Honor thy Father and Mother (An Aging Parent's Plea To His Child)

[Renel B. Peña]

I just want to share this poem,  a bit emotional but I  think very inspiring.

It was translated from original Tagalog. It reminds us to always honor and respect our parents.

Proverbs 1:8    My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

 

An Aging Parent's Plea To His Child (As I reach the Golden Age)

When I get old please bear with me and be patient with me.
If by chance I break some of your fine plates or spill some soup 
on your expensive table cloth, please don't get mad at me.
Old folks are very sensitive. I feel bad for myself 
when you yell at me. When my hearing fails and can't 
comprehend what you are telling me, 
please don't rub it in and tell me that I am deaf. 
Just repeat yourself, better still write these 
things down so I will better understand.

Be patient with me, I can sense my old age has taken me.
When I can't hardly get up because my knees are weak, 
help me like I used to help you when you were just learning 
how to walk. Please put up with me when I keep repeating 
myself just like a broken record. Just listen to me. 

Don't ridicule me or make fun of me. 
Do you remember those days when you were a kid and 
wanted a balloon. You kept repeating yourself over 
and over and keep bugging me till I bought that balloon. 
I was was not only patient with you but cared for you.

I may not smell my best now. At my age it takes the most 
of my energy just to be cleaned all day or get in the shower. 
My body is so weak and sometimes can't stand water temperature.
Remember when you were a kid I used to run after you and 
you would hide under the bed when it is time for you to take a shower. 

There are many times I feel moody...really grouchy. 
Believe me, it comes with old age. When you get to where I am at, 
you will definitely understand. When you got spare time, 
will you spend some of them with me. 
Few minutes will be appreciated. 
I get so lonely here at home all by myself. 
I know you guys are busy working but I know you can find 
time to give me if you want to. I am so excited 
just to talk to somebody or someone to talk to me. 

You may not be interested or tired of my stories or what 
I have to tell you...repetitious it maybe, 
pretend you are listening to me. 
When you were a toddler I always had time to listen 
to you uttering or mumbling foreign words about your 
Teddy Bear but I paid attention and patiently listened to you.

Lastly, when that time comes when I will be so sick 
and be bedridden or tied to my wheelchair, 
please do not turn your back. That is when I need you most. 
Take care of me. There will be times you have to 
clean me up, feed me and bathe me. Nasty. 
Keep in mind too that those will be the last 
moments of my life, bear with me. 
I can feel my time won't be long. 
That I promise.

When I am on my last breathe, please hold my hand. 
Give me some strength to leave this earth 
and die peacefully. When I get to meet my Creator, 
I promise and will whisper to Him that you really 
did take good care of me. Will you please? 
In return...He will also bless you 
for the unsolicited kind deeds you have done 
towards me and your mother!

[John-mary chijioke mbah]

Wow! Wonderful. I wil start something today.

[Cathleen]

Very emotional but only because they hit home, and speak the truth.  Thank you very much, Renel.

[michael kelleher]

good storey such is life