Old and alone: Written by Naadira Chhipa Today alot of our parents and grandparents live alone. Their children are married and have homes as well as lives of their own. These elderly gems of society live on their pension, they may not even have a medical aid or enough funds to retire knowing that they are financially secure. Their children are often well educated and live fancy lifestyles. Does a son not feel embarrassed to drive his luxury car which he could afford only due to his father working overtime so he could give his precious son a good education, the same frail father who now uses public transport. Does a daughter not feel ashamed to wear a designer label abaayah and Jimmy Choo heels, yet her mother cannot afford to buy a simple black cloak. Does a son not feel guilty for having his wife and children on the best medical aid scheme while his parents are admitted into a public hospital. Does a daughter not feel pain to live in a ten bedroom, sea facing mansion while her mother lives in a home for the elderly. Does a son not realise that the payment he makes towards the premium dstv he has for the entertainment of his family could assist his elderly parents in buying their groceries every month. Do children not realise that what goes around does come right back around and the little eyes that are watching you will soon follow in your footsteps as you find yourself old and alone, it is then that you will realise the value of your parents..it may just be too late. Do children not realise that as they are busy growing up their parents are growing old. The same parents who cared for you, fed you, bathed you, educated you, protected you, comforted you, clothed you, entertained you, taught you how to walk and talk, sheltered you and loved you, the same parents you abandoned so easily love you more than the enitre world and everything it contains. May Allah assit us in appreciating, assisting, protecting, nurturing, caring, feeding, sheltering, respecting and loving our parents as the time we have with them is limited and precious. May Allah soften the hearts of children all over the world and to those who have issues or are not on talking terms with their parents may Allah reunite you and illuminate your hearts with love and forgiveness.Ameen To all those who have parents living in a home for the elderly: go get your Jannah back, cry and beg for their forgiveness and take them back home with respect and love.Ameen.- Naadira Chhipa