Some years ago, I was chatting with an acquaintance. When asked how her Mom was, she replied, "Oh, she's getting too terrible to handle. I'm thinking of putting her in an old age home."

"What?" I couldn't believe.
"Yes. My brother and I both decided to accommodate her in this nice, comfy home situated in the south. It has all modern amenities, is self contained and moreover, she could blend in with the crowd of her same age, having similar interests like her."
Speechless with shock, I didn't reply.

I had seen her Mom on some occasions. A widow since many years, she lived with her son and her daughter alternately every six months.

She must have noticed the look on my face, so she proceeded to explain further the reason behind her decision.

My mind blanked out. I heard nothing. I came home thinking.
How could she?

What if her Mom had given her away when her hubby died, saying she couldn't handle the pressure of raising two kids? Especially her super talented, highly intelligent, educated daughter.
What about the immense sacrifice she underwent, the emotional trauma?

The pain must be taking a toll on her health both physically and mentally now. And so she behaved the way she did.
Couldn't her daughter understand?

It's a very serious issue we face today, folk.
Abuse of the elderly.

Once they get old and invalid, and all their earthly wealth's safely transferred into their greedy hands, the kids suddenly lose interest in their once revered parents. Then the shifting game begins. From one son's house to the other.

Now subject to emotional, mental taunts from their adorable kids...their misery continues. Some helplessly endure physical thrashings too. The past is brought up at regular intervals to remind them how bad they were as parents.

They suffer endlessly, albeit silently.
They already did so much for us.
Now when they're old and infirm, can't we at least grant them a proper, blissful last years on earth?
Shame on us, folk.


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