My mother moved into a retirement home recently.
When she first mentioned the idea of a retirement home, i was shocked and upset beyond words. Later guilt took the place of shock and I felt terrible about myself. What was i thinking when she mentioned that word to me? Just like in the movies, a drab poor looking place where old people are left by their children who cant take up the responsibility of keeping them? Well, not so cinematic really.
Being the only daughter, I felt horrible that I couldn't take care of her, ideally like I should. I was sad that I couldn't do my bit, was angry at her for god knows why. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I feared how my family and society would look upon it or react to it.
But three months after her moving in there, I realize it was the best decision of her life. The place is lovely - calm and serene, just ideal for retirement. And she has friends with whom she has a good time and beyond all, she doesn't have to go through the hassle of having to cook every morning just for herself. She visits me whenever she wants to and goes back when she starts missing her place. I feel like she is finally living life the way she wanted to. I am happy for her and in my heart I know it was perhaps the best thing to happen. She is independent like she always has been and by living on her own, she has made it clear to everybody that she can take care of her life. To all those people who showed fake sympathy and feared that she might be a burden on them - i wonder where they plan to hide their faces.
