Taking Care of Parents

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1Timothy 5:8 (N.I.V)

As we approach Fathers Day, let us remember to appreciate and pray for those honoring their parents by taking care of them. Taking care of sick or elderly parents is an emotionally wrenching experience.  The role reversal is not easy, the parents who once took care of their children now need a lot of care themselves, and sometimes they do not take it willingly; not wanting to be a burden. There is a lot of guilt, fear, and resentment all round. Family relationships are tested as siblings take unequal shares of the burden of care in accordance to their willingness and means. The caregivers need to do a lot of balancing with their busy schedules and the financing. For some, their home life might have to be reorganized to make space for their parents as they require progressively more intensive care. The emotional and physical toll can be enormous and lead to stress and depression while the cost of medical care can lead to financial ruin. They therefore need a lot of support, understanding and love from others.

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“Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting.” Princess Elizabeth, Asquith Bibesco

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