‘Angels’ of AGEING

Praneetha Perera

Through experience I know that looking after elders is a very difficult task. I can remember how we looked after our father and mother at the age of 78 and 84. My sister and I had a terrible time with them. You should have lots of patience to handle them. My mother had Parkinson and had a fall and with broken bones she was bedridden. My father, who was generally strict, became very boisterous when he was aging.

Even though my parents had five children, only two of us who were not married had to look after my parents. We are grateful to God because he provided us everything. In the midst of all the trouble, we looked after our parents. One of our cousins found us an experienced nurse to look after my mother.

Even at the death bed of my mother, the servant was with her. She did an invaluable service.

She became one of our own family, Even to date she comes to see us when time permits.

The general opinion is that you should get married and have children, otherwise you will be lonely at your death bed. How do you know even though you are married and having children, they will look after you at your death bed? You never know.

But at the end of the day, you can be happy and satisfied that you looked after your parents. That is the best satisfaction you get in your life. Even if they die and leave you, you have no worries because you know how you treated and cared about them.

My father was the Registrar at Mt. Lavinia Courts and a sworn translator. Because of him only, we know our English very well.

When we did not know the meaning of any word, he was the one who told us the meaning. We missed him because he is no more. He taught us how to open files for every receipt you get, electricity bill, light bill and telephone bill etc. Still we continue to do what he taught us.

He was a very good critic. He used to write to newspapers which I used to do now. We are happy we have inherited so many good things from him.

My mother was a housewife, she did every work at home, she could sing well. She had a beautiful voice and she was one who prepared us for singing contests in church. That is one thing we inherit from her.

All in all, my mother and father are fantastic individuals whose memories we cherish until we die.

Even though handling elders is very difficult, when you do it, you have the satisfaction in the whole world.

My appeal to all sons and daughters in the world to look after your parents at their old age without putting them into elders’ homes because you have to show your gratitude for what they did for you..