Grandparents

Who are grandparents? Grandparents are definitely not just old people. They are the ones from an earlier generation, and if not because of them, we would not exist at all. They were the ones who brought our parents up.

In fact, they have put in as much effort as our parents have, into providing for their children and bringing them up, constantly lavishing unconditional love and care. Grandparents are just like us, they are human beings too and more importantly, they are of our own flesh and blood.

Now that grandparents have bodies that fail to operate like before, they require our attention, support and care. Frankly, I do not find them burdensome and it baffles me how some may find difficulty in living with or even taking care of these elderly. Grandparents may be frail and in need of a lot of medical attention, which might occur to be troublesome to some, but should you think it over, all of us will reach such a stage too. Let us put ourselves into their shoes. Would we want to be neglected in the future?

Grandparents truly deserve our attention. In my opinion, to look after them as they grow older by the days, nearing the end of their lives is a basic act of respect and gratitude in return for all that they have done for us. We may consider them being naggy at time, but the fact that they may not be financially independent and economically productive as before does not hinder then from playing a part in their life.

Grandparents have been labeled “useless”, been neglected and in the worse case, abused. From my perspective, abusive acts are inhumane and heartless for grandparents who ultimately deserve our respect. What have they done to deserve such cruel treatment? For the fact that they have lived for so long, it is obvious that they have such valuable experiences that could be of help to us or even the community, therefore they are just as important as the young generation and should never be shunned!

Over the years, my grandparents have never failed to take good care of my cousins, siblings and me. They have never bored me with their fascinating stories during my numerous visits, not to forget the good food they cook! On unfortunate occasions whereby they end up in hospitals due to illnesses, they can still stay cheerful and optimistic.

My maternal grandmother lives alone, and despite countless invitations from her children to move in to their houses, she has always refused and insisted on being independent. So far, she is the one of the few fortunate elderly who is not excessively sickly. Though we may have doubts of her safety being home alone, I am so proud of her bravery.

Despite the age gap, grandparents have always executed acts of limitless kindness; concern and their advices are priceless. It’s like having additional sets of parents.