Life is like a circle. One day, we’re children whose parents lovingly take care of our every need. Then years later when our parents reach their golden years, the roles are reversed and we find ourselves in the role of caretaker.
Our parents might need help getting around town or taking care of day-to-day chores, or they might even be struck with Alzheimer’s or another dehabilitating disease that requires patience and the love of a child.
But in the busyness of life, it’s easy to forget all that our parents have done for us. And I know that I haven’t always been there for my mom as much as I should.
So when I read this letter, I instantly thought of my mother and couldn’t help but shed a tear. Just like the woman who wrote this letter, my mom has always been there for me no matter what.
In the letter, the writer gently reminds her daughter of how she patiently cared for her as she grew up, and she asks her daughter to return that same patience and love when she gets older. It’s a beautiful reminder of how much our parents do for us and how we should treat our parents when they end up needing help from us.
It’s a letter that I think everyone needs to read before their parents get too old. Read it below and share it with your friends and siblings
“My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: ‘You said the same thing a minute ago.’ Just listen, please.
Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way. Remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair, and dealing with life’s issues every day.
The day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient, or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad—just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you, my darling daughter.”
If you were also touched by this letter, plase share it as a tribute to parents everywhere!
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