Enjoy the joy of giving back-- whenever, wherever, and however you can...

The last couple of months, while working closely on eldercare, I have seen kids either just trying to feel burdened or shrugging off their duties. Of course, many adore them and would go to any extent to ensure that their parents are happy and comfortable. Unfortunately, this category is outnumbered by those who are just trying to be done with parenting their parents, not realizing that they too would be walking that path. I think the pandemic has given us all the opportunity to catch up with our responsibilities, which when done with love is amazingly gratifying. I discovered my joy...please go and experience yours before it’s too late. They fought all odds in loving and caring for you...it’s your turn to do so. No, you don’t have to sacrifice your dreams unlike old times, there are a plethora of options available today. All it takes is compassion, understanding, and a lot of tactful handling (which they too did for you). A gratifying and rewarding experience COVID-19 times gave me the opportunity of personally taking care of my dad, many a time with no resource. Which means, I shaved him, bathed him, fed him, put him to bed, at 89 years. He is just like an innocent child-- Negotiating what he wants to eat & when….I am told I did that when I was a child. Negotiates bathing, especially in winters….I am told I did too. He goes to sleep after a bath….am told I did too. He often gets scared at night ….am told I did too. At nights he wets the bed & needs to be put in a diaper…..am told the same happened with me. He keeps falling, gets hurt…I rush him to hospitals…..I am told I made him do that too. He looks adorable after a shower & a head massage….am told I looked too He gleams with joy when I come back from office…I am told I did too. And in doing all these I find a great sense of joy and satisfaction in my everyday life-- which for me is my biggest reward and true happiness. The deep fulfillment that comes from caring for my father helps me to remain as positive as possible while navigating through some of life’s most challenging situations. I’m sure, if I am experiencing all these ….others must be too.

#eldercare, #seniorcare,#parents,#oldage,#covid