Paying back - a forgotten trait?

Few weeks back I happened to see a senior colleague of mine after more than a decade. The man was identified by the same enthusiasm in words and unique actions and we were mutually overjoyed to meet after such a long gap. After exchanging the usual pleasantries, he was obviously curious to know about my position and after hearing me said that he was really happy at my growth. The words were more seen in his eyes rather than coming out of his mouth.

At that point, I noticed a sadness- a melancholy in his voice – like a violin strung at the backdrop. Though I could sense that he was not exactly happy, I didn’t want to pry further. To put him more at ease, I asked about his son, about whom he always talked proudly and in a typical south Indian way, he had once remarked that “he is all in my life”. The moment I enquired, he came down in torrents as to how he is not with them, how he has purchased a house without even telling the parents and how he has not even spoken to them for the past so many months. In the present day circumstances, some of the above are perfectly expected activities, though not justifiable, but what made me sad is to think as to how this man has struggled to bring him up. His acts were not in the usual way of an Indian father supporting his son. This son had specific problems in that he could not speak and hear from birth. The parental couple nurtured him, took pains to get him a very decent job and to top it all get married to a girl with similar challenges. I am aware of the extreme pains he underwent to make his son come up all the way.

What do you think is the motive of this father? Was he aiming to eat out of his son in his old age? For your information this father had enough property to support his son , even if he had chosen to sit at home. All they brought him was his self esteem and taught him to walk like a normal man, head high. After undergoing all these struggles, if the son does not reciprocate – not with money- but with some simple lovable gestures- what else you expect the father to do but to come out in torrents at the drop of the hat! This elderly couple, both past 70, is now living alone, without the physical comforts of the son, who was once “everything in their life”.

My dear sons of such similar parents- are you listening? What is it that you are going to achieve by hurting your poor parents? Have you ever thought of the goal of your life? Instead just for a change think about the goals of this father and see how futile they have become. I am not shedding tears for this old couple but for the coming generations of such sons and daughters. Of course, your parents are going to be delighted when you come up in life, get educated and grab a plum job. After some years get married to a wealthy or earning girl, buy a house and look forward to your son/daughter coming up. Son, welcome to the stage where your father was few decades before- be wiser. Your parents do not expect your Draft/Money Order/ Western Union couriers! All they expect you is to massage their aching and tired feet, accompany him to the doctor when he has that uneasiness, your wife preparing her the morning cup of coffee when the limbs are cracking under the age and someone to talk to .

Remember, we go with the same empty hands that we came with but we can make a difference- we can go smiling , while we entered this world crying! Life is only this much- let us try to repay these contributions, even if you think they are small!