True Wealth

The old lady spread a ray of cheer as soon as she stepped into the compartment. She immediately fell into conversation with everyone around discussing, recipes, festivals, culture, TV serials, her family, the list was endless. She started sharing whatever food she had brought with her and all seemed to enjoy her company. She talked for so long, at one point of time she got exhausted and fell off to sleep.

                In the midst of conversation she told us which station she would be getting down. So just before half an hour, I woke her up so that she could get ready to alight. I helped her to the bathroom and in getting her things ready. When there was still time, she softly murmured to me, " Actually, I got tired talking for so long so I slept off. Don't tell anyone.........my problem is I love to talk but at home there is nobody to listen to me. My son and daughter-in-law are always busy with their jobs. My grandchildren with their school, studies and other activities. I have no companion at home and can't come out of the huge mansion my son has built." Before she could continue further, her station had arrived and she left with the person who had come to receive her.

               

 Her words struck a chord in my heart. How many of us listen to, or spend time with our elders at home ? They struggle through life, sacrificing their all to bring us up. In the fag end of their lives, they just expect a simple touch or a few words from us each day and we deprive them of that little too. We have time for everything under the sun, but when it comes to our old parents we are either busy or we know they will understand, because we take them for granted. A friend of mine holds a responsible portfolio in his organisation and his timings are from 8 am to 10 pm, but he ensures everyday that he has his cup of coffee sitting next to his ninety-year-old mother in her bedroom. This keeps her energized for the rest of the day. Most of us even dare to give free advice to others as to how the senior citizens should be treated. We generously forward videos and messages on such topics on whatsapp. It is so easy to preach, isn't it? If we could just pause for a while and understand that tomorrow will be our day and we will be in their shoes very soon................

                 No matter how long we have traveled in the wrong direction, we can always turn around. Those of us who have not mentioned "spend time with old parents" in our "to-do" list, let us do it from NOW. Because "True wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy, we leave behind with the love we give, the moments we share, and the memories we make, HERE and NOW.