May 1, 2006
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Some of us view our older parents as a burden instead of a resource. We think our parents are costing us so much, in so many ways. Viewing our older parents this way not only does a great disservice to the old, but also one that inevitably returns to haunt us and the young.
There is a Chinese story that points this out beautifully. It tells a story of an old man who’s too weak to work in the garden or help with the household chores. He just sits on the porch, gazing out across the fields, while his son tills the soil and pull up weeds. One day, the son looks up at the old man and thinks, “What good is he now that he’s so old? All he does is eat up the food! I have a wife and children to think about. It’s time for him to be done with life! So he makes a large wooden box, places it on a wheelbarrow, rolls it up to the porch, and says to the old man, “Father, get it.” The father lies down in the box and the son puts the cover on, then wheels it toward the cliff. At the edge of the cliff, the son hears a knock from inside the box. “Yes, father?” the son asks. The father replies, “Why don’t you just throw me off the cliff and save the box. Your children are going to need it one day.”
Comments (20)
It is sad that age is not valued but people are where they are at and it can’t be changed. Some have opened their heart chakra and they are at a place to love and honor their parents. I hope that I can keep an open heart, Judi
haha! very good. My parents are 88 & 86 and I treasure the time I can have with them.
That is so true.
Good one chi., you hit that right on the head.
Wow. That is extremely true. It all goes back to some kind of respect, I think. Plus, they are your parents, and doing such would be so hurtful
Great story.
My mom is 85. She has been my best friend and I dread the day I lose her. My husband and I purchased the house we did partially because I wanted to be close to her now that she is older and needs me. I only wish I could get my children to spend more time with her. They are missing such a great opportunity.
Your welcome. Have you seen Wings of Desire? I highly recommend it. Have a great day.
LOL! Love the old adage girl!
I know there are people (even some Vietnamese) whose parents are so unreasonable, and even opportunistic toward them. Everytime I hear a story like that, I’m grateful that my parents are as great as any parent can be. : )
Thanks for coming by as usual with kind words it is fun to have you visit. Judi
wow.. good story! I think my kids are ready to throw me off a cliff…
Remind me to knock on the box and tell that one to my kids. LOL Just kidding! That is seriously something we all need to remember.
Kathi
I would never do that to my parents. They’re the ones who brought to this world and made me who I am today.
Hey there sexy! hehehe I can’t wait to see you guys again! It’s going to be soooooo much fun!
sad story, the conflict between the son and his father will pass down several generations if continues…anyway, interesting story.
If the father taught the child well, maybe he might see it differently
It is funny how quickly we lose sight of all the sacrifices that our parents made for us.
Lenn
*waves*
I think age is a matter of mindset. My mom makes excuses for what she does because she says she’s old. Yet I had an aunt who lived until her late 80s who could still give you good stock tips.
Very inspiring entry. Thanks for sharing chi.
I honor my parents always. Although they often get on my nerves for worry too much just as I get on their nerves with my youthful stubbornness.