Take Their Hand and Walk With Them to the End of Their Days

"Family Is Where Life Begins And Love Never Ends." - Unknown

Whatever you call your family, be it clan, tribe, folks, lineage; at the heart of it is our parents. They are the bedrock of the family. From day one, they instill in us values and morals; respect and kindness for others and acceptance. Our parents teach us right from wrong. To be caring and thoughtful individuals. Celebrating family traditions and creating new ones. Family gives us our identity. Our parents are our compass; our unconditional support system.

At every stage of our lives, they are there to guide us and show us the way. With each passing year, we are given more freedom to make our own choices. They are supportive even if they don’t agree with us. They know we need to learn how to make our own decisions; need to try out our wings to see how far we can fly. And are always encouraging us to follow our dreams.

As a child, you looked up to them, seeing them bigger than life; seeing them with your heart. There’s nothing they couldn’t do. And nothing they won’t do for you. For your happiness; your future. They are always in your corner, your lifelong cheerleaders.

To you, they are your superhero, but they are just human and time takes its toll on them, just as it will on all of us. As you grow and get stronger and become more independent, they start to slow down, age and become more dependent. Their strides might not be as quick as they once were or as sure as before. They might need help with everyday tasks. Their hands are wrinkled and have age spots. Or when you hand them a glass of water, their hands shake. You might need to repeat what you said a little louder, and more than once. They are slowing down. But the love in their eyes and the warmth of their smile when they see you have not waned.

There will come a time when you will notice the roles begin to change. Where once you relied on them to help you cross the street, it is you who need to help them. They will forever be bigger than life in your heart and it hurts to see them struggling with the basic functions of life. It’s your turn to help and guide them through this phase of their life.

They may not remember how to do some things. They may not even remember who you are, but you know who they are and what they mean to you. Love never ages, it just gets stronger. Remember to speak to them and treat them with the same kindness, patience, and love they showed you when you were growing up. Take their hand and help them walk the last stretch of their life’s road. Walk with them to the end of their days as they walked with you at the beginning of yours. Be there for them. Enjoy every moment and make new memories, because when the end comes, that is all you will have — memories. Because if life gets her way, you will need to walk the rest of your life with the memories and love you shared.

Don’t waste a single moment holding a grudge, or thinking you are too busy or important to call or visit. You are missing out on the greatest gift life has given you, your parents, your family.

If you are fortunate to still have your parents, consider yourself blessed. Go hug them.

“Family Is Not An Important Thing. It's Everything." - Michael J. Fox