The Indian idea of children looking after parents has to change to be a little healthier. I know I sound brutal and uncaring. But in India, one of the primary reasons why a child is borne is that the child will look after you in your old age. When I married at the age of 45, I was told I should have a kid - so that I am "looked after in my old age".
"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They came through you but not from you and though they are with you yet they belong not to you."
Khalil Gibran
I did not think of "insuring my old age" by bearing a progeny because I believe in Mr. Gibran. And I have some romantic ideas about my unborn child. I think I love my child so much that I wouldn't bring it into a world where I may not be around to love and protect it. And I also believe in pumping my children with a lot of unconditional love and setting them free. And no complaints if they don't come back to me because I will never stop loving them. So, you see how the concept of a child as old age insurance does not hold water for me. It is a vile concept, if you ask me. Completely twisted. It is opportunistic love at its very worst.
I'd rather produce a robot in a lab to look after me than saddle an innocent life with an unwelcome burden even before it is born. Besides, I have managed 50 years of my life doing my stuff entirely on my own. So, the idea of depending on anyone in my old age is anathema to me.
Of course, I know how vulnerable old age can be. I know the insecurities, debilitating health and consequent unhappiness and fears of seniors. But I am also surrounded by seniors who are very dignified and independent in their mindset and do not expect someone to wait on them hand and foot. They only expect their children to do for them tasks that their age and diminished health disallow them from doing. That is a fair ask, considering they stayed up nights calming you as a wailing newborn, nursed you through sickness, and simply grew you into the fine person you turned out to be.
Which is why I say a departure from an entitled mindset is much needed. And entirely possible.
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