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Writer's pictureBrother Levon X

The Circle of Life: Embracing Our Duty to Care for Aging Parents.


Black American Health Resources

The circle of life is a profound concept emphasizing the importance of giving back from what you have received. One of the greatest blessings anyone can have is loving parents. We often only fully appreciate what our parents go through once we become parents ourselves.


Having a loving mother and father makes one wealthy in so many aspects. If we had a roof over our heads, food to eat, and were taught about God, we had good parents. Parents nurture us from birth into adulthood, and being a parent doesn't end at a certain age. A mother and father's love is next to God's because God uses our mothers and fathers as vessels for us to be here.


This brings us to the aspect of respect: Scripture says, "Honor thy mother and father, and your days will be long." We can never judge our mothers and fathers; that's not our place. There is no manual or set of instructions when it comes to parenthood.


Black Journalism

With great sacrifice, we must look after our parents as they get older. When our parents, who were once our heroes, protectors, and guides, face the reality of old age, it is our turn to care for them. As children of beautiful parents, this is not something we look forward to, but it is a reality we must face. It is a complicated conversation because no one wants to face the idea of losing a parent. But in this act of caring, we demonstrate our selflessness and virtue, making us noble in the eyes of our parents and society.


We must commend those who care for their parents, whether a son or daughter. Ensuring that our parents are well taken care of, bathed, and fed is part of the cycle of life.


Respecting our elders is essential. Our elders have witnessed and contributed to shaping the world, paving the way for future generations to succeed. Our elders might include our biological parents and grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles, and elders from our places of worship who have helped mold us into the adults we are today. They, too, deserve the love and honor of knowing that those they nurtured are committed to ensuring their well-being, especially when they can no longer care for themselves.


While there are many extraordinary elderly homes where they can socialize with their peers, this shouldn't be our first option if we can help it. We shouldn't consider placing our loved ones in these homes merely because caring for them is inconvenient. Life circumstances might sometimes necessitate this assistance, but we should never view our elders as burdens or interruptions to our daily lives.


As mentioned earlier, we are here with God's permission and our parents' willingness to bring us into the world once they discovered we were conceived. Life is precious, and we must appreciate every aspect of it. Our elders are invaluable because their guidance is unparalleled. Respecting, honoring, and caring for them is a way to give back for all they have done for us.


If we are blessed to have family participate in caring for our elders, it is a beautiful thing. Family doesn't necessarily mean biological relatives; it can also include those who value unity and collective efforts. This unity and collective effort in caring for our elders not only lightens the burden but also strengthens the bond among family members. Having these conversations with our parents, if we are fortunate enough to still have them, is essential to creating a plan of action for caregiving. As parents, we must teach our children their responsibilities and how to manage in our absence.


In the meantime, if our parents function well without assistance, let's make sure to give them a phone call, check on them occasionally, and do our best to assist with their needs. We, too, will grow older, and how we treat our elders today is likely how we'll be treated when we reach their age. This sense of reciprocity should guide our actions, making us more responsible and accountable in our care for our elders.


We appreciate and love our elders. Taking the time to show our respect, care, and gratitude is vital, as it honors their contributions and sets an example for future generations. This cycle of love and respect ensures that the wisdom and sacrifices of our elders are recognized and cherished, fostering a culture of appreciation and support.


Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting older people. It can be an advantageous and impactful career choice for those passionate about this work. As the population ages, the demand for caregivers continues to rise, leading to a significant growth in job opportunities. These opportunities are available in various settings, including private homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Caregivers provide essential services that enable elderly individuals to maintain their dignity, independence, and quality of life. This work is impactful not only for individuals and their families but also for society.

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