Our family isn't really big on constantly saying/expressing love, and it's the case in many Chinese families. The notion of having to verbally tell someone 'I love you' is seen as somewhat contrived, because real love is unconditional and unwavering.
So it's really times like these, during big occasions, where you really feel AND see the love. My dad spent a lot to fly back from China to attend my graduation (AND drive us all there), only to return back the next day. My grandparents, uncle and auntie insisted on buying me gifts, and even though my mum had already gotten me a jade bracelet this summer, she insisted on getting me some more presents on behalf of my family.
I was pained to see them spend so much time, money and effort on this one occasion in my life. At any other time, this kind of frivolous spending would be frowned upon. My grandparents, and parents, who grew up in poverty had always extolled the virtues of being frugal. I suppose for them, it's not just one ceremony, or one occasion, but an expression of how proud they are of me and how much they love me.
Frankly, I was just happy that I'd managed to graduate! (Woop woop).
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