Growing Up and Getting Old
I am in pain. My back hurts and had episodes with the toilet since last night. I slept terribly being harassed by mosquitoes and my head, neck, and spine positioned in a rather uncomfortable sleeping pose. I look like a wreck with eye-bags this morning. Hmm, maybe I am getting old.
Mentioning the subject of getting old… Remember how much we, the younger generation complain about how our parents tend to freeze us at an age where we will always be treated as a baby, daddy’s little girl or an unruly teenager? In the past few months, I came to realize that we tend to do the same to our parents too.
I used to think that my mom is the ultimate powerhouse whereby being a single mom providing for 3, she was able to handle the family business, manage a part-time job as an insurance agent/trainer/financial planner, and had a prominent role in Rotary. She is resourceful and tactful, and was well exposed to much knowledge and experiences. If anyone needs a lesson in being street smart and mature in the works of society, mom is a person you should ask.
However, being home and being in close proximity with my mom of the past few months made me realize that all those little things my mom does and her antics that drive my sister and I nuts rest in the fact that my mom IS getting older. She is not as agile in her moment or as alert in her mind to remember things or carry out physical tasks. She tends to be irritated at the littlest things, getting more impatient and emotional towards certain issues, and sometimes, Su-Anne and I are just lost as to how to react to her.
It is important that we are aware of how time takes its toll on all of us. Not only we are to acknowledge that we are growing up and will be held accountable and responsible for our behavior and actions, but we should also be responsive to those around us. Maybe they are not aware about it, but for those who know, do try to be a little more understanding and patient. The tables have turned now where it is at this age our parents will turn to us for the things we used to seek after in them then. Do exercise love for the circle of life is upon us all.
