10 mins out of 24 hrs.

Yesterday, my mum was looking for me . She called twice but could not get me. I thought that something had happened. I finally " found" time to call her as I was truly busy. All she wanted was to talk to someone, anyone as she was feeling lonely. I felt annoyed at first as I thought something bad had happened. But, I am sad that my mum could not find anyone at home to talk to.

We have global communication, we have internet, we have sms, yet there are times when a person can feel alone. Whats happening? Is this what I am looking forward to in my old age when all my kids are too busy to pick up the phone to say hello? Is this what I have done to my mother? I was so busy doing my thing that I had no time to pick up the phone and spend 5 mins talking to one who had nurtured me, loves me without condition, cooked for me, drove me to school for 17 years, so happy to see me whenever I return home......What have I become?

How can this be? It is so easy to forget our parents when we have a full life, friends, plans, dinner parties, yoga and kids to think and fuss about. It is so easy to forget that they are getting old , as we always picture our parents to be as when we left them to get married. We assume that they will always be there as and when we need them. It is so easy to forget that they are getting older faster then us , that they are slowing down in all departments and that the level of aches and pains increases by the day.

It was a wakeup call for me when she said that she called me just to talk. I will try to call more often . Even though I know she will say the same thing over and over, the same topic, the same complain, the same pain,.....it is better then not to hear her voice at all. It is sad that I have taken her for granted, just because I dont need her now , that she doesnt need me either. When I was little I needed her, I depended on her, now when she is old, she needs me "just to talk", she depends on me to remember to call. Forgive me mum !!!!

Well, I called twice today, out of guilt but its a start I suppose.

What can be worst? To be lonely in an over populated world. It is so ironic. But the busier people get the more lonely the older generation will be. Technology cant take the place of human to human care and comfort, the human voice, the human hands, the human smile and the love that pours out from the human heart.

Dr. James Dobson once said that our parents dont want expensive presents, big angpows etc. All they want is " US ". A little of our time, to visit them, to call them, to have dinner together once in a while. He couldnt be more right.

So, what are you waiting for ? Write it down on your 2010 resolution list : to call parents more often. CALL NOW .