What parents wish is nothing different than what Children want – a little time with them; a few minutes of one-on-one with them.
When I was visiting my mother in India, she always asked me to spend time with her and I consistently ignored her. I did not give her the time she wanted. However, thanks to a wise man for giving me the right advice.
The last three times I visited her, I sat down next to her the moment I walked into the home. I would not disagree or argue with her, what was the need? She was the happiest person on the earth, and in turn, I was. I would listen to her attentively; nothing else was important to me but her. The joy on her face was worth everything. If I have done anything right in my life, it was that time with her. That blessing has kept me floating.
All of us live with regrets and blessings, and within those limitations, we can carve out some tranquility by making time for the ones we care about. That’s is all everyone wants – a little one-on-one time.
My father and I had a great relationship, and I cherish every moment I have spent with him, even though we did not spend as much time together as we do with our kids here in the US. His mere presence meant everything to me. However, I regret, I did not get a chance to apologize to him for a few things I said to him in my teen years.
I have made a habit of asking for forgiveness from family and friends often, and have forgiven those who have hurt me as well. We need to do it more frequently. Let’s do it when we have a chance. Let’s try to keep our life slate as clean as we can.
Here is a powerful message from the Indian actor Dharmendra in Urdu-Hindi Language (video below). The essence of the conversation starts about his son, who is also an actor. He says I wish my son comes home and sits with me for a few minutes, and I want nothing more, that is all a father wants. But he is always busy with shooting, gives me a hug and runs. Dharmendra continues, I wish I had this realization when my father asked the same from me – I would have eased his pain then, and maybe I would not have had to endure it myself.
Here is my story – when my son was about 8 (or 10), he asked me, Dad, why do you work every day, why don’t you take time off and be home? I gave him the lousy answer. I am earning this for you. He said I don’t need your money, and when I grow up, I will make twice more than you. He continued, Dad, I don’t have an accent like you, and I can do well, spend time with me. I wish I had done that to the fullest extent, but I did not. It was a half-ass time. As he said, he has made it well in his life. Today, he probably has earned many times more than I did, and I have made and lost a whole lot in life. At 35, he is spending his time with his three sons, that is the right thing to do and he will cherish it. I am happy for him.
Whatever stage of life you are at now, spend the time with your family. All other things come and go, friends come and go, jobs and businesses come and go, but they will always be there.
If you get a chance today, make that call to your loved one, one individual a day, or once a week, you will see the difference it would make in your life. Here is a little challenge; listen more and talk less for a change, it will bring that small stream of happiness.
If you get a chance, take a look at the home page of www.CenterforPluralism.com and if you like what we are doing – join us a volunteer, writer, donor or member.
If you have the time –
Poisoning your kids https://theghousediary.com/poisoning-your-kids/
Happy Thanksgiving, my friends.
We are blessed in America and we have so much to be grateful for.
Mike Ghouse
https://www.facebook.com/MikeGhouse/videos/808840382879250/
Thank you. Mike Ghouse