A Letter From Mom & Dad

Dear Child,

In the autumn of my life,please try to understand

and be patient with me, if,due to my declining vision,

I break a plate or spill some soup on the table. 

Please, don’t berate me. Old people easily gethurt. Self pity breaks me.

When I could hardly hear and couldn't understand a word you say, don’t call me ‘deaf!’, 

Please. Simply repeat it orwrite it down. I’m sorry,

my child, I’m so old.

When I could hardly standup because my knees areweak, please, help me up,

 Just like what I didwhen you were just

learning to stand up and walk.

Be patient with me, my child, if Isound like a broken record. Just

listen and don’t laugh at me.  

Do you remember when you were young? When you wanted a balloon,you would ask for it the whole day through ‘til you finally had it. I was

so patient with your childish demands then.

I'm sorry if I smell likean old coffin. I guess, oldpeople smell the same. Don’t force me to take

a bath, please. 

My body is fragile. I easily get sick with a sudden changeof temperature. Don’t abhor, or despise me.

 Do you remember when youwere young? I even playfullychased you down under thebed when you didn’t want to

take a bath.

Be patient with me if often I am cranky. That’s probably becauseof my old age. When you grow old, you'll understand.

Can I have a piece of your time, please? I just want to have a little

conversation with you. It feels so lonely: alone at home the whole day with no one to talk with.

I know you’re busy with your work; but I long for your presence, too, to talk and be with;  well,  you can pretend to like my stories.

Do you remember when you were a child? I would lookat your eyes and patiently listen to your stories about

your teddy bear, crushes and little adventures.

And when the time comes that I could

not get up anymore,pinned on the cursedbed of suffering, you

may not get reluctantand tired of taking

care of me...

Forgive me if I pee ordefecate on my bed dueto incontinence. Please,

bear with me at the last moment of my life.

Anyway, I won’t stay much longer.

On my deathbed, please hold my hand and makeme strong in facing the inevitable death.

And please, don’t worry, for when I come face to facewith our Creator, I will whisper and beg Him to bless

you, for you've been…….. A…… loving…. Child..

Thank you for taking care of us…Love, Your Mom and Dad.

Thank You Very MuchSompong Yusoontorn