Recently I learnt how fulfilling it is, to have companionship. It is a different experience that brings smile on your face. And while I was smiling, I just realized that how difficult it becomes for our single parents to live without a companion, that too at that stage of their life when they need their companion the most. Most of us have had one heart break in life and some lucky ones have had multiple. If you are one of those, why don’t you flash back your memory and think of how you felt then. And also think of your age then; chances are you could be fairly young that time. You had ample opportunity to find love again. Now I’d urge you to think of your single parent – your widow mother or widower father. It could be your grandparent or any aunt/uncle as well. If you empathize with them, you would be able to understand how difficult it is for them to cope up with that loneliness. Especially in a country like India, where finding a companion in old age is considered to be a taboo if not a sin.
So, what is it that we can do in such situation? The answer I guess is simple – be with them to fulfill the void they feel within. You never know how much time they have with them… whatever time they have, make it happy for them. Show them that you care. Following are 8 small ways to show you care for your parents.
- For the starters, greet them every morning, touch their feet if you believe in it
- Call them during the day from your college/workplace to check on how they are doing
- Ask them if they need anything that you can get while returning from office
- Spend some time with them in person preferably everyday. You could ask them how did they spend their day
- Ask them about their health
- Keep an eye on their medications, wardrobe, kitchen and ensure those needs are attended
- Buy them surprise gifts, even if the monetary value is minimal
- If you can, then buy a red rose; as they say that a red rose is a symbol of love… express it to the one who has always loved you and will continue to love you unconditionally. Trust me, it will touch their heart and will only add to their love for you
As I write this blog, I’m in the flight en route to my hometown. I am going to buy a red rose for my mom.
Try out these or any other means. Express your love and gratitude and more importantly make them feel special. Enable them fill the void they feel… don’t be just a son or daughter or son-in-law or daughter-in-law…. Be a companion to them. They’ve always been yours all your life.