A long-distance relationship with parents
It’s time to think about it.
Since 2011, I have been in a long-distance relationship with my parents. It was when I left home for my post-graduation, and since then, I longed from my home. Almost everyone has the same story, and it’s quite obvious today.
But for the past few months, especially during the lockdown period, I have realized that I’m not sure that I’m holding up my end. And it wasn’t a sudden thought. When I rewind my life, I found that we were so busy to notice many things.
It’s not like that I never visited home, or we don’t have regular conversations, or we won’t share success and failures. But, there are many things I missed or can say we used to miss when we are not with our parents.
Keeping a long-distance relationship is never easy. It requires lots of effort. For parents, their children are the source of their strength and happiness and vice versa. Understanding their issues and being present at the time when they need us is all that matters.
When I look back at my childhood, I was never found myself standing alone when I need my mom and dad around. Even after being in a job, they always managed to be with me. They always have time for me and stood by me in my every decision. Actually, nothing has changed today as well.
In 2016, I started my job. Slowly, I got too busy with my job and could hardly visit my parents. They understand this and never complain about it. Sometimes, when they feel lonely or they miss me, they keep asking me to come home. But, somehow, I can’t make it. I always expect them to understand my situation, and they do.
Being an elementary family it’s very tough for them to manage all stuff alone as me and my brother was not there with them. They used to hide many things from us because they know that we feel helpless or stress ourselves for not being present with them. When I get to know about it, I feel so guilty. It feels like somewhere, I am failing in being a good child.
We need to understand our parents are growing old, and they need us as much as we need them. We need to acknowledge their issues, we need to give them time(we know we are not giving them enough). They will never ask for anything, but they need your back.
Talk to them when they need, not when you have time to talk. Visit them often, not only on occasions. Plan a trip with your parents or surprise them by landing at home. Keep them engaged and involved. Listen to them even if you know everything they are telling you.
Keep an eye on their health routine, track their whereabouts, book a doctor for regular checkups, send medicines.
Ask them about their life stories, and share your stories too. Sometimes, be their friend, talk about sports, events, work. Appreciate their advice, concern, and care. Never make them feel lonely. Because it’s never too late to embrace every moment.
So, go, and tell your parents how much you love them. Give them time today. Let them feel the same love, concern, and care they show for us. Today is the time, never leave anything on tomorrow. It’s the least you could do, and yet, it would mean the world to them.
Love 🌼
