Thekabarnews.com—When we travel home for Eid (mudik), it always feels different. There are long trips and hours stuck in traffic. Or, sometimes, there is trouble getting tickets. This year’s homecoming stories have become more intriguing for those in Pontianak and a few other cities in West Kalimantan. Cars have been waiting for hours to fill up at gas stations.

Something quietly tells us to stop for a moment in the middle of our busy lives. It makes us think about what we are actually following. During the walk home, we begin to let go of many things without even realizing it. Moreover, it reflect on our reputation, accomplishments, and the things we occasionally take pride in.

We eventually realized that we could return home without any pretense and still receive complete acceptance. Our parents, siblings, and even close neighbors who felt like family accepted us. A house is not always flawless. However, this is where we learn what it means to be a family and how good it feels to be together.

We are addressed by our first names, devoid of titles, rankings, or other distinctions. We enjoy dining together in a relaxed manner, such as sitting on the floor and eating casually. Furthermore, the feeling of “enough” often diminishes when we are far from home. We can get caught in the trap of pursuing societal measures of success.

For people whose parents are still alive, traveling home for Eid is an exceptional and important time. We only notice it when their faces change. Their strong shoulders weaken, and their steps are no longer quick and steady.

But one thing has not changed: how they wait for us to get home. That is where we might start to learn how to take their place. Not fast. We can begin by doing small things. For example, greeting senior family members, reconnecting with long-lost relatives, and maintaining strong family bonds. Things we thought were normal are suddenly the most important.

For people whose parents are no longer alive, traveling home for Eid must seem different. The house may seem similar, but it feels different now. The absence of a warm welcome at the door and the disappearance of the sounds we once cherished and longed for are palpable. Still, that does not mean that everything is gone.

Usually, we go home and then go on to a peaceful spot, like the cemetery. There are not many words there. Just prayers, memories, and a longing that can’t be put into words. We pray for those two virtuous people and hope that Allah will provide them serenity in the best place. We often realize—sometimes without noticing—that life is shorter than we think.

Going back home for Eid is not just about going back to your hometown. It is also like taking a break from all the small talk and pretenses of life. This experience reminds us of the most important things. It reminds us of the significance of family, the importance of togetherness, and the value of being true to oneself without needing excessive possessions.

In a world that often tells us we need to be “more,” traveling home for Eid reminds us that we are “enough.” And maybe it is what we have been looking for all along.

By: M. Hermayani Putera

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