Plea | Impressions

An aged mother crying

My Dearest Child,

May the almighty grant you patience to listen to what I am about to say.

Please understand that elderly people are a bit too sensitive.

I am sorry, dear. Your dad and I are getting old. Age is creeping on us, and our hands shake. So, I beg you not to yell at us if we drop the plate or spill coffee, tea, or soup on the sofa, table, or floor.

Since your father’s hearing is getting worse day by day, he can’t hear what you are saying. So, please don’t hurt his feelings by calling him “Deaf!”; instead, please repeat patiently what you said or write it down.

In time to come, we might wet our clothes, the bed, or the sofa. Don’t scold us, then.

When our knees get weaker, I pray you have the patience to help us get up from the chair or bed. I don’t think you can remember us helping you while you were learning to walk as a toddler.

We know you are busy with your work and your family. So, if you do have some spare time, can you talk to us just for a few minutes—in person or over the phone?

At times when your father or I keep repeating ourselves like a scratched gramophone record, please bear with us. Please don’t make fun of us or say that you are “getting sick of listening to” us. When you were little, we enjoyed hearing you repeat words, and we encouraged you to do so, just as we encourage your son to do so now.

Even if you’re not interested in our “repeating the same old stories,” please pretend that you enjoy listening to our rambling like we used to listen to your babbling when you were young.

Your father and I know that we are not going to last much longer, and we pray to God to grant you patience to take care of us during the last few moments of our lives.

At the time of our deaths, will you please hold our hands to give us the strength to face death peacefully?

When we are dead, don’t spend money and your precious time burying us in a cemetery; instead, donate our mortal bodies to a medical college where the students may profit by dissecting them.

After we die, when we finally meet our creator, we will whisper in His ear to bless you and your family because you loved your mother and father till their deaths.

Thank you so much for your care.

You’ll understand what I am saying now when you yourself get older. Never, ever forget that your father and I loved you and your family and will always love you all, forever and ever, from the “Bosom of Abraham“.