I have a habit, and for the past twenty years, it has never changed.

Not many people know about this habit of mine. In the past my assistants who were around me when I have performances must have witness my habit, but they never said anything about it.

My habit is, whenever I leave the hotel room that I have been staying for that period, I would turn around to say “good bye” before I take my leave.

I would thank the room for taking care of me for the past few days, and for providing me a shelter against rain and shine.

Do not be mistaken that when I say thank you to the room, I’m thanking the spirits or ghosts lingering in the room. I’m really thanking the room itself, including the ceiling, carpet, television, furniture, bed, toilet etc…everything. Thanking them for accepting my presence the past days, giving me a sense of security and comfort.

You may be asking, shouldn’t I be thanking the person who invited me to make the singing performance, for giving me money to stay in the hotel?

I would definitely thank him for that, that is a must.

But it is the room that was really taking care of me, that is the place where I spend my mornings and nights. Even if I wasn’t performing, but if I was staying at that hotel room, I would have done the same.

Regardless if it is a 5 stars hotel or some unknown hotel, I would still thank the room wholeheartedly.

Have you ever experienced, when the room is so wonderful and you have such a comfortable and pleasant stay, that when it is time to go, it is like saying good bye to an old friend. Sometimes I’m a little sad, and am fighting back the urge to cry.

This does not only apply to hotel rooms. When I leave a house that I have been putting up for a while, leaving a place where I call my home, the feeling of gratitude and sadness is even harder to explain.

When I am feeling cold, thank you for the fire in central heating that keeps me warm.

When I am feeling vulnerable, thank you for the four walls, which gives me a sense of security.

When I am feeling sleepless, thank you for the bed, which still gives me hopes of dreams.

When I think of you, thank you for the memories, which gives me an unexplainable sense of warmness.

When tears fill my eyes, thank you for the scenery, for giving me a sense of hope.

When the weather out there is harsh, thank you for giving me a back yard, where I can take care of the surroundings.

When I’m feeling lonely, thank you for the flowers and greeneries, which I can give my unconditional care and love to.

When I am feeling really low, thank you for your company, for standing by me.

I will always remember the countless times, before I take my leave, I walked into every room, saying my thanks, trying so hard not to cry.

I will never forget, when I have to go, luggage in my hand, head hung low, tears in my eyes.

I will never forget, when love does not exist in the house anymore, you were there to comfort me, being with me, and still giving me the feeling of love.

Thank you.

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