The Mother's Last Letter

Ahmad was a poor but hardworking young man. He worked in a city far away from his village, while his mother lived alone back home. Ahmad would send some money home every month, but due to his busy schedule, he couldn't visit his mother for months at a time.

His mother would often say over the phone, "Son, find some time and come visit; it has been so long since I last saw you."

Ahmad would reply with a laugh, "Ammi, just let me get a promotion this time, then I will take a long leave and come home."

Time passed. The race for promotion, overtime work, and dreams of a better future distanced Ahmad even further from his mother. He believed that there was still plenty of time left.

One day, while working at the office, he received a phone call from a village neighbor.

"Ahmad son, come home immediately. Your mother's health is very bad."

Ahmad's hands began to tremble. He immediately took leave and set off for the village. All along the way, he kept praying that his mother would be alright.

When he reached home, there was a crowd of people outside. Ahmad's heart began to beat rapidly. He rushed inside, but it was too late. His mother had already departed this world.

Ahmad sat at his mother's feet and wept bitterly.

"Ammi, please open your eyes just once. I have arrived. Look, your Ahmad is here."

But there was to be no answer now.

After the funeral, Ahmad remained silent for many days. One day, while cleaning his mother's room, he found an envelope under her pillow. Written on it was:

"To my dear son Ahmad"

Ahmad opened the letter with trembling hands.

"My son, if you are reading this letter, I might not be with you anymore. I know you are working very hard to make your life better. I am proud of you.

Son, I never complained about you visiting me so rarely, because I knew you were working hard for my sake. But I want to say one thing.

In life, wealth, success, and high status can all be achieved, but the time of parents never returns. Whenever you miss me, do not regret. Just remember that my greatest joy was a single glimpse of you, a single smile of yours.

I always prayed for your success. If you ever feel my absence in your heart, help someone in need. It will make me feel as if you have given me a gift.

Stay happy, my son.

Your mother."

As he read the letter, tears streamed down Ahmad's face. For the first time, he realized that in the race for success, he had lost life's most precious relationship.

From that day onward, Ahmad changed completely. He would help everyone in need, respect the elders, and advise others:

"Spend time with your parents. Everything in the world can be regained, but moments that have passed never return."

And whenever he remembered his mother, tears would well up in his eyes, but the light of his mother's prayers remained alive in his heart forever.