I’ve decided to write about this topic because I was moved by the actor J.K. Simmons in his Oscar acceptance speech in 2015. After he thanked some people, he said:
“ ……..call your mom….. Everybody, I’m told it’s like a billion people or so call your mom call your dad. If you’re lucky enough to have a parent or two alive on this planet call them don’t text don’t email call them on the phone, tell them you love them, thank them, and listen to them for as long as they want to talk to you, thank you, thank you, Mom and Dad”.
These were his exact words. These two sentences moved me.
Life has a way of speeding by, especially when you’re busy with work, family, and everyday responsibilities. But there’s one thing you should never let slip through the cracks—your relationship with your parents. Every phone call, every visit, and every “I love you” is something to treasure.
They’re the ones who gave you life, cared for you when you were small, and did their best to raise you. No matter how old you are, or how complicated life becomes, make time for them. Call them every chance you get.
Your parents deserve your respect. They have seen things and lived through experiences you might not even realize. Be grateful for all they’ve done for you, for all the sacrifices they made, whether big or small. Even if your relationship isn’t perfect, there’s always room for gratitude. Sometimes, just a simple “thank you” can mean the world to them.
One day, you’ll be in their shoes. Your children will grow up, and life will move forward. How do you want them to treat you? How do you want them to connect with you? Your relationship with your parents today can be a model for how your children will treat you in the future. If you show love, patience, and respect toward your parents, your kids are more likely to learn from your example.
It’s not just about duty or obligation. It’s about the deep, emotional connection that family brings. When you celebrate with your parents, you’re celebrating the family bond that holds you together. And your children are watching and learning.
Time with our loved ones is limited, and we often don’t realize it until it’s too late. Don’t wait for a special occasion to call your parents or express how much they mean to you. Every day is an opportunity to show your appreciation. Tell them you love them, not just on holidays or birthdays, but on any random Tuesday when the thought crosses your mind.
Our time with our parents is never enough, so whatever you do, make sure to celebrate them. Whether it’s a quick call or a long visit, every moment counts.
Celebrate your parents. Love them. And most importantly, never forget to show them how much they mean to you while you still can.
CALL YOUR PARENTS!
GK
Georgi Kisyov – Reflections & Books 
Golden advice. My dad passed away when I was 15. My mum passed away in 2024, we were very close. Although they are always in my heart and mind, I wish I could make one last call. So if your parents are alive, pick up your phone before the line is down.
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Thank you for sharing something so personal. Your words are a powerful reminder in themselves — and I’m truly sorry for your loss. That one last call… so many of us carry that same wish.
Sending you warmth and gratitude.
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🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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My mother is 84 years old. The last time I saw her was about ten years ago, at my Grammy’s funeral. I knew then that we would likely never see each other again, due to physical issues, finances, and 2,000 miles between us, so I made sure that our parting hug was long and strong.
In this era of cell phones and unlimited calling within the country, Ma and I do a twice weekly call that we call “Having Coffee”. We both are late sleepers, so we wake about noon on our respective times (I am an hour earlier than her). Once we are both awake, we have a good long phone call, drink coffee, share memories, she tells me stories about growing up in Boston and about my grandparents, great grandparents, aunt, grand aunts and uncles, and my dad. I tell her about my kids. We both rail about the political situation in this country.
I treasure Coffee Time with Ma, and dread the day that will come when she’s not here for the calls. Her family tree, both sides, runs to people living well into their nineties, as does my dad’s (except for him, due to cancer), so I’ve got her probably for another ten years, and I intend to make the most of it!
Call your parents!
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Jenn, thank you so much for sharing this. What a powerful image—a long, strong hug at a funeral, knowing it might be the last time you see each other in person. That stayed with me.
Your “Coffee Time with Ma” sounds like a sacred ritual—rich with stories, laughter, memories, and love. What a gift, not just for you, but for her as well. I’m so touched by your devotion and presence. May those calls continue for many more years, and may they always fill your hearts with connection.
Yes—call your parents. Every moment matters. ❤️
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My mother will be 95 on August 21. She is fighting to become the oldest living sibling. She will be the longest living family member to have made it as long as she has. We used to visit for hours, now we visit for five minutes by telephone. Her mind is no longer there to carry on much after that. I have talked to her and received so much from her, however I have two siblings who have not. They never call or even mention her on holidays. I make sure they are aware she is still living. They have grown in to a life that doesn’t include others and that is sad.
Calling your parents should be more than a courtesy — it ought to be something we’re taught in school, part of becoming better, more thoughtful human beings. It may not come easily to everyone, but the effort matters. One day, when they’re gone, you’ll find yourself wondering who that oddball relative belonged to — was it Ed’s side or Alfreda’s? You’ll wish you had the stories, the history, the little details that only they could tell.
Your parents carry the legacy of how your family came to be, why certain choices were made, and what shaped their lives — and yours. If you don’t ask, you may never know why the family stayed home that one Christmas Eve instead of going to your grandparents’.
They often hold onto these memories, waiting for the day someone finally asks. And when they do say, “Why don’t you come over and I’ll tell you about it?” — go.
Pick up the phone. Make the visit. While you still can.
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Hello there,
Thank you for sharing such a deeply personal reflection. Your love and care for your mother shine through every word, and it’s a beautiful example of what it means to truly honor someone’s life. I’m so sorry that your siblings don’t share the same closeness, but I admire that you continue to show up for her and keep her presence known.
You’re absolutely right—calling, visiting, and asking questions is more than a courtesy; it’s preserving the threads of our family’s story before they disappear. Your words are a powerful reminder to all of us to treasure the moments, however short they may be now, and to hold onto the history our parents carry.
Regards,
Georgi
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I lost both my parents in the past few years. They were some of the few people who would always listen to how my day, week, life was going, no matter how mundane. I miss those calls terribly…. Thanks for this post, I hope it reaches people.
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Hello,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your words touched me—there’s something so irreplaceable about parents being the ones who listen, even to the smallest details of our lives. Those calls may seem ordinary, but they carry a kind of love and presence that nothing else can replace. Thank you for sharing this here—I believe your story will remind others just how precious those conversations are while we still have them. 🌿❤️
Have a wonderful weekend.
GK
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