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.
