Who are these people in the old age homes???

A recent visit to the St.Vincent's home for the aged in Drigh Road really got me thinking... I entered with a couple of friends and family and saw around 30 old men and women grinning with their wild teeth and lips only to give us they best welcome that they could.
These people all looked well above their 60's and each had a story of their own. "Tell Savi his grandad misses him, tell him i'm dying here, " said a Mr. Castana who seemed to have hope that we would convey the message.
Another Ms. Gomes kept calling and holding Joel--a 5-year-old child--who went with us. She kept making stories and pulling him towards herself and loving him...i kept thinking and kept looking at what she was doing. The nun in charge there caught my eye and said " she was a very renowned teacher at a school in Karachi. "
"Doesn't she have anyone here?" I asked.
"No family, just a sister who lives in Australia," she said. "They do send her cards on Christmas and New Year"
As if that was enough! i said to myself...trying to understand the reason how family could leave family even if they did seem like a burden.
A lady clad in a blue shalwar kameez with the dupatta over her head had tears in her eyes when i called her 'Maajee'. Can't believe how much they are dying to hear words of love, get hugs from family, meet children.
Another old gentleman, tall dark and handsome came to me and my friends and said in a manly voice "Thank you for everything, pleasure to have you here." That man, how could they dump him in an old age home....i kept thinking..and asked myself again Who are these people??
These people my friends are parents, they are members of our society, they are grand dads and grand moms, they are brothers , sisters, ex-teachers, ex-bankers, they are us when we will grow old. They are us when our children decide its difficult to take care of us because were changing...they are us when we stop earning and stop generating income for the family...they are us when we start seeing less...they are us when we aren't so strong anymore...
Im ending this blog right here with a plea to all those who read...NEVER ever leave your parents alone when they are old....even if that means sacrificing your career...i'm sure your mum did too when she had to look after you.

Think about it!