Maeyonnaise

This was a photo taken at our wedding last year with my grandparents from the father side.

Since that holiday home was so hectic, I wasn’t able to spend any time with them. Even during the wedding itself!!! It actually affected me big time because I felt that the events from the year before the wedding until last year prevented me from spending any quality time with them. It’s just been too busy and they didn’t stay in our home any more, unlike before. :(. I worry that I will not be able to spend as much time as I want with them because of my limited chances of being together. Being miles and miles away and going home once a year doesn’t help at all.

I may not show it but I do worry about people and things quite a lot. Like now, I wonder how they are and who takes care of them as they are now staying in their own home. I wish there was something I could do like gift them with care home services. Since they are both elderly and all their children have their own families and busy lives, and us, being so far away, it would be assuring to know that there is someone looking after them… their needs (physical limitations, medical, companionship and social) and the issues that they face. It would be comforting to know that in case of any emergency they will get immediate help and will be able to ask for immediate help as well.

This practice of putting your parents in a home still somewhat carry a stigma in our culture. It a close-knit family oriented society as Philippines, this is somewhat considered as a child’s way of washing his hands of his responsibility to care for his parents or even abandonement. Although, I think these days, it’s different already. As for me, I think it is good for them because they can socialize with their own age, be medically taken cared for and have activities to entertain them. As long as their children do not forget to visit them at least 4 times a month!!!

Personally, I would not even mind being able to arrange for some kind benefits for when I am of that age. Of course, I would like to maintain the kind of lifestyle I enjoy without the worries of how to obtain the medical needs and care I would require. If hubby and I could plan this far ahead after we have children, then, it would be comforting that we know how our lives will be even when we are not working anymore.

I just hope that Nanay and Tatay are doing well. I will definitely make it a point to visit them on our next holiday home this year!