What do you want to see?
Today when I spoke to my mother, she shared that she would visit Old Age Home to meet all the elderly. I was startled to know that there is an Old Age Home also in our small city. I was left speechless for a second and in the meanwhile, my mother asked me What do you want to see. Like every normal person, I say Luxury, Good Health and Stress-free life. What does a mother want to see?
Hmm, a mother! I was a bit baffled to answer. I say that she wants to see only her children to be happy and in good shape of mind and soul. I was indirectly reminded of the selfless love of all mothers. The Mother never bothers with her condition or requirements but is always ready to serve their kids. But does the same follow for the kids too?
My mother who also works as a social worker is always available to help others. She guided me through the pattern. Here it follows:
Parents work day and night enduring hardships and struggles to ensure well being of their children. They try per their capability to provide relevant education and good jobs for their kids. In the quest to maintain these, they unknowingly are fulfilling all the needs of their children and they forget to make their kids realize their worth.
Children while studying move to hostels and later move to different cities leaving behind their loving parents far behind only waiting for their kids. The period spent in waiting vanishes like nothing but the bond that keeps you together is somewhere lost. Children learn to live alone and feel their parents are like their ATM Cards.
A reality check is done when these ATM Cards get empty or are in no position to feed any longer either physically or financially. What do you do with ATM Cards that expire? We throw the cards that are useless or not in a position to serve our motive. But Parents are living beings who ache when their loved ones throw them in these Old Age Homes to live their lives and don't even bother to ask them how they are.
Where lies the fault? Are parents wrong in spending their every penny for their children? Is Western culture much better in this Scenario? What should be changed?
Her questions made me think and I tried to figure out what a parent can do?
Never reveal your earnings to your kids
Whatever parents earn should never come into the picture of their children. Children should be told as per their needs and never the complete truth.
Spend Quality time with your Children
Parents and kids should spend quality time together so that a bond is formed that does not fade away with time. When children observe their parents respecting their grandparents and spending time with them, a habit of togetherness is inculcated.
Never leave yourself empty-handed
Parents should never spend their hard-earned money completely on their kids. They should always keep a definite amount or minimal amount for their living in the old age. Never let your kids say you are dependent on us.
Try to relive your life with your partner
Old age is a certain period when one seeks companionship and a person who understands. Let your children have their space and enjoy your upcoming childhood.
How to provide love to people in OLD AGE HOME?
Spend some quality time with them
People who are left by their loved ones as useless or not required also need love. Try spending some time whenever possible with them. They also want to share their emotions and laugh with those who love them.
Engage them in a useful manner
Try to find the best suitable work for them that they can easily do staying there. The motive is to keep them so busy that they don't get depressed.
Conclusion:
Everyone must try to see the emotions or feelings of their loved ones. Whatever we sow, we will get back the same. SOW the seed of love and togetherness.
This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge.
Old age is an eye-opener, indeed!
ReplyDeleteNice take on the prompt.
ReplyDelete“Respect your elders” is a centuries-old phrase that many people are taught to follow from a very young age. It's true that you should respect the people who are older than you, as you would respect someone the same age as you or even younger than you. It's just a part of human decency.
Nice take on the prompt.
ReplyDelete“Respect your elders” is a centuries-old phrase that many people are taught to follow from a very young age. It's true that you should respect the people who are older than you, as you would respect someone the same age as you or even younger than you. It's just a part of human decency.
In verdant fields of memory's grace,
ReplyDeleteA mother's love finds sacred space.
Her heart's embrace, a gentle plea,
"What do you truly wish to see?"
Her eyes, a mirror to the past,
Reflecting bonds meant to last.
Yet children drift like autumn leaves,
Forgetting roots, while parent grieves.
Her wisdom speaks in soft, kind tones,
Of love that's sewn in tender homes.
Spend moments rich with time and care,
A bond that time can ne'er impair.
Keep treasures safe for your own need,
Let independence be your creed.
Teach children love through deeds, not gold,
In hearts, the truest tales unfold.
In homes where elders linger long,
Their spirits crave a loving song.
Spend time, share smiles, engage their mind,
In kindness, joy, and peace you'll find.
For in the end, love's sacred tree,
Bears fruits of true felicity.
Sow seeds of love, watch them grow,
In hearts, the purest rivers flow.
This is a heartfelt and thought-provoking piece! You beautifully highlight the selfless love of mothers and the importance of valuing our parents. Your suggestions for both parents and children are practical and compassionate. The reminder to spend quality time and ensure emotional and financial independence is essential. Your words inspire us to sow seeds of love and togetherness. Well done!
ReplyDeleteRespecting not just elders but to every human being including living creatures is important. I will put few points of mine here as a parent: 1) I became a parent because I want to be one and to have one whom I can call as my child, but not to create an insurance or investment for my old age (If I do that I will call myself the biggest selfish and opportunist in life) 2) I will provide my child whatever best possible I can to my capacity but not with an expectation that he will take care of me for that. As a parent its my responsibility to do that. 3) I want him to be the best in whatever field he chooses as profession and for that he may need to go to different city, or country and may even settle there. But does that mean he need to carry me there and make me stay with him to show he cares? Or leave back the prospective future just to be with me and care? Is that what I want as a mother? This mother dont want that. 4) If showing care is so important then one day my son will get married why will I as a parent will be there in his house and why not my future Daugther in Laws parents cant be there? Responsibilities are towards both parents and bringing both under one roof can create conflict in thought process and lifestyle. The new couple should get chance to enjoy their time and moments which definitely will get spoiled as we will age that time and expectations will be different from them. To get a solution as per me stay near to them in different property with own privacy and give them privacy too. This way they can give attention to us when we need them and so we can do that when they might need us. Relationship bloom well when we know how to give space to relations. Kids do love parents but we need to allow them to express in their ways, and not like any compulsion or pressurizing expectation. 5) Mindful saving for the old age is important and everyone should do that. 6) Many old parents who think like me these days voluntarily move to old age home to get 24x7 assistance and to spend time with like minded, same age group people. Kids do come to meet them and also take on holidays and also spend the vacations at their place with their kids. I call such elderly couple as smart couple who vizualize future in the right way and get loved too by kids. 7) we should look at both side of the stories - as not all throw them in old age and even it is not easy to do that and there is law to protect them. If parents are victim in few cases , their children are also in many cases. So judgement need to be done after proper case study listening to both sides.
ReplyDeleteIt entirely my take about life from the experiences and instances I witnessed in my life. I am also someones daughter and someones. Give love and responsibilities without expectations ... I believe that will give us the chance to flavour the real taste of life... Kuch Khatta Kuch Mitha