Tomorrow, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, we will usher in a traditional festival full of deep affection — the Double Ninth Festival.

         The number nine is considered a yang number in Chinese culture, and the double occurrence of nine gives the festival its name "Chongyang" (Double Ninth). On this day, there is the lofty ambition of climbing heights to look far, the longing expressed by wearing dogwood, and the elegance of tasting cakes and drinking wine. However, in the fast-paced modern life, the core significance of the Double Ninth Festival lies more in its new connotation — "China's Senior Citizens' Day"

        It is like a gentle reminder, urging us to pause for the most important elders in our lives amid the hustle and bustle of time.

        We often say that there will be plenty of time ahead. We think we can wait until we achieve success to stay by their side and make them happy; we think we can wait until we have leisure to listen to their chatter. But we often forget that time never stops for anyone. As we strive forward, we may inadvertently fall behind their fading figures.

        Their world may be getting smaller and smaller because of our busyness; their chatter may be nothing more than one of the few ways to communicate with us. The upright back that once sheltered us from the wind and rain has unknowingly hunched over; the strong hands that once led us through streets and alleys are now covered with the traces of time.

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       This Double Ninth Festival, besides expressing blessings on social media, can we do more?

        Companionship is the best gift. If possible, please go home. Have a home-cooked meal with them, listen to their interesting stories from the past, and chat about recent family trivialities. Your patient listening is their greatest comfort.Greetings are instant warmth. If you are far away from home, a phone call or a video call is enough to convey your concern. Tell them to add clothes when it gets cold, and remind them to eat on time and take care of their health. Your few words can dispel the loneliness in their hearts for the whole day.

         Action is the truest filial piety. Book a comprehensive physical examination for them, teach them to use smartphones to video call us, or simply sit quietly beside them and watch a TV drama they like.

       Year after year, the Double Ninth Festival comes again. Time never grows old, and love always lingers in our hearts.

       Don’t let love only exist on this festival; don’t let companionship become the greatest luxury in our future years.

      On this day of respecting the elderly, may all elders in the world be healthy, smile often, and enjoy lasting happiness!