by Charity Buntz

Created on: October 10, 2008

Absolutely. And I say this as a loving daughter and as a devoted parent. My parents have spent their entire adult lives providing for us kids (six in total), and because of them we have all grown up to live happy and healthy lives. As a parent of my own 13-month old daughter with another on the way, I now fully understand the sacrifices that good parents make. Your children affect almost every decision you make. My mom and dad spent 18 (really more) years putting me first. The least I can do is make sure that they are taken care of and comfortable in their last years.

This doesn't always mean that the elderly parents must move into your home. Many elderly do not want to live with anyone, or in a nursing home. And as long as they are physically capable of taking care of themselves, that is fine. My husbands grandmother is 92 years old. She can barely see, but she refuses to leave her home. And for now, she can still take care of herself. However, my father-in-law visits her every single day. He realizes that it is his responsibility to make sure that she is doing okay and to help her with some of the things she can no longer do herself. Things such as grocery shopping, paying bills and fixing things around the house. Most older people require medicine and trips to the doctor. They need someone to look out for their best interest at all times. To me, their children are the logical choice. Consider it your "thank you" for the 18 years of raising and many, many more years of parental advice.

When my parents get older and require assistance to get through their daily lives, you better believe I will be there. I want them to know that they are loved and appreciated. That their years of hard work raising children, working and paying bills was all worth it. And I want them to be comfortable and in an environment where they can appreciate the world around them for as long as they have left.

If I am lucky enough to reach that time in my life, I can only hope that my children will take care of me. Not out of pure obligation, but out of love and respect for the parents that raised them. If they do not have the money or room in their home to take care of me personally, than I hope they will find any way possible to ensure I live comfortably and am well taken care of. Taking care of parents is no more of a burden than taking care of children. If you love, you will find a way.

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