Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Growing young.

As we grow old so do our parents and a lot of people around. Apart from growing old physically there's a stage after which their mental growth ceases. Call it the early 70's or mid 70's. This is a time when the brain stops developing any more, rather it slowly starts switching off it's sections. To put it in a simple way, after that peak period everyone starts growing young. They start their journey towards becoming a child again, naïvely enjoying everyday as a new one.

There are short term and long term memory losses. Listening to and focusing on normal conversations could be a problem. Vision starts to die away. The body has already started giving up. They are going to be slow now. Don't expect them to have the same reaction time as you. This is the period when you have to be patient... as patient as your mom and dad were when you were a baby or sometimes even more patient than that. Think of them as children.

But can I even compare them with a child? A child is so full of energy. Everyone around them is delighted, overjoyed with their presence and entertained by their monkeying around. Well, obviously don't expect that from the old timers. But ask them about their college days or workplace memories and see them amaze you. Oh and if you think they are not as cute as a child, just go back in time for a moment. Think of those days when your mom/dad used to tell people how cute, sweet and intelligent you were even if you were slow amongst most of the kids, dark in complexion, too fat to run or too skinny like a dry twig. They don't even expect you to give any accolades, although one or two wouldn't really hurt ;) But at least don't look at them as if they have committed a crime.

Go slow with them on certain matters. Getting pissed off won't do the work faster, would it now?! Do you remember how often they used to repeat stuff till you got it right or till you were satisfied. They would do all that with a childish and godly tone.

For some time forget they are your mom and dad or uncle and aunts or a random person you met at the bank! She’s the most beautiful, sweetest girl; he’s a bit boyish at times but still your chubby, cute boy. They are like kids now! :)

And for those who don't want to accept this fact, remember that life is a cycle and you are going to be old too. What goes around comes around!


2 comments:

Srini Iyer said...

"budhapa bahudha bachpan ka punaragaman hota hai" - munshi premchand

Jay Takle said...

So true dude, so true!