I thought everyone hoped to find a job or some kind of work in their hometown, where they would be close to home, could come back often, and would not leave their parents worrying.
But the pressures of making a living forced some people to look for work elsewhere, in places very far away, far from their hometowns. Though they were very reluctant, they had little choice, because earning a living meant they had to find work in those distant places to support themselves.
Everyone hoped to make something of themselves, and everyone hoped to become very rich. But if the day ever came when you truly had money, you would find that you had neglected many people along the way. You might have neglected your loved ones, or you might discover that you spent more time with your work than with your family.
If that time truly came, you would find that you had lost a great deal. Though you had to earn your living, you still needed to make more time along the way to be with your family. Only then would you keep the distance between you and your family from growing.
Every parent hoped their children would make something of themselves, but when they grew old, they all hoped their children would spend more time talking to them and keeping them company.
That was quite a contradiction, too. Parents were deeply saddened if their children failed to make something of themselves, yet for their children to succeed, they had to leave that little place and pursue opportunities somewhere bigger.
Every child needed to go through a process of growing up. Everyone learned many new things during that process and discovered many new things, and only by daring to venture out and struggle could they succeed.
Ruri