Giving Emotionally

Providing for our parents and grandparents involved more than simply caring for their material needs.  All of us have emotional needs.  Everyone, including older ones, has a desire to be loved,to feel needed and wanted, and to be a valued member of the family. 

Mary, who lives in Kenya, has cared for you elderly mother-in-law for three years.  Mary says:  "Apart from providing for her material needs, we always talk with her.  Mother is not able to do much around the house, but we talk and have become close friends.  Sometimes we talk about God, sometimes about the people back home. Although she is over 90 years old, her memory is very good.  She remembers  and talks about life when she was a little girl, in the days before 1914." 

Mary continues: "It is not easy to care for an old person, but having her with us has brought about rewards. We have peace and harmony in the family.  My giving to her has stimulated a spirit of giving in others in the family.  My husband has more respect for me.  And if Mother hears anyone speak harshly to me, she quickly speaks up to defend me. No one can say a sharp word to me with her around!" 

Next time: Giving Spiritually

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997