Written by Rev. Fr. Ariel F. Robles
CWL Spiritual Director
St. Augustine Parish
Baliuag, Bulacan, Philippines

To my Son,

When I get old, please understand and have a lot of patience in me.
If due to my blurred vision, I might get the plates and dishes broken;

Or even get some soup spilled over the table, please don’t get me scolded.

Folks are overly sensitive; I pity myself every time you shout at me.

If my ears are too weak to hear what you are saying;
Don’t tell me I am “DEAF”, just repeat what you are saying or better yet write it down.

I am sorry, Son, for I am really old.
If my knees are too weak, please bear with me and help me stand upright;
Like what I did to you when you are a kid and still struggling to walk by yourself.

Please bear with me if I keep on pestering you of my whims repeatedly, like an old record label.

Just listen, listen and listen and don’t make fun out of me.

Do you remember when you’re still a kid? If you want those balloons, you kept on telling it to me all day, until you haven’t got what you wanted. I patiently accepted your whims and actuations.

Please bear with my odor, even if I smell like soil and dirt.
Don’t force me to take a bath. I feel weak.
Oldies are prone to diseases especially when it’s cold.
Don’t feel disgusted and gross with me.

Do you remember then, I kept on tracing and trailing you under the bed when you do not want to take a bath.

Please bear with my being mean and having mood swings, it might be because of old age.
When you reach the same age as my age, you will understand.
If you have the time, let’s talk even for a while. I feel bored at home, alone, and with no one to talk to.

I know how busy you are at work, but I want you to know that I am anxious to have a small talk with you; even though I know that you aren’t interested enough on what I have to say.
Do you remember, when you’re still a kid, I patiently bear with your baby talk and stories about your teddy bear.
And if the time comes, that I will get sick and be bed ridden, be patient and please take care of me.

Be patient enough even if I pee and excrete waste on my bed; take care of me until my last days on earth.
Perhaps, I won’t be here for long.
At the time of my last breath, please hold my hand and give me strength to face death.
And don’t worry, if I’ll have the chance to meet GOD face to face, I’ll whisper to him, “God, please bless my Son, for he is so much loving and caring to his parents”….