Back in the days when people had 6-8 children, you could expect people to have atleast 1 or 2 boys who would look after their parents when they grew older. With the concept of "hum do humaare do", the odds are quite high to have 2 daughters as is the case of my family.
When you're young, there are dreams that you weave for yourself. You never take into account the fact that your parents need you as they grow older. You build dreams without them. But it really only hits you when they fall sick or grow weaker that its a choice to make - dreams against your ageing parents who have helped you realise a part of it.
My favourite quote as a teenager was "If its worth a dream, its not worth a compromise" (Copied from my sister as usual). Starting to realise that compromises are necessary to keep your support system as close to you as possible. I have always wanted to travel the world and practice medicine in different corners of the world. I have even taken a step towards realising that dream. 2 months ago, my father fell sick and my mother was so clueless and lost. I took charge and got things back on track. That was the first time it hit me that I cannot afford to be in another country while my parents are here given that my sister is away studying as well. Today I was at a store nearby when I got a call from my father who was at work. He sounded frantic as he told me that Amma was stuck at some place and couldn't walk because of her failing knees. Thankfully, I was close enough to rush back to find her and get her back home.
I shudder as I sit here and think of what could have happened if I was some place else.
My parents have always encouraged me to go live my life. They've sacrificed a lot to help me realise my dreams step by step. Do I say goodbye to that? Or do I ignore the fact that my parents are ageing and need me by their side. They're my life. There is also no denying that a man without dreams is like a bird without wings. What cruel irony.
Is there middle ground that could make us all happy? For, I live to please.
When you're young, there are dreams that you weave for yourself. You never take into account the fact that your parents need you as they grow older. You build dreams without them. But it really only hits you when they fall sick or grow weaker that its a choice to make - dreams against your ageing parents who have helped you realise a part of it.
My favourite quote as a teenager was "If its worth a dream, its not worth a compromise" (Copied from my sister as usual). Starting to realise that compromises are necessary to keep your support system as close to you as possible. I have always wanted to travel the world and practice medicine in different corners of the world. I have even taken a step towards realising that dream. 2 months ago, my father fell sick and my mother was so clueless and lost. I took charge and got things back on track. That was the first time it hit me that I cannot afford to be in another country while my parents are here given that my sister is away studying as well. Today I was at a store nearby when I got a call from my father who was at work. He sounded frantic as he told me that Amma was stuck at some place and couldn't walk because of her failing knees. Thankfully, I was close enough to rush back to find her and get her back home.
I shudder as I sit here and think of what could have happened if I was some place else.
My parents have always encouraged me to go live my life. They've sacrificed a lot to help me realise my dreams step by step. Do I say goodbye to that? Or do I ignore the fact that my parents are ageing and need me by their side. They're my life. There is also no denying that a man without dreams is like a bird without wings. What cruel irony.
Is there middle ground that could make us all happy? For, I live to please.
