Realize that how much we all take for granted when it comes to our
parents.
My parents left for our native place on Thursday and we
went to the airport to see them off. In fact, my father had never
traveled by air before, so I just took this opportunity to make him
experience the same. In spite of being asked to book tickets by train,
I got them tickets on Jet Airways. The moment I handed over the tickets
to him, he was surprised to see that I had booked them by air. The
excitement was very apparent on his face, waiting for the time of
travel. Just like a school boy, he was preparing himself on that day
and we all went to the airport, right from using the trolley for his
luggage, the baggage check-in and asking for a window seat and waiting
restlessly for the security check-in to happen. He was thoroughly
enjoying himself and I, too, was overcome with joy watching him
experience all these things.
As they were about to go in for the security check-in,
he walked up to me with tears in his eyes and thanked me. He became
very emotional and it was not as if I had done something great but the fact
that this meant a great deal to him.
When he said thanks, I told him there was no need to
thank me. But later, thinking about the entire incident, I looked back
at my life. As a child, how many dreams our parents have made come
true. Without understanding the financial situation, we ask for cricket bats,
dresses, toys, outings, etc. Irrespective of their affordability, they
have catered to all our needs. Did we ever think about the sacrifices
they had to make to accommodate many of our wishes? Did we ever say
thanks for all that they have done for us? Same way, today when it
comes to our children, we always think that we should put them in a good
school. Regardless of the amount of donation, we will ensure that we
will have to give the child the best, theme parks, toys, etc. But we
tend to forget that our parents have sacrificed a lot for our sake
to see us happy, so it is our responsibility to ensure that their dreams
are realized and what they failed to see when they were young. It is
our responsibility to ensure that they experience all those and their life
is complete.
Many times, when my parents had asked me some questions,
I have actually answered back without patience. When my daughter asks
me something, I have been very polite in answering. Now I realize how
they would have felt at those moments.
Let us realize that old age is a second childhood and
just as we take care of our children, the same attention and same care
needs to be given to our parents and elders. Rather than my dad saying
thank you to me, I would want to say sorry for making him wait so long
for this small dream. I do realize how much he has sacrificed for my
sake and I will do my best to give the best possible attention to all
their wishes.
Just because they are old does not mean that they will
have to give up everything and keep sacrificing for their grandchildren
also. They have wishes, too.
