was at a young age. Since then, I had always envied those who had a complete home. My interest in photography started when I was in Secondary school. I joined the Media Club despite my mother’s nagging as she thought that it was a waste of time when I could join other meaningful co-curricular activities such as the National Cadet Corps where I could learn about life in the army. As the Media Club gave me chances to use the camera whenever there was an assembly, I began to take an interest in photography.

When I reached adulthood, the interest in photography had grown so much in me that I decided to travel around the world in search of pictures. When I told my mother of my decision, she blew her top as she expected me to take a job to support her. Being a hot-headed person, rashness overtook me at that time. I screamed at her and accused her of not understanding my feelings. At that time, I saw a look of sadness appearing on her face. I did not think of it much at that time because I was busy. After hollering at her, I stormed out of the house.

I spent the next few days at my friend’s house. During the time I was there, I found out that my friends were embarking on a six month trip to different parts of the world. A desire to go with them immediately blossomed in my heart. When my friend saw the longing on my face, he asked me to accompany them. I agreed immediately as this was a chance to test my photography skills. However, the cost of the trip was worrying as it required a huge sum of money and I knew that my mother was not going to agree to my demands, especially after our quarrel a few days ago.

I returned home, dreading the moment when I told my mother about my decision. Upon reaching my doorstep, I hesitated for a moment before pressing the doorbell as I prepared myself for a huge scolding. To my utmost amazement, I was swept into my mother’s arms the moment she saw me. Happiness in her face could not be described in words. She immediately ushered me into the living room and offered me a drink. Apologies were streaming out of her mouth as she felt contrite for not understanding my feelings. Touched by my mother’s affection for me, tears sprang into my eyes as I realized that I had also been in the wrong when I shouted at her when what she said to me was for my own good. After we both had calmed down, I told my mother of my decision to go for the trip. For a moment, her face was devoid of expression when she heard the cost. She then stood up and went to her safe. I was surprised when she took out her savings and handed it over to me. It was her hard-earned money saved up over the years and she was giving it to me without any complains.

“Here you go son, use the money wisely. I understand that you have an interest in photography and I will not stop you from pursuing your dream,” she uttered softly.

Having heard that, tears came into my eyes again as I thought of her generosity.

I went for the trip and gained experience when I visited places of interest and took many pictures. During these six months, I began to miss my mother and often wondered how she was. We could not communicate much as I did not stay in a place more than a week thus it was hard for us to write letters. Electronic mails did not work for us as it was inconvenient for me to carry a laptop around and furthermore, my mother was computer-illiterate. However, life was also not easy for me as I had to work in order to save money for my expenses. Home was missed even more when I had to go hungry for days if I did not have enough money.

Six months passed and I went back to my own country. I had spoken to my mother the night before using the hotel’s phone and told her that I was coming back the next day. She squealed in delight and told me to prepare for a sumptuous meal. Upon reaching Singapore, I hailed a taxi and headed for my destination. Soon after, I reached my house. When I entered my house, it was pitch dark. I was surprised as I knew that my mother would be home to welcome me back. Suddenly, the lights went on and a loud “SURPRISE” was heard. I blinked in amazement.

I realized that my mother had organized a welcome party for me. My relatives were all there. The night was spent with much joy and laughter. I told them about my journey and all the wondrous sights I had seen. However, when I told my story of having to starve for days and having to work my keep, my mother immediately burst into tears as she could not bear the thought of me suffering hardship. I comforted her and told her that there was nothing to worry about since I was back home. Gasps and cries of amazement were heard when I passed around the pictures I had taken during the trip. All of them agreed that I had a talent for photography and I should take up a job as a photographer. I was interested in this idea as I could pursue my interest and earn some money at the same time to support my family. Soon after, my relatives had decided to leave and my mother and I decided to retire for the night.

When I woke up the next day, my mother prepared a magnificent breakfast for me as she felt that she had a duty to fatten me up. While I was eating, I pondered over the idea about working as a photographer and decided to give it a shot. I flipped through the newspaper and found a caption that says “WOULD YOU LIKE TO TOUR AROUND THE WORLD AND EARN MONEY AT THE SAME TIME? ALL YOU NEED ARE GOOD PHOTOGRAPY SKILLS AND YOU ARE ON THE WAY TO MANY SCENIC PLACES AROUND THE COUNTRY.” I was interested at once and in the blink of an eye, I rushed out of the front door.

I went for the interview and showed them the pictures I had taken during the trip. I was given the job after a few more tests on my photography skills. I was over the moon. As fast as an eagle, I rushed home, wanting to tell my mother about the good news.

Years passed and I had traveled around many countries. I had won many awards due to my good photography skills. However, even though I had many fabulous pictures, I did not have a picture that showed affection. I was in Holland at that time because of an assignment that required me to take pictures of the windmills. In the midst of having my lunch, I suddenly thought of my mother. I realized how much she had done for me, forgiving me for shouting at her even though it was my fault. She had used up her hard-earned savings for my trip, taking great pains to plan my welcoming party. As fast as light, I rushed back to my hotel and packed my things. I was going to a place where I knew that I could take the picture I had always longed for. I sighed. The long way home was made shorter by the fact that I had finally understood my mother’s love and sacrifice and, it was time to return.

By Seah Choon Kiat
Sec 4A / 2009
1407 words