Dear Editor,

IT saddens me to see the elderly being neglected by their children.

Why is this occurring in our society? We cannot allow anyone else to shoulder the responsibility of looking after our parents or give the excuse that our careers are preventing us from doing so. If we truly appreciate our parents, caring for them would not be a burden. We should be proud to look after them. My parents are my priority and nothing stands in the way of upholding this responsibility. Living in the city is not a problem and I never fail to check up on my parents in Johor. They are everything to me — they raised and educated me to be a good person. I can proudly say that I have fulfilled my parents’ wishes. I know that they don’t want me to pamper them with wealth alone as what they really need is some of my time. As a daughter who has witnessed their suffering during my upbringing, it is now my turn to pay them back. Growing up as a child of a gardener and a housewife with six siblings has taught me a lot. I have learnt that family bonds are important and that my parents’ blessing is a precious gift from God that you cannot buy. Don’t they know that we cannot buy parents? Even if you have a lot of money, parents can’t be bought at the pasar malam or shopping complexes. I don[’t understand why people give excuses to avoid looking after their parents. Parents deserve your consideration, compassion and attention. Love and respect your parents while you can. Don’t waste this gift. Even if your parents have disappointed you, it is not your right to judge them as we all make mistakes. What if one day, your own children were to neglect you?

Source: Malay Mail – March 14, 2008