Should you...? Or you need not...?

Parents' Answering Machine :

Good Morning !
At present, we are not at home, but please leave your message after you hear the beep....
Beeeeppp...

• If you are one of our children, dial 1 and then select the option from 1 to 5 in order of 'birth arrival' so we know who it is.
• If you need us to stay with your children, press 2.
• If you want to borrow the car, press 3.
• If you want us to wash your clothes and do iron, press 4.
• If you want the grandchildren to sleep here tonight, press 5.
• If you want us to pick up the kids at school, press 6.
• If you want us to prepare a meal for Sunday or to have it delivered to your home, press 7.
• If you want to come to eat here, press 8.
• If you need money, press 9.
• If you are going to invite us to dinner or take us to the theater, start talking..., we are listening!

May be this is written in a lighter vein. But, this is sadly true! In this fast-paced world, there is no time for anyone to look after their parents. Can we blame the younger generation for that? There are two schools of thought. 

Given the present scenario, it is difficult for the younger generation to balance and manage the office and the family, due to various reasons. Take the office - Deadlines, Hectic work-schedule, Peer pressure, Need to out-smart your colleague to go up in the ladder, Unholy working hours, Commuting tension in cities (between home and office and back), Improper food at odd hours and the list goes on...... And at home - Unwinding your office pressure at home and its repercussion, Doing office work at home, Not spending quality time with wife and child(ren), Not able to (or not willing to) help the wife in household chores, Incompatibility with wife (due to all the earlier reasons), Loss of sleep and it is a never-ending list. During the entire proceedings are you able to remember your parents? It is hardly possible. Can you escape from the  above scenario?

On the other hand, you do have some responsibility towards your parents, who have suffered throughout their lives to bring you up and take you to this present position. Should you not show some semblance of gratitude, at least? After all, they do not have anyone-else to look up to. But for their unknown and unseen sacrifices, you would not have reached this level. Never think of admitting your parents in "old age people home". Despite your difficult situation, this should be completely avoided. Your children will learn from your actions, in the long run!

But in my opinion, the scene varies from person to person. When the parents are able to look after themselves (that too up to a certain age only), let them be on their own. Occasional visits and interaction at regular intervals should be okay. But if the parents do not have the capacity to fend for themselves, it is your duty to take care of them, as they are no more your parents, but like your children. Consider them that way and your life should include them in all walks of your life, till their end. The story repeats from generation to generation.