Second childhood

“Our drooping shoulders on which our children once sat to see the world….. Our trembling hands which held our children for them to see the world ... Why can’t they be a helping hand in our so called childhood ...” said Amitabh Bachan in Baghban. What he said wasn't just a dialogue, he showed a mirror to our generation.

There are other problems old people faces, but none can be as bad as the indifference and neglect of the young. The young have no time for the old even though the old have virtually no time left. The old, who were once young; helped to make the present society, and now they pay the price - they themselves are neglected and unappreciated in turn. An old person does not have the physical ability of a young person. Walking can be an effort, crossing a road can be impossible without assistance. Modern society is built by the young for the young. It is a dynamic creation that does not give much consideration to the old, sick, handicapped or incapable. They are merely tolerated as so much liability or nuisance.

Life seems to be meaningless. Isn't it? An individual slogs all through his/her life for the family and with a view that a day would come when he/she can just relax in his/her armchair and read his/her favourite book and tell tales of his/her youthful days to the younger generation. He/She will term those days as "And they lived happily ever after" they forget that the day of his/her rest is someone else's busy day and the loved one won't even owe a second for him/her.

If you respect the one who has moulded you into a fine being, then just hold their hand. They don't need your money or luxury; they just need a shoulder to lean. Help them lead the last few days of their life that doesn't trigger loneliness. Time can be mean but we don't have to be. Its a duty which we have to perform happily. Love your grandparents if you wish to be loved by your grandchildren.