Let’s Take Care of Our Elders
A lesson for all generations
My father had grown old and had become unsteady on his feet. He refused to use his walking stick or walker when moving around, but instead, would seek the support of the nearest wall while walking or climbing stairs, leaving handprints as he went.
My wife would often complain about the dirty-looking walls. “Why can’t you tell Dad not to touch the walls when walking or going up or down the stairs? It’s no use saying that you will get the walls repainted. He will simply make it dirty again.”
One day, Dad was having a headache, so he massaged some coconut oil onto his head. As it was time for lunch, he headed for the stairs without washing his hands. The entire wall from the top of the stairs to the bottom had streaks of oil stains marking his descent.
My wife became hysterical on seeing this and yelled at me. I got upset in turn and vented my spleen on my father.
“I’ve told you not to touch the walls while walking. Can you not follow a simple instruction? If you need support, why don’t you use a walking stick?”
Dad didn’t say anything. He looked hurt. But from then on, he never touched the walls when moving around.
I felt ashamed of my behavior but did not say anything to him.
