Posted to Sister Zeph’s Journal
By Sister Zeph
On 08 April, 2014
It has always been my aspiration to provide education to elderly women who are now leading retired lives. These are the women whose children have grown and married, and some mistakenly believe that older individuals have little purpose left in the world. There’s a misconception among some younger people that elders merely require food and nothing more. However, this is far from the truth. Older individuals crave love, care, a listening ear, and admiration. We must respect their feelings, as they have dedicated their lives to us, doing everything in their power to improve our lives. Now, it is our duty to care for our senior citizens.
My father is a well-educated man. In the evenings, my father, mother, and I used to gather in the TV lounge. My father would read the newspaper, I would work on my laptop, but my mom didn’t have any particular activity. I didn’t have much time to spend with her since I worked tirelessly from 6 AM to 11 PM without a break. However, I was concerned about her well-being. So, I encouraged her to pursue further studies, and she embraced the opportunity. She learned to write her name, and now she proudly receives and signs for any mail that arrives at our home. She shared this achievement with me yesterday. I provide her with daily encouragement. At 65 years old, she has set an inspiring example for other women in our community, demonstrating that there is no age limit for acquiring new knowledge.
Now, it’s 7 PM here, and I have just finished my class. I’m sitting in the TV lounge with my father reading the newspaper and me on my laptop. However, my mother isn’t simply looking at our faces or idly lying down; she appears busy because she is diligently completing her homework. The most heartwarming news is that today, two ladies from our village visited our home, and this time I didn’t have to persuade them to study; they expressed their eagerness to receive an education. They have a strong desire to learn, and this time, it was not me, but my mother who emphasized the importance of education. I’m immensely proud of her. At this moment, she looks as innocent as a child, and anyone who sees her would fall in love with her. I’m contemplating the need for action. We must set an example to bring about change.