A Life of Quiet Suffering
A heartfelt tale of an elderly woman belonging to a huge joint family, but still unable to cope due to inevitable circumstances at home. She leads a miserable and desolate life, totally devoid of love, compassion, and consideration of any sort from all corners. The passing of each day and the coming of each night are a huge burden for her aged and frail shoulders. She has no option but to bear it all with hope and optimism, waiting for better days in the near future.
A Family That Turned Away
Her immediate family consisted of her elderly son, who happened to be earning a handsome salary from a lucrative job, and his wife, who too was employed in a garments shop and earning a reliable income. This was enough to support her own self and her family, which was not too large and small enough to make her feel a sense of relief and not consider her aged and suffering mother-in-law as a huge boulder in her otherwise comfortable life.
Her grandchildren, too old enough to realize the dilemma they had placed their helpless grandmother in, totally ignored her. She had to almost throw all her emotions, feelings, sentiments, and the inward grief that enveloped all her senses towards the rocks.
Destiny Accepted in Silence
In front of her very eyes, there were many discussions, some favourable and others unfavourable, but to no avail. This poor soul’s position in her house remained unchanged, as though all that she was going through was her destiny and pre-ordained. Life went on in this manner for this feeble soul. Unfortunately, she had no option but to tolerate all the injustice that was hurled at her from all directions.
At her ripe old age, she was a pillar of strength and vigour for her own frail and feeble self. She kept on living, treating life as a magnificent gift of God and accepting God’s punishment like some sweet nektar, which had to be consumed with grace and humility.
The Weight of Endless Time
A smile on her face was a rare sight, and if ever it appeared, it was very reluctant and seemed to be forced out of her weak system. Because of her incessant suffering, she looked all around with a blank expression on her face and in her eyes.
This went on for a long, long time. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Time is not the healer of man’s destiny, nor can it change whatever is pre-ordained for him. It is Providence which reigns supreme throughout eternity, and in its hands lies the power to change everything – even the crest of privations that man has to undergo through inevitable circumstances, hunger and thirst, heat and cold.
When Providence Intervened
All of a sudden, out of the blue, a miracle took place in the miserable life of the old woman. Two gentlemen, soberly dressed, entered the dwelling place of this old woman. They had a few large foolscap sheets in their hands and seemed to be advancing towards the head of the house, who was in charge of all the occurrences in the household. This woman’s dilemma was uppermost in their minds, and solving it with extreme diligence and dedication was their primary duty.
A New Beginning at Parent Care Centre
Ultimately, one fine day, the lucky stars in the heavens seemed to have shone brighter. The tables turned, and this rare entity who had gone through abundance of suffering in life was showered with celestial blessings. A magnificent Parent Care facility situated in the vicinity of this woman’s residence was ready to extend a warm welcome to her.
When she was informed about this after a short while, the radiant beam on her face could not be overlooked. She was overjoyed and elated, marvelling at this sudden twist of fate in her desperate life. She lost no time in becoming a significant part and parcel of this institution and spending the rest of her days with grace and gratitude towards the supreme power which had entirely transformed her destiny and made it dazzle like the starry heavens.
By Rashmi Jain
Resident, VataVriksh Parent Care
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A Reflection on Dignity in Ageing
This story is a reminder that ageing should never mean abandonment, and care should never be conditional. Every elderly parent deserves love, dignity, emotional security, and a space where they feel valued, heard, and protected.
At VataVriksh Parent Care, we believe that growing older should be accompanied by compassion, respect, and a sense of belonging – not silence or suffering.
Looking for Compassionate Parent Care?
If you or your loved ones are seeking a safe, nurturing, and dignified environment for elderly parents, VataVriksh Parent Care is here to help.
- Explore our Parent Care services
- Schedule a visit or consultation
- Let us help your parents rediscover comfort, care, and peace
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About the Author
Rashmi Jain is a resident of VataVriksh Parent Care. A thoughtful observer of life and human emotions, she expresses her experiences, reflections, and inner journeys through heartfelt storytelling. Her writings reflect deep sensitivity towards ageing, family dynamics, faith, and the quiet strength of the human spirit. Through her words, she seeks to give voice to lived realities, resilience, and hope, drawing inspiration from everyday experiences and spiritual contemplation.
