Parents!!
A 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 … For it is the least we could do ..
