Tagline: "They gave us everything; now it’s our turn to be their strength."

In the many chapters of life, we gain wisdom and face countless experiences. But there’s nothing quite as humbling as watching our parents grow older. When we're young, our attention is often drawn elsewhere—school, friends, work, future plans. We don’t notice the subtle changes: the once-jet-black hair now dusted with gray, the strong voices turning softer, and the steady hands now seeking support.

In teenage years, we’re glued to our books and activities, too busy to see that our parents are starting to cover their gray hair with dye. College brings excitement, friendships, and endless new experiences; we’re caught up in the whirlwind of youth. Little do we think about the toll time is taking on our parents, who once carried us so effortlessly.

As we spend on skincare, fashion, and the latest trends, we overlook the quiet wear in our father’s walk, the little fatigue showing in his every step. Our skin may glow, but theirs has started to lose its luster, and their bodies—once our source of unwavering strength—begin to show signs of age. We’re busy chasing our dreams while they continue to support us, hiding the small struggles they face each day.

And while we can’t stop time, we can help ease its journey. It’s within our power to give them what they once gave us—unconditional love, care, and patience. They don’t need us to stay up all night or tend to them as they did for us; they just need a bit of our time and a lot of our attention. The simplest act, like putting down our screens and giving them our undivided presence, can mean the world to them.

We’re knowledgeable and tech-savvy, diving into discussions about science, technology, and the latest trends. But how about becoming emotionally aware too? Are we paying attention to the physical and emotional changes our parents are going through? From understanding the realities of aging, like menopause for mothers or joint pains for fathers, to being sensitive to their changing needs, our maturity is truly shown in how well we adapt to their needs.

In our busy lives, it’s easy to miss their sacrifices, the hidden pains, and the signs of their aging. We owe it to them to stay informed about their health, encourage exercise, a balanced diet, and to be there for their stories and their laughter.

So, to all my fellow readers, let’s take a step back and realize the importance of truly “seeing” our parents. They were once the shelter we needed; now, it’s our turn to be that shelter for them.