When tables turn and children try to take care of their folks instead of the other way around, that is a sure sign of time catching up on us. It gives both feeling of pride and pleasure, yet at the same time drives me like a scaredy cat. I am growing old.
It is true. But I should more than anything else, feel some kind of accomplishment. My children have shown a sense of responsibility, especially over their ageing parents.Knowing that my children have in mind to help their parents as they grow old, really keeps the heart aglow, as the saying goes. Until lately I had this thought that I am on the giving end of the line, until hubby got sick.
My first son sent over some amount to take care of the radiation therapy of his father who has stage 2 cancer on his throat. I felt like crying because I never asked my children, nor anybody for help. Despite the series of promotions I have undergone the past three years, money wasn't really that abundant.
It was part of the prize he won in a nationwide tricycle design contest. When I called him up to congratulate him ( for it was no small feat to be counted among the top ten of 180 contenders) he told me, "I am giving part of my prize to you and Dad, Mom. " The prize was not much as he did not land into the first three places, yet he was willing to share it with us. Then, my youngest child, proud that his brother has now sponsored partly her Dad's medication, added, that she can't help with the finances, but her home is open to her dad every time he goes to Cebu for therapy. And that was when my tears flowed.
I have known of other children who have helped, nurtured parents through their old age. I have admired the parents too who have sparked such love on their children. As a parent I know I have not been perfect. Neither was their father. Yet through our imperfection, they have loved us enough to recognize their parents needs and to come to their aid regardless of their situation in life. That thought was more comforting than when I could have won the lotto.
Now I am not afraid of growing old. I have tried as much as possible to see that hubby and I would be independent in our old age. But the thought that the children love us and will not abandon us as days go by, give us strength and courage to face whatever brings us in our old age.
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