A question - can you answer it for her?

On a recent trip, somehow the discussion got turned towards CSR, companies’ initiatives, sponsor a student programs to adopt a parent programs. Now the last one caught my attention. It meant initiate a bonding with people at old age homes. My friend retold her experience of a visit to an old age home once. It was some kinda greet the visitors day. All of the residents had made something special to eat or share with the visitors. They all welcomed her with loads of love and care, totally unexpected and loving experience for her.

Among all these residents, there was an old lady. She took her to her room. Made her sit there and offered her sweets. She started telling about herself, her life there and how she spent time there. She was a widow. Her mind went back in time, time with her son and family. And she said, mostly to herself or to any one who could answer the question for her,

“I never said anything to my son, was always supporting to him. Then one day my son brought me here and just left me here, it’s been 3 years, he hasn’t come back as yet. Maine aisa kya kiya tha?”

My eyes watered hearing this, what must it be like bearing it?

I think till the end of her life, she will keep wondering that what was it that made my family abandon me like this…keep searching the answer to that question. She might be having a secure, safe, something to do with life there at the old age home, but hell I dun think it will ever substitute for a home, a place where one belongs.

How can people behave like this, and why?

Wish people would stop treating someone so central/integral/above all/parents to their lives in such a manner, and someday when it would be their turn, I hope they haven’t preached the same thing to their kids.