Page 23 - Seniors Today - July 2021 Issue

PTA, we were summoned by the principal. wants is to be dependent on their children.
Similarly, you might have to take me to the
doctors and it will be your turn to be told
off.
Relationship shift
A person is known as so-and-so’s child, and
it is a proud moment for parents when their
children excel and even overtake parental
achievements. Papa kehta hain bada naam
karega. The chest swells up when parents
are referred as so-and-so’s mom and dad.
Beyond the biological relationship comes a
relationship of love. Parents create a family,
a child understands love from parents. They
nurture family relationships, build love
and trust between their children. Strong
relationships help each other through good
times and bad. Remember, all the virtues
of having strong family bonds do not come
overnight and one has to continuously work
towards this. Parental love has no other
desire except to fulfil itself.
Once a child grows up and comes into his
own, the relationship undergoes a change.
Parents are parents because a child wants
them to be parents. There could also be a
time when parents have no control over
the situation they are in; children can get
arrogant, rude, rough-talk their parents and
even cheat them. It’s humiliating for a parent
when a child conveys that their wellbeing is
dependent on his charity. Parental blessings
create an armour which no arrow can pierce
and parental curses become arrows that no
armour can contain. The last thing a parent
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #25 | JULY 2021
You drive your car and let me drive mine,
but keep a watchful eye on me through the
rear view mirror.
Love, not sympathy
Sometimes I could walk into a room and not
know why I went there, or even lose the key
which is lying right in front. It could happen
that I could lose track of what we are talking
about; give me time to remember – and if
I can’t, don’t be impatient or arrogant. It
could also happen that I may lose control
over my toilet functions. Please do not get
angry or embarrassed. Please be patient and
try to understand what I am going through.
Just know that the most important thing for
me is to be with you. Parents want love, not
sympathy.
When my old, tired legs don’t let me move
as quickly as before, give me your hand the
way I held on to you when you first learnt
to walk. When those days come, don’t feel
sad – just be with me and indulge me with
love and understanding while I get to the
end of my life. Parents hold a child’s baby
fingers and help them cross roads. These
fingers grow up to be strong hands and help
parents in their final crossing.
In case I get dementia, it is my express
desire not to be given life extension
medication. Do not put me on a ventilator
or make a hole in my throat. I know you
love me, but it would be selfish to hold on to
me and to put me through so much of pain.
So let me go, and after I have gone have a
nice party with great music. I don’t want
someone singing “Maati kahe kumbhaar
se.” I will cherish and thank you for the gift
of time, love and joy which we have shared.
With a big smile and all the love that I have
always had for you’ll I just want to say I
Love You.
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