When asked what I fear most in life, I never really have an answer to give.

But secretly in my mind, I do know the answer.

I fear getting older.

I don't fear getting older because of the wrinkles I will inevitably get.

I fear getting older because that means my parents are getting older too.

Though I know the reality is we don't live forever, thinking about living a life without my parents is one of the scariest things in the world to me.

Every year they and I have a birthday. It's a constant reminder of how quickly time is passing by and that I am not a kid anymore.

Mami and Papi are getting older with me too.

Because I don't live with my parents anymore, when I go back home to visit, I really start to notice the intricate details of their faces, hands and bodies.

I look at my mom's tired eyes, surrounded with deep lines of her hard work, but still shining brighter than ever.

I look at my dad's rough, scarred hands, still able to hold so much warmth that gives an immense amount of love every time he holds mine.

I look at my parents and sometimes just want to cry. They signify the most profound love I will ever know. They will always hold one of the keys to my heart. They have sacrificed and struggled, and it was all for our family.

As an adult, I have learned to appreciate my parents more than ever before. Growing up, I was never a spoiled kid. My parents taught me lessons the hard way and I thank them for doing that. They have instilled great values in me and I am forever indebted to them for all that they have done.

I know I shouldn't think about things like this. About my parents not being with me, but sometimes it crosses my mind.

The concluding ideas that are triggered from these thoughts are that:

Time is valuable and time is short.

Every day is not promised.

Do not hold grudges.

Tell your loved ones you love them every day.

Don't ever take your parents for granted.

To my Mami and Papi, los quiero con todo mi corazon.