What a strange title you might say, but parents too grow. They grow when they realize in life how their children have grown. When they begin to see you as individuals.
It is true circumstances force you to look at people in a new light. Recently, my parents came visiting for a couple of weeks. And it was enlightening for all of us. It was an entirely new feeling for me, and for them, to see that the tide has turned. I was pampering them for a change. But the feelings were mixed. Just as much as I realized how much I enjoyed giving them a royal treatment, I question myself with guilt, what had stopped me to do so earlier. Distance does make close relationships go stronger I believe.
They seemed frail this time around when I saw them. Both have lost weight I think. Time has left its marks on them I think. They are still the same people (in spirit). Mom is still obsessed with showering her love on us via food and Dad now has a new fixation –Sudoku. But something had changed in our equation this time round. Both realized (finally) that I have grown, that I am managing a house on my own and generally working my way out in an alien city. They do not doubt my capabilities. I would have managed to do so anytime in my life, if given the opportunity. But as they say, they needed to see in order to believe. I feel a sense of pride in them for me and I am glad I could give them both moments of joy and some quality time.
We think parents shall always be around. We seem to believe they are permanent fixtures and shall always be just a phone call away. But I wish we all value them enough to spend quality time with them. Off course, you have your independent life too. But nothing shall give them greater joy to hear your voice or feel your hug.
So what’s stopping you? Go surprise them with an unexpected gesture. Do something quirky. You all shall cherish later, I promise.
It is true circumstances force you to look at people in a new light. Recently, my parents came visiting for a couple of weeks. And it was enlightening for all of us. It was an entirely new feeling for me, and for them, to see that the tide has turned. I was pampering them for a change. But the feelings were mixed. Just as much as I realized how much I enjoyed giving them a royal treatment, I question myself with guilt, what had stopped me to do so earlier. Distance does make close relationships go stronger I believe.
They seemed frail this time around when I saw them. Both have lost weight I think. Time has left its marks on them I think. They are still the same people (in spirit). Mom is still obsessed with showering her love on us via food and Dad now has a new fixation –Sudoku. But something had changed in our equation this time round. Both realized (finally) that I have grown, that I am managing a house on my own and generally working my way out in an alien city. They do not doubt my capabilities. I would have managed to do so anytime in my life, if given the opportunity. But as they say, they needed to see in order to believe. I feel a sense of pride in them for me and I am glad I could give them both moments of joy and some quality time.
We think parents shall always be around. We seem to believe they are permanent fixtures and shall always be just a phone call away. But I wish we all value them enough to spend quality time with them. Off course, you have your independent life too. But nothing shall give them greater joy to hear your voice or feel your hug.
So what’s stopping you? Go surprise them with an unexpected gesture. Do something quirky. You all shall cherish later, I promise.
