This evening, while on my customary walk, I happened to come across my friend and his wife who'd returned to the city after a short trip. They're quick to give us an invite to spend the evening with them for supper and discussions. Since we're fancy free and footloose the offer was accepted and consequently, we're at their door by a half past 8.
It was a laid back evening with discussions on a host of issues. There were a few others too, in attendance, and the conversation veered around a fundamental aspect as I could surmise. People have already begun to worry about their future and that too, quite distant in terms of time and life. The scenario of being a 'burden'(?) to one's children due to infirmities and the consequent requirement to attach themselves to a well run old age shelter with like-minded people - whom they presume would never leave them in the lurch and who'd provide the much needed support - looms large giving them the nightmares!
I really couldn't accept their way of thinking, fundamentally because I never looked too far in life. Life is at its splendid best when one lives from one day to the next, without worrying about the uncertainties and the numerous possibilities that are mere figments of imagination. Secondly, never expect anything from the others be it even from your own folks! And take things with a smile - always and every time. It leaves people guessing....
I ended being the soothsayer with an open invitation for anyone, among them, to come and stay at my place for as much time as they chose to! And we all had a hearty laugh as we broke up, a trifle after midnight!!
Tailpiece.
Ruminating over the evening, a thought struck me as I punch in these words, "Is anyone of them having a problem with their children"? If it's in the affirmative, the blame is on them for not having brought up their children with the right values and the ways of life because looking after one's parents and elders is but a natural progression as per the diktat of nature!
It was a laid back evening with discussions on a host of issues. There were a few others too, in attendance, and the conversation veered around a fundamental aspect as I could surmise. People have already begun to worry about their future and that too, quite distant in terms of time and life. The scenario of being a 'burden'(?) to one's children due to infirmities and the consequent requirement to attach themselves to a well run old age shelter with like-minded people - whom they presume would never leave them in the lurch and who'd provide the much needed support - looms large giving them the nightmares!
I really couldn't accept their way of thinking, fundamentally because I never looked too far in life. Life is at its splendid best when one lives from one day to the next, without worrying about the uncertainties and the numerous possibilities that are mere figments of imagination. Secondly, never expect anything from the others be it even from your own folks! And take things with a smile - always and every time. It leaves people guessing....
I ended being the soothsayer with an open invitation for anyone, among them, to come and stay at my place for as much time as they chose to! And we all had a hearty laugh as we broke up, a trifle after midnight!!
Tailpiece.
Ruminating over the evening, a thought struck me as I punch in these words, "Is anyone of them having a problem with their children"? If it's in the affirmative, the blame is on them for not having brought up their children with the right values and the ways of life because looking after one's parents and elders is but a natural progression as per the diktat of nature!
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