A simple man tells how his booking an air ticket for his father,
his
first flight, brought emotions and made him realize that how much
we
all take for granted when it comes to our parents.
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
lufthansa.
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 football,
dresses,
toys, outings, etc. Irrespective of their affordability ,they
have
satisfied 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 ur parents.
pls pass on this mail to every child......
