OUR PARENTS

[Guest guest]

Conversation... this was narrated by an IAF pilot to IIT students on

Special seminar for HUMAN RELATION.

 

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 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

need 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. Take care of your parents; it's your turn.