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FEEDBACKS - PART 2

June 9, 2006

"This was an absolutely beautiful tribute to parents everywhere and what they have taught and how gently they have touched our lives. What a beautiful way to humble and remind us just how special parents are. God Bless our parents and grandparents! Thank you for sharing this very touching presentation. May we take care and not take for granted."

"My aunt - my favorite person- died in my arms just after she rolled her head toward me and smiled. What a perfect video - words, pictures, and music! Sheer perfection. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul. Cyndy."

"I doubt you will post this feedback. As a nursing home owner and administrator, and a Christian, I strongly disagree with the pro-death message, wrapped in platitudes. While I have no problem with the idea that we should be understanding of our elders, I do not accept the concept that we should die when we are ready. Life is a gift from God, not to be given up, but to be received and used with dignity. Other than this, it is a beautiful piece. Gene Church."
[Webmaster's note: Please read our FAQ for my reply to a similar previous comment]

"This said everything I have always and ever wanted to say to my own children. It was touching and I cried like a baby when viewing it. Thank you so much for allowing me to say to my children what I have never been able to put in words."

"This is so beautiful and touching; it is in my favorites. Having both parents in their late 80's and watching the aging process take place, brings reality to the surface more than ever. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful movie."

"I hope it can be shared with as many people, in as many languages, as possible. My brother died at the young age of 56 two years ago, and the last few months were very difficult for him. He, with the gentle honesty of his physician, decided he would not try to prolong his agony, and when his time to go had come that he be allowed to go gently into that great beyond. He did and I was honored to be at his side, holding his hands as he quietly slipped away... I do not fear death, but look upon it as going home and I hope that 'He will lift me up upon his shoulders' as He has done these past 60 years. I hope children everywhere, both young and old can see this slide presentation and realize that sometimes there is no greater gift than to let a loved one go, and while they are still with us, accept them and love them without condition."

"That song is in my car and I listen to it regularly as I run errands – But now you have given it new meaning. I am 68 and my husband is 76. We have helped to care for all four of our parents as they said goodbye and have numerous friends and relatives who are doing the same now. This is LIFE. Thank you."

"Thanks for the joy and peace this movie brought to me. I and my sisters just started the process of moving our mother to assisted living. This helped to understand everything that is going through my head and to be able to put everything into some kind of prospective."

"A friend sent me the video from the U.S. I have in turn passed it to some of my friends here in the U.K. Amazing and very touching, definitely needed a box of tissues. I wish I could send it to my son, who lives in the States, maybe it would make him stop and think about contacting me more often, especially as I have four grandchildren there and I don't get to see them much. It made me realize just how little we stop and think about the needs of our parents until, sometimes, it is too late. Thank you and God Bless. Janet, Inverness, Scotland, U.K."

"Sorry, but this is the most depressing piece I have read in a while. May we never have to go thru this."

"Thank you for a wonderful e-mail! I am 74 years old and I will forward it to all my old friends. Renee K Christiansen"

"Simply awesome...I'm almost 69 yrs old and my father will be 95 this month...Not only did the message touch me but the song is simply fantastic...we have a young man in our church who sings this on occasion as one of the Specials...Each time he does it brings a lump to my throat as I remember just how loving my mother was before she graduated to spend eternity with the Lord. that was 5 years ago. I sent this to my children and grandchildren as I'm sure it will touch them just as it has touched me".

"What a wonderful thoughtful presentation! One year ago tomorrow my mother died at the age of 97. The faltering steps, the forgetfulness, the confusion were all a part of her last couple of years and she was blessed to be in a nursing home where compassion was the order of the day and I was fortunate enough to visit her several times a week. May all older folk benefit from the learnings of this incredibly sensitive teaching tool. It should be compulsory viewing for anyone with older family members."

"You had me crying with this poem. Yes, it is so true too. I loved it and sent it to everyone I knew and didn't know. This was beautiful! I saw it a couple of years ago. It was different then this one. It was the same poem and music but, no saying about the music. It was pictures of the same kind but, the music and who sang it came up later. So thank you for making it. It does make you think. GREAT JOB!"

"This is so powerful. I work with nursing homes and this would be a great in-service for new employees. I believe a country is judged by the way they treat their elderly. If we do not teach our children to show respect and love, to learn from and cherish the old we are truly not worthy of being called human beings."

"I was moved to tears, the mothers in our families are older now and this was a wonderful reminder of how much they touched our lives then and still do. Thank you for such a powerful reminder."

"It was fantastic, kinda teary!"

"Thank you very much for having the slideshow available, it is very inspirational. I work with hospice and nursing homes and the Parent's Wish video has meant a lot to the patients and families we deal with."

"How I needed this: My sister and I are taking care of our 92 year old mother. I become impatient with her at times (never harshly impatient). After reading this I will not become impatient with her. I'll just keep telling her how much I love her and what a good Mom she is. I love her so much. Shirley from Kokomo Indiana"

"The others have said it so much better than I can, but again I say THANK YOU so much for putting something like this together. My grandparents helped raise me for a time while my parents were not able. I have so many fond memories and stories full of their love for me, but even though they live close I have gotten busy with my own life and neglected to stay close to them. This was sent by God as a message to me that I need to take time for them, not as repayment, but to show them the love they taught me. They put so much time and love in me, it is time they reaped their reward. Thank you again for being out there!!! I will now wipe away the tears and call my grandparents."

"I was so touch by this. I sent it to both of my daughters, one of them admitted that she cried, they both said they loved me. Thank you for sharing this and allowing me the moment with my daughters."

"Thank you so much for the beautiful and inspirational message. This presentation helped remember just how powerful and important love, patience and respect are no matter what age you are. And the combination of these three noble virtues can only make us better parents, sons and daughters and ultimately better people."

"As tears stream down my face and my throat is sore from trying to hold back my sobs I thank you for reminding me how to feel about my poor darling parents. My dad has advanced Alzheimer's and my mom is following that way. Thank you for waking my resistance to seeing them in such a light. Sincerely Lance Edward Aston"

"This was so beautiful, and was also so true.. this is a knockout!!!!!"

"This is so touching it brings tears to my eyes. I think it is so beautiful and meaningful. It is so very true we need to open our eyes and be there for our parents. I am 50 and my Mom and Dad live next door sometimes it is an aggravation but this really is what it is all about. They were there for us and we need to be there for them. Thank you for this wonderful video. Mitzi Long"

"My 85 year old mother is now living with me and sometimes I forget what she must be going through. I only think how it impacts me. Thanks for opening my eyes. Maybe I'll think of this video the next time I begin to get annoyed."

"This is the most beautiful and true thing I have ever seen. I have sent this on to our 3 daughters. They have always been good to us, so this will just let them know how grateful we are to them. We are 75 and 73 years old. Again, thank you!"

"I only wish the poet had added 'And when some judge declares me incapacitated and a stranger is appointed guardian and robs me of my property, my dignity, my liberty and my life, I hope you find a way to help me the way I always have helped you.' This is the most poignant thing I have ever seen. Thank you for bringing it to us. Robin C. Westmiller, President National Association to Stop Guardian Abuse"

"This has come to me at a time when my siblings and I are dealing with a father who is failing daily – it’s been a year of multiple hospitalizations and much illness for him. He was robust and healthy last year at this time – being the only sibling living in the town with my parents it has been demanding but rewarding to be there for my dad – I forwarded this message to my brothers and sister so that we never forget that he carried us – it is now time to carry and care for him. Thanks again for reminding us to remember!!"

"Thank you for your beautiful message that expresses what is in our hearts so well. We are now seniors and are ministering to seniors; we will remember these challenging words."

"I am currently caring for my 99 year old grandmother and my 76 year old Mother. We need to cherish our parents and have the patience and understanding that they once had for us as children. It is often hard to do and this was a very wonderful reminder to us all. Too often we only see things from our side - how much of an imposition the caring is -- We need to remember that our parents have a hard time reaching out to us because they want to be independent and do things themselves. We need to cherish every precious moment with them and learn from their wisdom. For unlike them raising us and letting us go on to live our lives - when they are gone from our lives, we will only have those moments and memories to treasure."

"Unbelievable! I hope to have sixth grade teachers share this on National Grandparents day in October. I hope to use this to share with young students the importance and value of older adults. Thank you."

"Thank you for a very touching piece which was all the more enhanced by the equally appropriate song. I just wish you could revise the part which says 'And when someday we say to you that we do not want to live any more.. that we want to die.. Do not get angry.. Some day you will understand.' and 'Help us to end our way with love and dignity.' The reason being, they could EASILY be misconstrued as 'assisted suicide'. I think it can still be improved to give the ultimate effect that at least we owe something to our parents."

"That is really a beautiful video. Not overly-religious, just very nice! :-)"

"What beautiful words. Your message says it all. Thanks!"

"What a slideshow! How can I thank you for sharing it over the Internet! Whoever is at the origin of this slideshow has to be the most compassionate person! Thank you ever so much!"

"As ageing parents, we greatly appreciate your effort in putting up this slide show. It has drawn tears from everyone whom we have forwarded this show. God bless you and keep up the good work It is few people like you who make this world worth living."

"I am an adult child caring almost exclusively for both of my ill and elderly parents. I found Parent's Wish to be very inspiring and so true. It takes lots of love, patience and understanding to get through the day by day issues in life sometimes. I will be saving this for the times I may find my patience and understanding slipping to the common frustrations which are very normal to those in my position. I also encourage everyone who knows anyone with an elderly or ill parent to forward this message to them and for others in my position to save it. On a lighter note, don't read it at work as it is a tear jerker. Thank you, Julie Poston"

"That was so wonderful and touching!!! I don't know how anyone comes up with something like this, but it's awesome."

"Just received this, oh my God I am so moved (hysterical)! I lost my very special grandmother 12 months ago and it just makes you realize after seeing this everything it says is so true. My mum looked after her till the end and we stood beside mum the entire way, but now I realize this is what is next for us. It is so true that life turns itself around. You begin life so innocent and dependent on your loved ones and that's how it ends also. For the next generation - appreciate everything you have while you have it because it turns around in seconds."

"Wow what an incredible story. Awesome hats off to you and yes a CD of this is a MUST!!"

"It was sent just the right time. I am now taking care of my mom and dad of 77 and 87 years old. I thank God for still having them. But its true, sometimes, I am so irritated because they are people who are in need of too much attention. Sometimes I almost give up. But thank God for this presentation. I am really touched. Only this afternoon that I remember how they tried to give their best to take care of us and give us education in order for us to have a brighter future. I can't hold my tears upon remembrance of those things compared to what I am doing now to them. What a shame. Our parents deserved the best of our care especially now that they are old and can't do their own thing without our help."

"Truly emotional and moving! A must see for everyone!"

"It is really a touching message and it makes me cry, it is a very good message to all the children who do not take care of their parents, parents should be handled with love and tender especially at their old age, I forward this mail to all my relative and friends. Liberia Ben from Tanzania. East Africa, Africa."

"I cried buckets of tears after viewing Parent's Wish. What a beautiful viewing. I just adore Josh Groban's singing that particular song, I know there are other singers but it is not the same."

"Maraming salamat po (thank you very much). This was so beautiful and should be seen/shared with all children, parents, grandchildren, and grandparents as well, if we are lucky enough to still have them."

"Good Luck... I think this is a wonderful bit of work you have done and will look forward to when you have the CD so I can share it with my 86 year old mother. You have made me realize that I should be kinder to my mother, who has lived with me now for 14 years."

"Please know how touched I am by this presentation. As a hospice counselor for the past 22 years, I am now living these days with my parents. Please notify me when the CD is available. I would like to know for my parents, myself and the families I serve. As a hospice counselor, I have been told so many times that I have not done my job unless I help someone to cry. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me to have a good cry."

"Thank you so very much for sharing this with us. It is so beautiful! I keep playing it over and over again. It still brings tears to my eyes every time I read and listen to it! God bless you for allowing me the opportunity to pass this on to all my children, family members, and friends."

June 8, 2006

"I received this quite awhile ago. Now I have kept it to remind myself that my parents need more understanding and help when they ask. Need to be more patient with them at this time in their lives. Thanks for the message and the reminders. Judy"

"This is absolutely beautiful. I would like to be able to print out each page so I can give it to people without computers (yes, they exist). I work wonders with these type of presentations, but, unfortunately, your format does not avail itself to this. But everyone who worked on the project did a great job!!!!!"

"At 70 years of age I could not have said this any better to my precious daughters than what has been expressed here. I am sending it to them so they will have a good idea of what their father and i would wish for as we continue down life's road. Thank you for a beautiful presentation."

"I saw this and it is very true. I am seeing it with my parents now. I never thought about my parents getting old or dying until 3 years ago when my Dad started going downhill physically. He has since gone to be with Jesus."

"My brother is going through this problem at this time. His children do not seem to understand. I have sent a copy to all of them."

"I cried. I pray many young people will see this and cry too."

"Most sobering and thought provoking. It causes one to pause and evaluate what is important in life. Thanks."

"I wish I had seen this 10 months ago. My mother died in October and I saw myself in so much of your video. I was angry with her and didn't understand fully how ready she was to finish her life. I hope this will help others. lc"

"It really hit home. I help care for my Dad during his last eighteen months alive. It was an honor and a privilege to be present when he went home to be with the Lord. I now help with the care of my mother who is in a nursing home with the late stages of Alzheimer's. I am so thankful to God for the chance to give back to my Mom the wonderful care she gave me when I was so young. It is hard to watch her get so frail. She is still 'there' and I love the peace she radiates to all who serve her. I will miss her when she joins my Dad with Jesus. What a blessing and learning experience this has been. I hope my children can forgive me of my 'mistakes' and love me unconditionally in my final days."

"Such beauty, it brought tears to my heart. Natalie Kirschbaum"

"That is probably the most touching thing I have ever watched. I am 68 so of course it hits home. My Mom died at 32 and Dad at 51 but we took care of my hubby's folks. Love Josh Groban music and that has always been a favorite. Thanks for saying what I could not say to my children in person. Jackee"

"Normally I do not allow myself tears, I consider myself pretty tough, but I was profoundly moved. Whoever prepared this understands the often, great difficulties of the very aged."

"Just a note to say thank you. I am approaching 64 years and already things are happening to my physical body. The film was absolutely mind bending. Keep up the good work. Lincoln Bechtol"

"Just wanted to tell you that that was undoubtedly the best viewing I've done since Eve was a rib. How wonderful and you couldn't have found a better artist than Josh Groban to perform the song."

"My 87 year old mother has been living with me for 2 years now, and of course it is very difficult for all of us. Thank you for the inspiring, caring, loving message in this film. I know that it will help me get through the difficult days ahead!"

"I just got through viewing Parent's Wish. It's so beautiful, and I like so many others cried all the way through it. I lost both my parents and my mother was in a nursing home when she passed away. She was like a baby and finally went into a coma. I sat by her bedside and talked to her. I told her if she was ready to go, it was ok and that she was going to be in a better place. Within just a few hours, she was gone. Than you so much for this video. I have sent it to everyone I know."

"I would love it if you could make available a version signed by 'Dad'. (I supposed you would then also have to have one signed 'Mom') . I want very much to send it to my daughters (of whom I had sole custody), but if they saw 'Mom and Dad' at the end, it would anger them because they have wanted to have nothing to do with their mother for twenty years."
[Webmaster's note: This is probably the most popular request we have on the slideshow. Unfortunately, my volunteer FLASH designer is busy with another project and won't be available to make major enhancement on the slideshow for the next six months.]

"This is absolutely one of the most beautiful things I have seen in a very long time! Thank you so very much."

"I just want to let you know that your site was GREAT on a regular dial-up connection. Thanks for all the work you have done."

"Whomever put this together was amazing. I will save it for as long as I can and refer back to it often. I will also forward this onto more people than I have ever forwarded an e-mail on. What a tribute to our parents and what they are going through and how they nurtured us when we were young. Thank you so very much!!"

"I am dealing with having my Mother in a nursing home after suffering from a severe stroke. She cannot use her left hand or leg and tells us it is the most degrading thing that has ever happened to her. She was once a very independent lady and it breaks our heart to see her this way. She is different now but under all the fear and pain in her face I still see the love for each one of her children shine through. God did not take her from us with the stroke he is trying to bring us closer through her. She took care of us until we were gone now it is time for us to care for her. This is an awesome picture and the song fits it perfectly."

"I guess I am one, on my own. This made me angry. I have lost both of my parents, and took very good care of them before they died. I did it because I loved them, not as payback. I pray to God that in the years to come my children will do the same. We did not raise them in expecting them to take care of us, but to be good people to take care of everyone and themselves. So to say we took care of them and fed them and bathed them, now they cannot complain about us, is a hurtful, selfish thought."

"Just wanted to say that I loved it and I cried and I sent it on to several friends and family. A truly beautiful composition."

"This was so beautiful. With your permission, I'll print it in my church bulletin."

"I was so moved by the parents wish that I almost cried."

"This was the most moving and inspirational item I've ever seen on the Internet to date. God Bless you all for these words!"

"Thank you for sharing your time, effort, and personal resources to bring this thoughtful and touching piece of reflection and thought to Internet Audiences."

"Months ago, when I first was fortunate enough to view your Parent's Wish movie, it was seen with the entire screen. Now it's shown only partial screen. It doesn't let me choose 'normal screen' view because it won't load in normal screen. Is there away around this so I can show this to others in full view. It's much more powerful like that."
[Webmaster's note: We've got quite a few requests for that so I will add this in the wish-list for my volunteer FLASH artist]

"It was absolutely wonderful...did make me teary-eyed and touched my heart. Thank you."

"I sat at the computer and cried while watching this most moving piece. My husband has Lewy Body Dementia, which in layman's terms is a combination of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. I have encountered the endless repeating of questions, the angry outbursts, the childish behavior. He can no longer stand, feed himself, is incontinent and doesn't know who his children are. There are times he doesn't know me either. I chose to be his caregiver as long as I can. Hensha Gansbourg"

"Thanks, the web version was very moving and eye opening for me as I take care of an elderly parent in the beginning stages of dementia. I will keep the text version with me as a reminder to be patient, it is very hard at times."

"Absolutely beautiful - and the perfect music - Josh is a fantastic singer, in any language, and it definitely brought tears to my eyes - I have grown children - and my mom takes care of her elderly mother (92) so it really hit home. Thank you for a beautiful and sensitive presentation. Charlene - Tampa, Florida"

"I am always amazed that people need to be reminded of these simple facts. My parents love me and do everything possible to do the best by me. I love them and fully intend to do just that for them. A family is a circle of love that flows from the start of one generation, to the end of one previous, to the start of the next as so on."

"Outstanding…I was touched. Things don’t normally touch me as much as this did…thanks…"

"As I sat today looking at the sky and worrying so much about my adult/child autistic son that I have such little strength to continue on with his care, I checked for some words of wisdom and found that a friend out of my past sent this heart touching email. I admit that I am ready to throw in the towel, but there is no one out there to catch it, so I sigh, pray, and continue to go through the motions of caring for one who has no clue of the tension and time-on-task issues for his care. As we lose our fathers, husbands, and sometimes sons and daughters to the dark world of the uninvited problems of aging, illnesses, and developmental disorders, we wonder 'why someone I love' and there is no answer... except to raise our eyes to the cross. Incredible, incredible, incredible."

"This is a reminder that not only will we deal with this with our parents but our spouses also. My husband has lung cancer which went to the brain and caused brain tumors. Today is uncertain on a daily basis and often confused and hurt, so thank you for the gentle reminder to be patient with him."

"ALL family members should read this. I have 3 children and they don't get it yet. After reading, and seeing, this maybe they will. We truly want only the best for them. Maureen"

"Please know that being a nurse for my entire life is completely summed up in your video. The caring and compassion that is brought forth is how I view my patients as well as my family. Since I work in long term care it is even more special as I see so many elderly without family or ones that do not understand the parents condition. Thank you so very much for capturing what my heart holds."

"Thank you for sharing such a wonderful piece. As we grow up and become adults and parents we tend to forget how to support, understand and help our aging parents. This is a beautiful and touching piece. I have sent this to several people some who cried once they played it. The song choice was so fitting. I love that Josh Groban song."

"I just went through this with my mom and she passed away May 16,2006. Thank you for this, I passed it on to my friends so they can understand what I went through and every person goes through."

"Leaves me speechless. It is so awesome."

"I'm in my 60s, and I'm moved to tears after viewing your show. It reminds me of my parents in their last years. You touched so many hearts and said it all. Thanks very much. AH."

"Thank you ever so much for such a wonderful and heart filled message. I am sending it to all of my e-friends. I sit here crying and thinking back to my parents, and down the road a way this will be me to my children... Thank you again... :)"

"This is a beautiful video! I cried all the way through it. My daughter sent it to me and I am so grateful she did. I lost my father in 1997 and my son in 2003. So this is very close to my heart. I was with my Dad the day before he passed and to this day I am so grateful to have had that time with him.  Thanks so much for making this video and sharing with the world. I would love to see more of these."

"Absolutely the greatest e-mail I have read in a very long time!!!!!"

"Everyone I sent this to said they cried like I did :) It's sad but true that we need to be reminded what life is truly about. All that matters is family and love!"

"I just saw your slide show and it touched me deeply. About eight months ago my Dad passed away of cancer and when I viewed this slideshow it touched me. I'm going to save it."

"Wow, that is a Kleenex moment, great job. It's on it's way to MN, AZ, CA, NE and ND. Thanks, again. Jeff"

"Today I received the Parent's Wish slide show from my Dad! He is such and amazing man that I look at him everyday in absolute wonder! Your slide show is the most touching thing I have ever received via the net! It gave me a glimpse into some of the issues that my parents face now and that I will face in years to come. But it also brought a tear, you see I have no children, no one who will help me earn what parent's wish! Thank you for this wonderful moment! I will forward it to friends who I am sure will share it with other still!"

"Wow that is such a beautiful message. It truly touched my heart. I worked at a nursing home for six years and I worked with people going through this. This email has such a beautiful message and I thank you for taking the time to put it together!"

"My wife is a hospice social worker and I am a hospice volunteer. We see this theme played out every day. Thank you for the beautiful presentation!"

"This touched me beyond words. My son will be graduating from high school this weekend, and it is so touching!! Thank you!!!!"

"This video is priceless, I received this e-mail early in the morning while at work and can't stop crying. God Bless the person who created this. I shared this video to our children, family and friends."

"What a wonderful and moving tribute to Parent's everywhere! May God bless you and hold you in the Palm of His hand!"

"Most precious email I've ever received. Thank you!"

"I have a Computer Science degree and am currently going to seminary to study for a vocation in chaplaincy. I love to work with seniors. This was such a moving and inspiring video into the lives of both parents and children. I was moved with by nothing but pure 'love' for this film. It was most definitely a 'God send'. Thank you for your hard work. This touched me beyond words. My son will be graduating from high school this weekend, and it si so touching!! Thank you!!!!Inspired in New York"

"This is just like it is and just like it should be. We have my wife's parents with us for a few weeks right now. They are 78 yrs. old. We can see ourselves headed that way very soon. We have four children."

"I think ALL healthcare providers should view this as well. This was just an unbelievably beautiful and touching presentation. I miss my folks so much."

"I was moved by this on so many levels. I do have an 80 year old parent for whom it gets increasingly difficult to be patient. I also am a 56 year old mother of three teenagers who get frustrated by my lack of computer/remote control/dvd/cd/digital camera knowledge as well as forgetting that Yes, mom, we already saw that movie, yes, mom, you already told us that etc. etc. Thank you for putting it all in perspective for me. I am sending this to everyone I know. With gratitude. A daughter and mom."

"I was so moved by this. I am dealing with aging parents and adult children and am aware, on a daily basis, that whatever example I show to my kids is exactly how I will be treated in the future. This really brought it all home for me. Thanks."

"No amount of words can describe how I feel and think about this. I automatically remembered my Daddy who passed away and I still do miss him a lot. Unconditional love for parents, family and friends are such a blessing from God. No amount of money, fame, or fortune can ever replace that."

"It saddens me to see the elderly being ignored when I am grocery shopping or just out in public. They should not be viewed as a bother or worthless. Our elders have so much wisdom they can share with us. The world isn't the same place when they are gone. My father died suddenly four years ago and I miss him every day. So many things remind me of him. If there is one thing I could share with the younger generations it is to value the older generation. Sincerely, Sherry D."

"Wow, beautiful, absolutely beautiful and moving. It brought tears to my eyes. Thanks, D. Hill"

"I just lost my Best Friend of my life last September and a friend sent this to me. I now fully understand why my Mom didn't want to see me the day before her passing. I am her only daughter and disabled since birth. She was sparing me the pain of losing her cause she loved all her kids so much as we loved her and our Dad who passed on 10 years ago. The song and the message made it clear that they were both ready to go. Thank you for being a real eye opener."

"I watched the above slides and for sure I was touched. I am currently taking care of my mother who is tired, doesn't like eating especially when she does not feel like eating. She also can't walk without the support of somebody. After these slides I have discovered and learned how I can make her life even better in her remaining days."

"What a beautiful tribute to all parents and grandparents everywhere!  You have truly produced a work of art. It should be shared."

June 7, 2006

"By the end, my tears were so full, I could hardly see the words. Older people from their fifties on, are sometimes looked at for all of their imperfections, instead of their greatness. I myself, feel guilty, when I can't keep up because I hurt, or that have to ask for help, which I don't like doing. I makes me feel unable, not good about myself. It makes me not want to be around my family as much because I feel like I am a problem to them, and I never want to be a pain. Sincerely, Dixie"

"Ohhhh how wonderful that was......my parents sent this to me and it just made me cry!!"

"AMAZING! You'll be amazed how easily we forget the little big things done to us by our parents. GREAT! It brings great and unfathomable joy to one's soul. WONDERFUL! A simple slide show brought wonders and made our eyes wide open on how we can make our parents enjoy their twilight years. BLESSED! That's to all of us who have seen this and more all the people who made this possible. THANKS! - PDC"

"The person that wrote about the pictures was wrong. I have seen my dad age within a few years. That is how life is. I think the whole video was just great. It sure touched me."

"Thank you. You should be very proud of this work. You have touched everyone who has seen this. Thank you."

"Thank you for such a beautiful way of portraying life. I just lost loved ones and this touched my heart and, yes, many kleenexes later I am so grateful for the time I was able to give with love and deep gratitude. June"

"Absolutely outstanding!!!!! I think the worse part of getting old is that you remember what it was like to be young. God bless!"

"Wow, how beautiful this is! Thank you. You have spoken for a lot of elderly who don't know how to say it for themselves and young ones who don't realize. If this doesn't touch your heart then nothing can."

"Thank you, Thank you - This has been the most beautiful and touching e-mail I have gotten. It made me cry and think and love my parent ever so much more. I've had the experience of seeing my love one turn back into a beautiful child all over again. This is great! Thank you again."

"That was awe inspiring. As I reach an age that is now appreciating more each day, the older folks that were in my life when I was young, I hear again that refrain, 'just wait till you are my age.' Very beautiful. I will share it with many. THANK YOU Josh!!"

"No words can express the power behind this incredibly moving reminder of the circle of life, and also all the hopes and dreams bundled up in each life. I read a few of the 'not so moved' responses and felt the pain those lost souls must feel to express themselves in such ways. God said 'Judge not, lest ye be judged'. Perhaps those poor people need a few miles in the shoes of others. This is well-done, and a timely message no matter where you may be at in your path through this life. Doreen Johnson."

"Incredible, I can not wait to show my son and daughter. That was beautiful, and I wish my mother, who passed away at 57 yrs old could be here so I could hold her up when she got old. My grandmother was 79 when she passed away, my daughter loved her old, old Nana, and she has special thoughts for the elderly and I'm so proud of her for that, because she knows they need our help."

"This was posted on a Senior forum by an Australian friend of mine: 'It brought tears to my eyes... not because I'm there yet, but because I know some day I will be... and that gives me mixed feelings. Sad because I know it is probably coming; Glad because I've survived so long and have children who love me.'  I have many senior friends who will love this just as much as I did... so thank you for making this available to all of us!"

"This was just amazing!!!! I just loved each and every sentence written. It directly touches your heart. Mom and Dad- You are the Greatest Ever Was and Will Be."

"Having just learned that my mom has less than six months to live due to cancer this really hit home. My 12 year old daughter and I watched it together and just balled our eyes out. Thank you for sharing this with us and reminding us all that our parents did for us so we can pass it on to our children."

"Absolutely the best I've read in many years!"

"It was a beautiful presentation - the music very touching. At 63 I would have liked to send this to my daughter, but since her father died a number of years ago (and after a difficult divorce) - it would be very difficult to send this 'from Mom and Dad' - too bad it can't be reformatted to be sent from either, Mother, Father and/or Mom and Dad. R"

"OMIGOD! Please warn people to get their tissues out before watching.. and the song.. I am still hysterical crying! Thank you. Suzanne Gibbs"

"A very powerful and introspective video. What a wonderful heartfelt message for all of us baby boomers and our children. It reminds me of all of the loving, unselfish deeds my parents did for me and my siblings. Your video stirred emotions that tug at my heart and reminds me of how much I love and miss my parents. It reminds us that while our daily lives may be hurried and stressed, we need to take time to exercise patience and kindness when interacting with elderly persons. We should honor them by helping them to maintain their dignity and they deserve our respect. If we raise our children right and we are lucky enough to make it to 'old age' perhaps our children will return the favor."

"That is perfect! I couldn't have said it better! I cried as I read it. I think, and I hope, that it will help to narrow the generation gap in many families. God bless you for putting forth the effort to present this to the world. Thank you so much."

"Even though I am a very young mother, it feels like I have experienced all of these things when I watch this. It truly picked me up through the hard times I am having right now! It did make me cry because I just lost my grandfather, and he felt this exact same way. But it wasn't a sad cry, it was a beautiful cry! I think these days, this is just what we needed!! Thank YOU!!!"

"We all need to be reminded of how short our lives really are and that we truly can make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for the gentle reminder of how precious our families really are and shouldn't be taken for granted. God Bless."

"O My God, It was Beautiful and every word the absolute truth. I cried during the entire video. I hope my children will give me the dignity and respect in my aging years as this video expressed. I Am going to type it up on my word and have a printout made. Thanks You."

"In this time of the glorification of youth, physical beauty, and the attitude of 'It’s all about me', I find this piece so refreshing! Older people have so much to offer us in terms of experience, knowledge and wisdom. I pray that your presentation will inspire people to appreciate the elderly more. I also hope that your effort causes parents to be careful in their rearing of their children. Love them, discipline them, and train them in what is right. Most of all, teach them to love God. If these things are done, children will find it much easier to express the love described her."

"Absolutely beautiful. My wife and I cared for my mother for 21 years after Dad passed away. You could have been talking about her. I just hope our children and all children will be touched by this as much as I am. Thanks for the memories it brought back."

"Both my Mom and my Dad suffered illnesses that made them deteriorate before my eyes and they both died in my arms. This presentation was wonderfully done and for those that still have their parents, treasure them and love them. We will all at one time go from care getter to care giver and it will not be an easy transition. Show this to your children, to your family and to anyone you love, it is truly beautiful."

"I took care of my mother, with the great help of my adult children and teenage granddaughters, for the last few years of her life so that she could stay in her own home and not go to a nursing home.  She passed away a couple of years ago at age 93 and I still miss her. I really want my children to get this entire message about ME. Their experience helping with my mother doesn't have the same perspective as my experience with that. All these little memory clips on your website were reminders of things done with my parents and I hope will have the same effect on my children. This was a wonderful message - Thank you!!"

"That was the most beautiful and meaningful presentation I have ever seen. Please continue to produce this type of material. God knows the world truly needs these types of reminders. I learned these lessons after my parents passed away!".

"I agree that it needs a warning about having a box of tissues nearby. This is powerful!!!"

"I am taking care of my dad who is 86 and has the horrible disease of Alzheimer's. He was playing ball, bowling, cooking for himself just 2 years ago, now he doesn't even know how to fix tuna. This was a Godsend the other night. I was having a real bad time, and checked my mail and, wow, did this change my attitude. I'm going to read it when times get too overwhelming for me."

"Words has been placed perfectly, it made me cherish my Father and Mother more right after the movie. Its very heart warming. Nevertheless we can also apply the message from our Lord Our Saviour. Jesus Christ. God bless."

"I love this slideshow because it helps children like me to understand how much sacrifices our parents gave us when we were still growing up. It makes me realize how important it is to be more patient and understanding especially during the difficult time of old age. May this short film help more children to be grateful to their parents and learn to accept them for what they will become after several years. thank you!"

"Very thought provoking and emotional video."

"I was certainly blessed when I viewed it and so were my co-workers. After caring for my bedfast father for two years in my home, I can certainly relate to this video."

"I have played this 3 times so far. I sent this to my daughter who does not like getting 'things' like this but she forwarded it to her friends. She too needed a box of Kleenex. My parents are gone now, how this reminded me so much of how we helped each other. I sent this to my daughter because I am starting to use a cane and have short term memory. It touched me so deep in my soul and heart. Words cannot express the love and warmth I got from this video. Thanks for being there for me at this point in my love. Judith, LA."

"I absolutely loved this and wanted to send it to my 2 grown sons but I couldn't because it was from Mom and  Dad. Is there a way it can be changed to just one parent, like me Mum."

"My father lived with us for the last six years of his life and died last year at the age of 94. This presentation brought to mind how much we learned and gained from having him there and how much we miss him. My children and grandchildren became so close to him during that time that it was a precious gift. Thank you."

?I work as a manager in senior housing, so this is very inspiring. We all need to remember how precious life is and to always think about how the elderly once cared for us. Always respect their life.

"How beautiful, It has shown me that my Parents have raised me and taken the time to teach me so many things. Now I must learn to have the patience for them as they had for me. God Bless my Mom and Dad. The Lord has taken my Dad. I wish I had seen this before. So many times you take people for granted and I wish I could just tell my Dad I am sorry If I hurt you with my words."

"Outstanding!! Outstanding!! Still crying, thank you so much, I will pass this on to everyone."

"Excellent is the right word for this, it really made me cry. I think the only thing missing in the intro is that we need a box of tissue before we view this thing. My dad is 90 years of age, and he tends to be forgetful at times, and he keeps asking the same questions every minute, or so, and to tell you honestly I never get tired answering his questions and telling him the same stories because he is happy to hear the answers and I feel as his daughter I owe him my life and to my mother too of course. Without them there is no me. I hope other children especially those with parents who are 60 and above or have difficulty as shown in the Parent's Wish will learn something out of it. The world is round, and soon in time we will reach the age that we will be needing our children's love and care, so lets shower them love and care so that in time, they will return this to us."

"I cried like most people may have, for I too have elderly parents. They are more precious than all the gold on earth, for they have a history that only they can tell. Thank you for reminding us all of the precious gift. God Almighty, in His infinite wisdom has given us, our parents!! Tina from CA"

"I have never cried so hard in my life. I love my parents so much and although they are only in their 40's - 50's I will always be there for them no matter what. My favourite person in the world when I was little was my grandpop because he listened to my brother and me and always made time to play games with us or sit and talk to us while we drew pictures for him. He had a heart attack when I was about 9 and I still miss him so much. I cant wait to give my parents grandchildren."

"This couldn't have come at a more perfect time. My mother has Alzheimer's and constantly repeats herself. It gets so frustrating for me that I cut her off. After watching this I'll think twice now."

"I want to thank you for Parent's Wish. My mother-in-law now lives with my husband and me because she suffered a stroke in 2005. She requires constant care as her sight is affected, as well as her balance. She needs help with all routines in life. To go from total independence to total dependence over night has been extremely hard for her, and for the family. Many days I myself am depressed, and I know she is too. Your presentation was just what I needed . God bless you."

"Thank you for this wonderful presentation! I forward this to others and received a response back saying this was one of the best emails he ever got. Keep up the good work!!"

"Thank you sooo much for this wonderful presentation. I forwarded this to friends and got a response back saying it was the best email he has ever got. Keep up the good work!"

"I didn’t like it. I’m growing old – pushing 60, but a mindset of a 40-yr-old. I thought it was depressing to see loved ones feel as though they are sinking and without hope for the pleasure of good days to follow. And if my children have to be told to be kind, considerate and patient, then I haven’t done a very good job with them, have I? I am honest with my kids when I’m having a bad day, but it would be wrong to let them think I’m on a slick, downhill slide into a grave. I take joy in my aches and pains, and in every breath God allows me to have. Joy is in the journey with my eye on the prize. I want my loved ones to celebrate my life while I still have it and not be waiting for death to call."

"This was truly a beautiful piece of art. After battling brain cancer for 6 months, I lost my grandma recently. I got the wonderful opportunity to help my mother and her brothers care for my grandma so that she could die at home. That was her only wish. I'm so happy that she got her wish and didn't have to go to the hospital. She was a very inspirational woman in my life. I am very lucky to have had such a good relationship with her. As hard as it was to say goodbye, I know now that she is not suffering. Thank you again. I hope after viewing this more people will have the compassion, patience and understanding with their loved ones like my family did with my grandma. Jen, SD."

"I love your presentation. It came to me from a friend 2 days after my Grandmother passed away."

"I just viewed a Parent’s Wish that I received from our daughter and many tears came to my eyes while I was reading it. Many thoughts came into mind especially what our daughter has quoted over the years and that is 'I will always look after you and dad'. I also found it very touching as I was never able to fulfill all that I would have with my mom as she passed away at an early age. I know in my heart that our son and daughter will be there for us in our time of need just as they are now."

"I would like to thank God for inspiring you to continue your quest to make it possible for you to share this beautiful piece. This has come at the right moment in my life. I lost my grandfather at 94 and my grandmother at 96. This piece reminds me of them and the struggles they had in their old age. Now I am living with my 73 year old mother. Her memory is going and I find myself fighting with her and getting angry and yelling at her. Thank you, thank you, thank you for having this available for me to see. You have opened my eyes and my ears. This will become my prayer. I don't want to forget the importance of taking care of my mom and understanding her aging process. May God Bless you and your family and all who have worked so hard on this piece to bring it to so many people (who need another lesson in life). Madeline"

June 6, 2006

"Wow. That was absolutely beautiful. I am not a religious person, but that touched deep into my soul and did indeed bring tears to my eyes as I thought of my two children. I intend to share this with my children and other family and friends. As a previous viewer stated, make sure you have the tissues handy!!

"I was crying when i viewed the video, then I bawled when I read the Feedbacks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Thank you for such an insightful message. My 85 year old mother has been through so much over the past 15 months. I always find it strange for her to be so elated to see me when I visit 2 or 3 times/week, since I’m nothing special. I was so impatient with her when she was refusing showers and not eating. I fussed at her, and even got angry with her. Even though I was concerned and was admonishing her out of love for her, I wish I had seen this video 2 years ago, because it really sheds light on how much that sort of behavior hurts her heart and her dignity....Your video says so much in so few words, if only we will listen."

"Beautiful, poignant and very heart felt and true !! Josh Groban's choice of song is very appropriate, too. Thank you for sharing it!!! GG"

"Omg, omg. That was the most touching thing I have ever read. Brought DamiAnn and I to tears. Thinking about Grandma and how my MOTHER treated her.... wow!"

"I cannot even begin to tell you how much this has moved me. Last year I lost my grandmother to Alzheimer's. She lived in Minnesota, I in California so I was not there with her when she passed. She lived with her daughter my mother, and this has touched me so dearly because I know my mother would lose her patience with my grandmother for just about all the reasons you wrote of. I have shared this with my 14 year old daughter and she too has been brought to tears. Thank you for such a beautiful message. I will keep this always. Debra Howard."

"Thanks so very much!! THIS is what I have tried to explain to people when they ask why I have given up years of my life to take care of my parents. I am 1 of 8 kids, and it has been my privilege and honor to take care of my Papa from 1994 until his passing in 2002, and I am still taking care of my Mama, who suffers from 3 different kinds of cancers. THEY raised me and 7 others, so now, I can love and honor them for it. Thanks again. Patsy Whitten."

"You have no idea how touched I am with this presentation. I work in a Senior Assisted Living Community and hear these thoughts daily as they are expressed in various ways to those that our seniors love. I plan on passing this on to all I can! Thank you for putting into such a beautiful format….what we all will feel someday!"

"I was touched by this Parent's Wish slideshow and made me cry thinking of my parents who both passed away already and how I wish they are still here and let them know how much I love them. Thank you for sharing this beautiful, touching and awesome video. Congratulations!"

"Absolutely awesome. I sent to both my parents and our son. What an enlightening experience. Thank you to whomever put this together, I've sent to everyone I know!"

"Thank you for such a touching slideshow and song. It made me cry!! It made me remember my mom who passed away 2 years ago now at 85 yrs old. And I'm sending it on to my children, so they will remember to be patient with me some day when I don't want to shower 'just because'!! I can't imagine not wanting to eat, but that may come!! Thank you again!!"

"It brought tears to my eyes. I just lost my mom about two years ago and it was so nostalgic. I hope my sons see this and are inspired by it. Thanks so much for an inspiring tribute to old age and its consequences. Trudy Lieberman."

"I see that you have expressed your gratitude to Groban for his music; I trust that he is also included in the profits you must be enjoying from this venture. I believe that Josh wrote this particular song as a tribute to his grandmother. You might want to consider acknowledging that fact, as well."
[Webmaster's note: We are not and have no intention of making any money from this slideshow. I have paid for the first three month's web hosting fee from my own personal pocket. We have provided a direct link to Josh Groban's website for people interested in buying his music. We do not get any referral commission from them.]

"This is truly very touching. I remember my parents and this made me think of them. My mother used to visit seniors in nursing homes in Fort Frances, Ontario, in the 1960’s when I was a teenager and sometimes I would go with her to visit. Yes, this has been very touching and true-to-life."

"This was the most touching thing I have ever seen and so accurate. It made me cry. Perhaps it should be compulsory for all carer's and care homes for the elderly to see this. I hope I did enough for my mother when she was alive, but having a mother in law who has in the last 2 years reached the stage that you are showing this has shamed me into showing more understanding as well as getting my wife to travel the 50 miles 3 times a week to see her. Old people are often grumpy because they can't do things they used to do and it is a loss of dignity for others to help. But this small slideshow demonstrates why we should."

"My mother is 80 and my daddy passed away 2 ½ years ago. I am a first time great-grandmother and have begun to think about my own old age. I am going to pass this along to my children. I pray they will recall the good times as we grew up together—they have taught me so much as I raised them. Thank you for putting the music and message out so wonderfully."

"I loved this. My sister sent it to me and I, in turn sent it to other parents as well as our kids. Thank you for allowing us to give our children our most sincere wish. Bob."

"As a baby boomer whose parents are both just now reaching their 80s, I can see sometimes the fear in their eyes and maybe the uncertainty for what the future holds. But one thing I want them to always know is that I will be right here for them, exactly the way they have been for me. We could all learn so much from our parents if we just stop and listen to the wonderful, inspirational stories they have to tell. Thank you so much for this video, it is truly a masterpiece."

"Thank you for sharing with all of us Parents' Wish. It is so touching and moving. Also a very valuable tool in that it says gently what many would like to say but cannot."

"This was one of the most moving and thought provoking presentations I have ever seen. I wish I would have seen this many years ago when my own parents were still alive. Thank you for creating it. Guess who I'm going to forward it to?"

"I was totally unprepared for the avalanche of emotions that this unleashed. I have never read or heard anything that so beautifully expressed what I would have wanted to express. I cried all the way through it. I have played it eleven times here at home (in addition to having sent it to forty others by email) and every single person to whom it was presented has been emotionally moved to tears by the remembrance of their reflections on different portions of their lives. Thank you so very much for having created this for the rest of us to share. My family extends their thanks also. Thank you again for your obedience in publishing this and exposing the creativity within you that only God could have implanted."

"This is such a touching article, and does have a lot of meaning."

"As I am an aging grandmother now and I can't begin to tell you how touched I am by your show. I pray that God will continue to bless you in your efforts to get this out to as many people as possible. I also said a prayer of thanks to God for giving you this gift and for giving you the desire to give the gift to others."

"Absolutely magnificent. I am there now."

"This is by far the most touching video I have seen in a long time. I give so much credit to the creator, they must have really loved either their child, or parents. I had to send this to a friend, having to deal with her Mom's old age. I hope this helps put things in perspective for her, as I am sure it will help. Thanks so much for the publication of this material! Debbie"

"This is beautiful! And SO TRUE! Jean."

"Sentiment is accurate but far, far, far too syrupy; like a boatload of artificial sweetener. It destroys the palate it means to excite!!"

"My mom is 89 years old and in good health for her age. I remember one time she showed me a card that had a very similar content. Hope I find that card at her house when I go visit her this July. Thanks for putting up that powerful show."

"Thank you so much. I lost my mother to Alzheimer’s disease and was touched by how beautifully this video expressed what I experienced. I miss my Mom every day and am proud to say I cherished every moment of her life. Being her caretaker was an honor."

"A colleague e-mailed me this very touching video clip. We sponsor a group of nurses who work in churches. This would be a very valuable tool for them to use in there respective congregations."

"The pictures and the words were so beautiful."

"My son sent this to me, it is very touching and difficult to watch without tears."

"It really hit home with me. I never had a relationship with my father, while he was in a nursing home , I did not visit very often but near the end of his life, I made an attempt to work things out but he was too far gone to know what I was trying to say to him. Thanks again for the video. Joe from Delaware."

"This is a very powerful and dynamic presentation. Thank you for what you have done."

"This is a wonderful site. My friend sent this to me and I cried through the whole thing. I am going through this now with my Mom whose memory is fading quickly and she has lung and heart problems, too. I lost my Dad two and three-fourths years ago, so this site really, really hits home. The song by Josh Groban is just perfect for this. I love this song!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing this with so many people. I forwarded it to all of my friends and family and know it will touch all of them, too."

"What an awesome site. I take care of my mom and it so opened up my eyes. Life is short and precious and I now realize not to sweat the small stuff, but to take in and really enjoy my time with her. She is great and as I watched the film I cried. My mom did so much for so many people, she had such a huge heart and still does. She has been thru so much in her life and is always optimistic and upbeat."

"I still have tears in my eyes as I write. My Dad is 87 and has dementia. Watching him is so terribly painful and at the same time frustrating. I know that the thoughts expressed in Parents Wish are his thoughts, but he just can’t articulate them. Thanks for telling me just what my Dad is thinking."

"I have just recently lost my Dad and Mom. Your message is so true and so from the heart. I could never have been able to say what you did. Thank you so much for letting people understand how older people feel.  Children do not understand, especially my two girls never understood. I hope they will get the message as I sent this to both of them."

"What a beautiful presentation from a parent's viewpoint. It would make such a beautiful presentation for Mother's day or Father's day in our church service. Is there any way to get a copy of it to show in church? Also I have a son that sings a lot in church. Is there anyway to get the music to the song in the video? I'd love to hear him sing it. Thanks so much for this beautiful video. It has really touched me."
[Webmaster's note: I'm sorry but the CD is not available yet. You can buy the background music of the slideshow from Josh Groban's website by clicking on the link above. The title of the song is 'You Raise Me Up'."

"Thank you for this simple but powerful slideshow. It causes us to remember that we will all age one day and personally it has caused me to appreciate my parents, grandparents. Thank you."

"Whoa!"

"That was the most beautiful movie and the music with it was superb. Brought lots of tears."

"This is so inspiring and the feedback from the Atwoods son on June 2, 2006 was just as touching. The tears won't stop. I have been truly blessed and I'm passing this on to all I know."

"I was 6 years old when my father died, and 28 when my mother died and I miss them very much."

"I cried all through the slideshow. I lost my Dad last February after a long battle with Alzheimer's and would love to show this to my Mom, but she doesn't have a computer, and I don't have a laptop. They moved to a mobile home in my front yard when Dad started getting bad. They wouldn't move in with me. They wanted their independence. I took care of Dad and now take care of Mom, she has Parkinsonism. He was so sweet especially near the end."

"That was simply beautiful. Loved every word and picture."

"Thank you for all of your time and effort. This is very touching. Both of my parents have passed on and are with the Lord now."

June 5, 2006

"Would you have this in any other languages ..such as French or German."
[Webmaster's note: If and when we find the time, we will try to produce them.]

"WOW! What an eye opener.  I am 60 and so I see how some older people are left to the way side. I lost my father at a very young age, so I know how important it is to stay in touch and try to live each day with love in your heart for your parents. We just have to look at it as a role reversal and that we need to be there for them no matter what like they were for us at one time. They can no longer do or be there for us like they use to but we can pay them back for all those times and be there more for them. Thank You for a wonderful movie and site."

"Just wanted to say that this is all so true. I see it everyday at my work place. More people should realize that when their parents get old they should not look at them as a burden. They should be looked at as a true blessing as they did when they were young."

"I can relate this to my parents and grandparents, but even more so, I have begun my eighth week working at a retirement community. Even though I am on the administration side, and work with the younger and more able seniors, I see many beautiful older faces each day. This presentation brings home that my new job is about caring, and seeing each individual as an incredible work of God, someone to listen to and learn from. I hope to be able to share this with my coworkers. Thank you."

"This brought back a flood of memories and emotions of our parents last 10 years of their lives.  Yes, it is hard to let go but at the same time we need to allow them to do what they think is best for themselves and I can proudly say we let them all leave this world able to hold their heads up high, in a dignified manner. Thank you so much for making this video, it means so much to me and I sent it to the rest of the "kids" and after talking, we all felt it was written for us specifically."

"My mother in law is now taking care of her mother, and I think this would touch her deeply, and help her in the time when she loses her mother (which will be shortly).  Candi"

"Thank you for the most beautiful wish for our children. We have been blessed by God to have six children and 11 grandchildren of which we lost one at two weeks into his life from being born to soon. We could not have thought of anything more beautiful as we have seen on your Parent's Wish. My husband and I were married 52 years today and could not have had a more special present. God Bless you and thank you for the gift."

"After viewing Parents Wish, I cried. It is so true. Wonderful job, I sent it to everyone I know. Those who saw it, had the same reaction as me."

"I cried and cried throughout the video, It is beautiful,! My dad isn't too well health wise, he's 89 and this video helps me to understand him a little bit better and to have lots and lots of patience. Thank you so much!"

"A really beautiful and touching poem."

"That song was so appropriate for the pics. I truly enjoyed it.There is so much truth to what was written below the pics. Put together beautifully and should bring tears to anyone that has feelings or a heart. Great Work."

"Thank you so much for this video. It really was touching-I sent it to my daughter and I am sure she enjoyed it too. I worked in a seniors home for a while and it was sad to see some put there and forgotten."

"My heart just wept - thank you thank you thank you!"

"I am sitting here bawling my eyes out. This is so beautiful and so appropriate – maybe because I am in my mid 60’s and would love to share this with my daughter and family."

"I just came back from visiting my Mom who is recovering from a fall. She is 81 and as I look at her now, growing older, a bit frail, getting ready to 'go Home' , I reminded myself to have not just love but compassion. She was not a wonderful mother growing up so compassion in her time of need can be a challenge. In order to have Peace of Mind, I remember that we chose to journey here in this relationship dynamic together and for all of that learning, I became a better mother to my daughter and she will better than I was to her. Thank you for this beautiful message of remembering. I am not at all surprised, it has touched so many thousands of hearts."

"As I watch and listened tears came to my eyes. In my mother's final years my beloved husband did not fuss when I said we needed to move in with my mother because it was to stressful to move her in with us (she died a few weeks short of her 96th birthday). She needed to be in HER home. I was the one who received the blessing for having the opportunity to spend so much time with her. There is nothing as unconditional as a mother's love, even when we make mistakes. Unfortunately, our only daughter was killed in a car accident but now she has the pleasure of being with grandma. My husband and I will take care of each other until we again see the beloved family that has gone before us. Thank you for the opportunity to reinforce that we did the right thing with my mom."

"This really hits home now that I am dealing with my aging mother. She is a beautiful lady but cancer and age are taking its toll on her. Loved this video, beautifully presented and really tells it all. Debbie"

"That was the nicest email I have received in a long time. Also to include Josh’s music tops it off."

"This was great. With 5 children and parents who getting older with time, it is a good reminder to us and them. Leona"

"I've had this CD since it's introduction to the public - now I can literally cry everytime I hear the song. Thanks so much for reminding us what is really important in this life; we only get one ride around it, God bless Josh."

"This is a masterpiece, and I commend you for all the good you are doing in promoting it. Only those who have tread this path with their parents can receive the greatest comfort an joy it gives to the human spirit. I do not know you personally, but I feel your beautiful spirit in our home, just by playing it. May God's special love make itself felt in all that you do today and always in the hearts who have taken the time to listen to it."

"I lost my Mother a week before my birthday and my Daddy four days before my oldest daughters birthday. My middle sister in Israel cared for my Mother and my youngest sister cared for my Daddy. The Parent's Wish was just sent to me and it is helping me to begin to grieve. I played this 18 times and it gets more beautiful every I hear and see it." 

"What a wonderful reminder. I work in a nursing home and it is wonderful to be reminded why we do what we do from such an inspiring and heart rendering e-mail! Thank you. I've sent it on to all of my co-workers."

"I just finished your beautiful video. I have tears in my eyes after seeing this wonderful portrayal of life. I know we have all gone through this with our parents and they do seem like our children at times. They deserve the respect and love that they gave us and I will be forever grateful that you have pointed this out to me. I have sent this on to my children and all of my friends. Especially the ones that have aging parents. This will be a wake up call for many of them. God Bless , Joan Curry Grove City, Ohio."

"This is one of the most beautiful things that I have ever seen. I'm lucky enough to have both my parents that are now in their 80's but I value each and every day with them. I also suffer with spinal stenosis and have a DNR on me. Some people don't understand but maybe this will ease my son's mind. God bless you for creating this most beautiful piece that I have ever seen."

"I was sent this by email and it is fantastic. I am a senior citizen and have many friends that have fallen, have Alzheimer's, etc. and I would like to have the words to this to read to our Sunday school class. Is that possible?"
[Webmaster's note: The words of the slideshow can be viewed at: http://parentswish.com/faq-01.htm]

"We as parents must teach our children patience as well as all the other things we teach them. No one regardless of age wishes to be a 'burden' to another person. I have never seen anything done so well with such a strong message in all my Internet surfing and emails. We must remember our children practice a lot of what they see and are taught. Be an Example! May you be blessed with a sponsor soon as this message is worth sharing."

"God bless you for sharing this. It has touched my heart and soul and has been a daily reminder of how best to care for my aging husband with love and patience and understanding."

"I really needed to see this right now. My husband's parents are declining at 84 and 85 and can be very trying to say the least. One is very controlling and the other is the one who repeats the same stories and jokes we don't get. We are about to make a move that will include selling their home and ours, and purchasing one what will house all four of us. I will be their primary caretaker. (Dear Lord, give me patience). I thank you for creating this and sharing it, and thank the person who sent it to me as well."

"I not only agree that every child should see this but also every nursing home worker to. It makes me, when the time comes, care for my mother the very best I can."

"We put my mother in the nursing home in February this year (2006) since all of us work. She is 74 and is diagnosed with dementia. My sisters and I are having a hard time accepting this since she has been the backbone of our family all our lives. When I first saw this I cried because she was so different than she normally would have been. I have to learn so much about patience with her and this song and slide show seems to remind me about what it is all about. Thanks and keep it going. C. Abshire Kaplan Louisiana"

"Josh's music is touching and now with this eye opening, real life story, it makes it even more of a heart tugger. Keep up the inspiring and realistic work that 'God has put you here for'. He's given you a talent andy ou seem to be using it for 'his will'. Thank you."

June 4, 2006

"BRAVO, BRAVO!"

"Please, please post a warning to viewers they will need a box of tissues near by!!!!!!"

"That was awesome! It sure made me think hard as my parents sent this to me and they are aging before my eyes. I will be more understanding towards them as time goes on! Thank you for the reminder I needed to have. The tears are still flowing!"

"This is one of the most beautiful pieces ever. I cried, thinking of my parents, myself and my children."

"This was sent to me by a friend, and how touching I found it. It reminds me of how precious life truly is. Sometimes we forget how much our parents gave us, and we get frustrated trying to understand them. This slideshow puts everything into perspective. I do thank you for this priceless piece of artwork, and I sincerely hope that everyone is able to view this. - Melissa, PA"

"This is amazing! That is why God included Parents in His commandments. It helps us to pause and think and come to our senses of what our parents has done for us. God bless you more and more!"

"I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I just lost my brother, who was my best friend for 60 years. He had suffered from lung disease for many years, and in the past month, went from the hospital, to sub-acute, to a new hospice house for the last 5 days of his life. I was with him daily, and watched him slowly slip away, and waited in vain for a phone call from at least one of his children, to no avail. Now, today, a dear friend of my daughters, sent this to me. It was so heart wrenching, and beautiful, that I shed a new round of tears, not just for my brother, but because his children did not get to know what a great, and caring man he was."

"I just saw the video made by Parent's Wish. It is one of the best videos that I have ever seen. I will be sending it to my friends and children. Thanks for making this video."

"Just about the most depressing thing I’ve ever seen. Really makes me look forward to getting older. Thanks for cheering me up."

"A friend sent this to me and my husband. We cried all the way through the presentation and decided that we wanted to send it to our three children. Without asking for a verbal response, we were surprised that our two daughters sent emails immediately stating that they, too, cried all the way through. Thanks for touching our lives with this beautiful presentation."

"I receive many emails with attachments; however Parent’s Wish is the most meaningful yet! Thank you very much for the work and love that is demonstrated in this project."

"Few words that crossed my mind- very true, undoubting, and unrecovering. Just like what God said, honor thy father and thy mother. That movie was so inspiring and touching to every child's heart. A must-see movie of all the children in the whole world."

"This is so beautiful. I sent it to our children with the hope that they learn more about senior life. It takes so much patience and understanding. This is a blessing, you have the right words and pictures. Thank you and keep up the good work. A senior mom and dad and grand mom and grand dad."

"I have to say this is one of the finest and most emotional pieces I have ever viewed on the internet and your adding the Josh Groban music and song really drives it all home. Thank you for the time and effort and energy and money you have put into this. It is very much appreciated."

"Thanks for touching my life as well as others!"

"That is beautiful. Reminded so much of my grandma."

"I just received the most beautiful and heart-warming emails ever! I want this read at my funeral as well as the song. I am the caretaker of a 92 year old mother who has had to move to a nursing home after falling with a broken hip. I see so many people at the home that remind me of  these pictures on your website. Thank you so very much for sharing this with so many of us."

"What a beautiful reading and music. I look forward to having the CD."

"It is truly outstanding and you've taken it to a much higher level and my wife and I loved it and thank you for taking the time, energy and money to share this with so many."

"I believe that it is truly beautiful - except I am sure that the photography could have been so much better - it was poorly photographed - and not inspirational at all. If the photos had not been so depressing - and the printing more in script - The whole thing would have been so wonderful. It felt kind of hopeless - looking at those pictures - but the music was moving."

"We loved this so much and I cried thru this seven times and decided I would send it to our children. We have 10 children and 19 grand children and 9 great grand children. Some times they laugh at us by our actions, or try to hurry us and want us to do things different but we are trying, we are surviving just like your CD showed and we appreciate from the bottom of our hearts you made this. This will make our children and grand children think. Someday they will be where we are now... and what we need now is a little patience and love and visits from them. Thanks and God bless."

"Thank you so much for this touching video I 'cried like a baby' as I saw it, thinking of my elderly Mom who regularly needs assistance at 95 and for whom I often have little patience. Lord, forgive me for not being patient, loving and understanding with my Mom. DG"

"Very nicely done. My Mom has Alzheimer's, this really makes sense."

"This is the most worthwhile email I have ever received. Thank you!"

"I am underwhelmed by my father having the audacity to send this to me. If it were true that he had spent time giving me love and attention instead of beating me and my siblings until belt buckles and wooden spoons broke and then getting another one and continuing with the beatings. If he had actually spent time listening to me instead of spending all the formative years browbeating us into having to agree that his way was the only way, ignoring us when we actually wanted to play a game with him. If he hadn't driven my mother into an early grave by his constant criticisms and ridiculing of her ideas. Well you get the picture. I have endless patience for others in their aging process. But not my father."

"Thank you so much for this incredible presentation. As a hospice caregiver, I find this an invaluable tool -- not only for the children, but also for caregivers. Also, as an only child of aging parents who are beginning to repeat themselves over and over, this helps me to remember to just let them talk. Thank you again for taking the time to put together some an incredible message -- and the music is the perfect touch."

"This is sooooo beautiful. The work and time you have spent to see that people are able to view it is amazing. I would love a CD when available and be glad to pay for it. God bless you!"

"This is one of the best I have ever received. Thanks, I am sharing it with my children and also all my friends."

"I lost my 70 year old Dad just a month ago. Wow, this spoke to so many of the things I went through during his 7 month battle with cancer. I was one of the main caregivers and would not trade one moment of that for anything. Thanks for reminding all of us of the importance of taking care of family-God's most precious gift."

"I have enjoyed this slideshow and reading so very much. My Mother is 94 and it made me think of how lucky I am to still have her. I sent it to all of my brothers and sisters, so that they also can see it."

"I recently lost my father to cancer after a 7 month battle, this was so touching, it touched on so many aspects of his life and mine. Thank you for touching me."

June 3, 2006

"Just wanted to let you know that I received the Parent's Wish from a friend and have been crying all morning. It hits home so with me because my parents are going through their time and are going through most of what is written. It is wonderful, thank you for posting this and reminding me to love them no matter what they say or do. Be blessed."

"Having just lost two parents within one month this has really struck home. We are sending this to our children so they can relate to what we just went through."

"What a beautiful tribute to the cycle of life. I didn't want it to end. And, yes, I'll send the link to my own children, so they may be part of the continuation."

"My father in law was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer April 1st of this year.  After opening this e-mail today it brought me comfort to think of our parents needs from a different perspective. The message is very strong. My father in law did not ask to be put in his predicament and has always been extremely prideful. We have been able to become a closer knit family because of his illness. When I'm feeling down about the events in my life at the moment I will definitely open the presentation to remind myself how important it is to LOVE. Thank-You! Daniela Thompson."

"Thank you! Such a beautiful site. Our daughter sent it to us and we in turn forwarded it to our other 7 children. We love our children but we have to let them understand that we are getting older (even though they don't want to think of that) and someday we may be like the people in the film.  I cried because I wish I could have been more considerate to my mom who was overweight and it seemed that she did nothing but I loved her anyway. You have opened my eyes not just because I am an 'early' senior but because what you say is the truth."

"Thank you for the beautiful, simple, message. My mother died in a nursing home, with my step dad in complete control, we could not remove her to tend to her. In her mind I know she thought we didn't love her, and this will go to my grave with me. Surely, your beautiful, sincere, message will reach out to someone who needs to spend some time with a lonely love one. No, we didn't ask to be born, but God saw fit to send us to this world, for some reason, so make use of the few years we have to love, lead, help, anyone we can. Sandra, Deberry, Tx"

"What beautiful reminder for us who are the sandwich generation. I wonder how many viewers watch this with tears running down their cheeks and a twinge of guilt at the times we have displayed impatience with an aging parent. Thank you."

"This kindles the parents heart in so many ways and grandparents will treasure it also. Thank you for sharing it so thoughtfully."

"This was totally wonderful. I am a RN in a long term care facility. I wish every family who has a patient with us could watch and experience this slide show. It should be part of their admission packet. I love my resident and so many of the feel the same was as was presented. I also will show this to my own children to prepare them for the day that will come for me and their Dad. Paula, RN"

"No simple words could possibly express how touched I was by this. My Grandfather lived to be 100 years old but his last years were stripped with Alzheimer's. My parents are in their early 70's and I dread the days they will need my help because I'm not sure how well I'll be able to dig deep for patience. The inspirational words of your piece will remind me that they found patience for me and I can do it too. I am sending this to my teenage daughter who is quick to dismiss her grandparents words of worry and concern for her for these words could have been written not just by a mom and dad but grandmother and grandfather too."

"I loved the Parent's Wish, although both my parents are gone it still touched my heart deeply. Please let me know when the CD is available."

"Taking the time to watch this video is one of the best things you can do with your time. Parent, Aunt, Uncle, Sister, Brother or Friend- we are all going to get old and we all deserve the respect so we need to be exposed now so that we can serve our elders when the time comes. Thank you Ethel, for sharing this with me. Mary Malone."

"Excellent !!!!!!!"

"My sister-in-law sent this to me because she feels that I am an inspiration for all children to care for their elderly parents as I care for my mother. My friends believe I have the most patience in the world with her. It is not patience and love to try to understand that I want her to age with grace and dignity. She is my mother and I will care for her forever. This was incredibly the most beautiful and heart wrenching thing I have ever seen and heard and it just reiterates why I am so patient with her. I want her to enjoy her golden years and when she is impossible I take a breath and remember. God bless whoever created this. It is absolutely the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!!!"

"This was beautiful - it brought tears to my eyes. Sometimes I think we forget all our parents have done for us and that it is not only our job but our responsibility to deal with graciously as they age, become forgetful, hard of hearing etc."

"This is truly the most beautiful thing I have ever read. I have played it over and over again, and have sent it on to my kids, who have kids of their own now. I am looking forward to the CD."

"This was probably the best e-mail I have ever received. I have 5 children and 3 in-laws, all of whom seem to be very much involved in their own lives. They only call or bother to see my husband or I when they need a baby sitter or want to borrow money. I feel this generation (40's) are very self centered and very self indulgent. This is very beautiful and I will send it to every one I know. Thank you for the great work."

"I was so touched with the slideshow that I wish to have a copy of my own to share it with my kids. Please notify me when the Parent's Wish CD is available"

"I still have tears in my eyes as I enter this reply. I have gone through losing both my parents and my husband. I have a picture of my husband and me when we were dating with me on his shoulder. I have it in a frame with the words to this song in the frame. I sent it to a younger friend of mine, whose mother is 87 and just on the cusp of most of these issues. I think it might help her to understand her mother. I do not want my kids to devote a big part of their lives to taking care of me when I reach that stage, but I do want them to understand me."

"This is quite exceptional and inspirational."

"What can I say but wow!! This really touched my heart. My mom passed away March 24th and its been hard letting go. This presentation reminded me just how special and beautiful my mom ways and still is in my heart. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face. I needed that very much. Ricky."

"Absolutely awesome. Had to dry my tears to type this on the computer. Well done and a must for all children of aging parents to see. I work on an Alzheimer's unit and have a mother in her mid 70's.So true and touching!!!! Keep up the great work. Vanet Uvino"

"So Beautiful and true and eye opening, thank you, it has changed me and as a result will change others for the better."

"I am a 52 yr old woman and have had so much sickness in my family getting old, and losing them. The words spoken in this email are so true to my heart, I became the adult, they became the child looking through an adult body through child eyes . Also this touch my heart for my sister that passed away at 49 through mental illness and when it said do not be ashamed of me for not bathing and I would be there for it all again even though at times I question, why. Hopefully my grown daughters will understand the meaning of true family and the love and care that goes with it, the reward is a full life too following on... Anne"

"That was so real, it was pretty awesome! I think that is a message everyone should see, I forwarded it to all my address list. :)"

"What a wonderful tribute and powerful message.. Thanks so much!"

"A very moving presentation. When it comes time for the non-avoidable role-reversal with our parents, it is a very confusing and stressful period of life for all of us. This message, combined with Josh Groban's beautiful song, is an attest to this time and how it can be transformed into a positive, intimate experience."

"My cousin is an RN in Belfast, ME at a nursing home that specializes in Alzheimer's Disease. I sent her your beautiful slideshow 'Parent's Wish'. She was so moved by your slideshow and feels that it is exactly what the family members of her patients need to see."

"So touching and inspiring! As a grandparent, watching my children raise their children, I realize that as the circle of life continues, I am slowly becoming the one who will need attention and care, instead of being able to provide attention and care to my children, who, no matter their age, will always be 'my babies'. Thank you for this beautiful, inspirational, and touching movie. My heart was touched in a tremendous way."

"I was in tears while reading Parent's Wish. I lost my stepdad, who was more dear to me than my real father, about a year ago. Now I'm watching my mom age. She's doing fine, but I do see some of the actions mentioned in Parent's Wish. My step mother is under hospice care and my real father has cancer. So you can imagine the thoughts while listening to Parent's Wish." 

"I cried my way through all of the presentation. Although at 63, I am not yet ready to leave this world, my husband left suddenly about 18 months ago. I have had feelings of wanting to go. Also, I have repeated things only to have angry responses telling me, 'You already told me that.' I could never have said better what was expressed in this presentation. God bless you for this. I am going to forward it to my daughters."

"I never cried so hard hearing and watching this, made me remember my last year with my own mother, and realized now I tried to push her to eat, and do more, and have regretted it ever since, this put into words what I am sure most of us had done and felt taking care of our older loved ones. It is a learning experience, and most of the time too late. I sent this to all my children so they will understand and then maybe not feel guilty after we are gone."

"It really made me cry. I felt a guilt because I get to scold my father everytime he repeated his words and get hard headed. After this movie I'll change and love them more. Thanks whoever did this."

June 2, 2006

"My husband and I have really been challenged in raising our boys. Neil just floundered and Alex was killed in an auto accident 2 years ago. A part of us died, but are managing. When your email PowerPoint, accompanied with Josh Groban came along, I sent it along to our oldest son (now-finally- going to college). The following is his response:

'Know this, one day you will be in a position to look back on your journey through life. And when you notice that there are only one set of footprints in the sand in the latter years it is because I carried you. I go to school not just for myself but because I know that you will not always be there as you are now and after being carried for so long myself it is the very least that I can do for you. I'd sell my soul to make sure you are tended to with the love and care that I received in my time of need as it becomes your time. I was raised by the best, and if there is not a book on perfect parenting skills, it is because you two haven't written it yet.'

We have really been blessed. The Atwoods."
[Webmaster's note: Indeed you are truly blessed. I am deeply touched by your son's response.]

"Thank you for all the work you went to for this to be available."

"What a beautiful slide show. I am a mother of two children and I am involved with our school a lot. I would love to show this slide show to our school. We are a very small community and we only have 16 students from N - Grade 9 and I think every parent and child would benefit from this slide show. When it comes available please contact me."

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for this. It is beautiful really. It is beyond words. I have a dad that isn't too well health wise and this helps me to understand him a little bit better. Thank you so much. I wished we had more e mails like this one. Once again iI want to thank you. It really touched my heart in a mighty way. Please keep up the work you are doing."

"I was deeply touched by this email I received today. Yesterday we celebrated my daughter in law and my birthday with a small family Bar B Q. As usual we included my mother in law who is 82 and suffering with Alzheimer's. She had a very bad sinus attack, caused us to have to get her medication and overall dampened the spirit of the party. She was very apologetic for causing us trouble but we tried to put her at ease although I was suffering a great deal of stress and thought to myself we just can't do this again. This email came at a time when it needed to be reinforced to me just how special a woman my mother in law, Johanna, has always been and how I will be so happy to have her at every celebration until she decides that she can no longer come. Thank you for reminding me that we all need love and understanding especially as we age."

"Beautiful. Every Parent and child should see this!"

"I would be most interested in knowing when a CD of Parents Wish is available. I work with Alzheimer's and this was absolutely beautiful."

"Incredible. A beautiful reminder of how we owe our parents for all they’ve done for us and how they only want our love, time and patience. Thanks for your commitment to sharing this. I’d love to own a CD of this when it is available. God bless."

"This video is so true. I remember my late husband telling me he didn't want to live anymore due to illness and all I could say to him was 'don't say that'. When I told my grandmother this who at the time was 86, she said that I shouldn't be so selfish and thinking of only myself because I don't know what my husband was going through. When my husband said it to me again a few months later, I just listened and took my grandma's advise. It's been 3 years since my husband died and now my grandma tells me she's ready to go now (she's 89) and I tell her I understand. It's the hardest thing to hear when a loved one tells you they no longer want to live due to age or illness but we need to respect their words. We may not have them in body but we have them always in the heart with memories that last a life time."

"As I sit here with tears pouring down my face I am ashamed of myself for so many things, you see my mother is 87 and is currently in Hospice but for 7 years I was her caretaker and so many of the wishes shown I did not grant her. My patience ran out and for that I will ever be sorry. She loved us and cared for us with more patience than I showed her. If you read this please, please take heed or you too will be sorry."

"This was just awesome! I couldn’t say it any better. I was a care-giver for my dad and he has passed on. My mother is 85 and it reminded me of having patience. I also will pass this on to my own children and hope that they will understand where we are coming from also. I had to get my Kleenex."

"I cried and cried throughout the video as I thought of my late father-in-law. I know that we were 'guilty' of almost everything in the video, but it was done from love and fear of loss. Tell him to eat- yes, several times a day, for he was wasting away before our eyes. Try to get him to walk- of course, because the doctor said the best way to keep him healthy was to keep him moving. Nag him to shower- without a doubt. He was the handsomest man in his younger years, nattily dressed and well groomed. It broke our hearts to see him in the same stained clothing day after day, smelling terrible and looking worse. In the end, my husband took over caring for all of Dad’s bodily functions. This is something you know to expect with a child, and pray to never have to do for a parent. Thank you for showing us the other side of the coin. I will pass this on to my daughter for the time when we come to this part in our journey."

"I would greatly appreciate a copy of the CD when it's available. I teach other dentists worldwide and as part of my presentations, I always include a section on philosophy related to dentistry and life in general. The CD would be beneficial and help my audiences remember what's truly important in life."

"I have a mother in a nursing home who is almost 92. This video with its beautiful music and words has made me cry each time I view it. I was so touched by it that I wanted to drive to the nursing home to be with a mother who never knew how to show love to me. It moved me so much that I printed a copy for the nursing home to use as they see fit to help others. I have also sent it to my 7 sisters who have written off their mother and left her care totally to me. She hates showers and cries every time she gets one. One of my sisters said she thought her mother was the only one that felt that way and because of  the 'Parent's Wish' she feels differently. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this available to the people with aging parents."

"Thank you for such an awesome e-mail sent to me by a close friend. We are both at this older age now, and it is true how we forget things from time or time, or do not understand this technical world. My grandchildren get on the computer with me, and show me how to do this or that, and we all laugh when I do not understand."

"This was so beautiful; and the music perfect. Every child needs to read this as everyone will experience the times shown in the video. As I get older, I wish I had been more understanding and only hope that my children will understand and care for me as I did for them."

"Totally Awesome, thank you so very much."

"We buried my Mother 5 days ago and I too wish I had had this many months ago. For the last 6 weeks of her life, we shared what I would have wished for for the 54 years I've known her. By all means, share this with everyone you know who has an aging parent. The lesson is priceless."

"I was very moved by this wonderful video. I have one comment. I would like my children to do for me not because I did it for them, but because they love me and understand how our roles might be reversed."

"I agree with the beautiful sentiment expressed in the slide show. Also, I am a widower so the closing statement should read something besides 'Mom and Dad.'"

"Thanks for the beautiful video. It really touched me. My Dad is dying of leukemia and only has a few months/weeks to live. It truly puts everything into perspective. He still has his great sense of humor and I am trying to enjoy every moment with him; good and bad. Thank you for touching me at a most difficult time and God bless."

"I work for Community Services Council in Brevard County, Florida. Our mission is to assist elders with services to avoid premature nursing home placement. This presentation is so powerful I would use it widely in community presentations about elders and services available, of course giving you full credit."

"It was so true I think every nursing home should show this to all who are placing a loved one, It'll show them a whole different side of things."

"I have a mom in a nursing home and she could have written this! It makes me cry everytime I play it. Thanks you soooo much. It is just beautiful and has helped me so much. Please let me know when a CD is available!  I sent it to my 8 sisters so they can better understand why my mom does not want to live anymore. She feels her life is over since she is almost 92 and has almost no memory or purpose in life. They just get very annoyed with her."

"This was so great and so touching. I cried all the way through it for it reminded me of my grandma who just passed away last November at 91 years of age. She touched the lives of so many people especially her family. My mother and her brothers and sisters really had a hard time letting her go....but she was being called home and she wouldn't let go till she was convinced that it was okay with everyone she cared about and was close to. My grandma is home now. She is greatly missed but she left a lifetime of examples for my family and I to follow. She was great and this movie was exactly who she was! Thank you for this inspiration."

"I would definitely like to be notified when this becomes available. I would really like to send my mother a copy since she does not have internet. Thanks so much in advance."

"Thank you for blessing me this evening. Tears filled my eyes and trickled as I thought of my own parents. Often I am too short in patience... now I will only concentrate on being too long in patience. Thank you. May God bless you. I will surely share this with family and friends."

"I am definitely interested in purchasing this CD when it becomes available. It is absolutely beautiful!! Thank you for your insight, creativity and inspiration."

"I loved it. It is making me think a lot because my dad sent it to me and my dad and I don't really talk. It is really different to get something so touching from him. Thank you so much it was so beautiful."

June 1, 2006

"I want to thank you for the beauty and the love in the slide show. I am sending it to my children, in the hope that they learn another lesson of life."

"I have never seen anything quite so beautiful. Never seen anything quite so beautiful. Nor quite so true. I could hardly read through my tears. Thank you for sharing."

"WOW!! I had to call my wife into the room to listen!! It was absolutely beautiful!! I played it over Memorial Day weekend, how touching. We had my wife's mother with us for 7 years and how this hit home!!"

"This was a beautiful-wonderful-outstanding slideshow. My mom died of Alzheimer's and it brought back so many memories when she was suffering with this terrible disease. This should be sent to all people or be available for all people who have parents with Alzheimer's. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift."

"What a wonderful slideshow! My mother, who is 91, has been in a nursing home for a little over a year. She feels exactly the same way. She doesn't care if she eats or not and often expresses her wish that she could die. It is so hard to hear her say that, but now I understand why she does."

"The age related deterioration of parents and their requests for their children to now parent them is distressing. I prefer to believe that as a full grown adult and perhaps in need of health care, that I will not feel myself reduced to the child I once was. My needs are the needs of the elderly population, not the needs that my children had in their growing up years. Mentally I am adult; I do not wish to be considered a child either physically or mentally. I took a quick look at the prior feedbacks; apparently my opinion is in the minority. I find that rather depressing!"

"It was wonderful! I hope it is done on CD or DVD. I sent it to my daughter she also loved it. Thanks a lot."

"I am a caretaker for my Mom who is almost 90 years old. This slide show was absolutely amazing and beautiful and expressed thoughts that I have to draw on most times. Thank you for putting it on the web and I thank my friend for sending it to me.  My Mom was the best mother ever and what I now do for her is because of the love and care she has given me throughout the years.  I'm grateful to have Mom this long."

"Having just lost my mother three months ago I can honestly say this was so true to my and my siblings experience watching my mother fade away. I cried again!"

"I have shared this with many people now. The comments are all the same. Everyone is so touched by how beautiful and educational it is. I have not only shared it with family and friends, but also students. I am a sociology college instructor. When we get to the topic of aging, death and dying I show it at the end of class. I often hear soft crying in the class. A short clip like this is so powerful. People take so much away from this, and with that, they are giving so much more back to their parents and many others."

"We recently lost our dad ('Tatang' as we fondly call him) so this slideshow really gave me a good cry- thank you for putting it out there, I sent this link to all my siblings. We still have our Mom but she has been forgetting a lot of things, so this will really be a reinforcement of our love to her- again Thank you."

"I would like to be notified when a CD of Parent's Wish is available. It is such a wonderful presentation, tender, touching, and, yes, bittersweet. I think it is a perfect tool to use in teaching the 'Aging' course at the College of Nursing where I am a professor. Thank you for your efforts on this project. Blessings!"

"This presentation is AWESOME. Being a father/grandfather and a Korean Chosen Few MARINE CORPS disabled veteran, this hit my emotional button."

"Wow! Thanks for sharing this. We all need reminders of how Jesus would want us to act and to treat our parents/others. I am an activity director/wellness instructor and love working with senior citizens. Blessings to whomever had a hand in this. Awesome!"

"My friend, who lost her father earlier this year, emailed this beautiful music and words to me. My father is almost 85 and becoming quite fragile. I know his time is coming to an end and that knowledge is so painful, selfish though it is, considering he's going to a better place. The hardest thing is to see a man who was always so vital and active having to finally give up his bass boat and surf fishing in exchange for a cane and walker. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful concept. It can only evoke loving feelings for our parents, and from our children to us as we enter the sunsets of our own lives."

"Your presentation is touching and I would like to be notified when it is available on CD. A sincere thank you for your dedication to making it and for sharing it."

"After the stress of dealing with my 14 year old today this slideshow stopped me in my tracks and actually made me sit down and take a deep breath. Even though it seems like a lifetime away- it won't be long until our roles are reversed. This song and show was very meaningful to me. I plan on sharing it with my daughter tonight. Thank-you."

"What a beautiful slide presentation. Every child, no matter what age should see it to enable them to better understand their aging parents. Thank you for allowing me, the public, to view this beautiful project. I am honoured! I cried as I watched."

"I would appreciate a copy of the words if you have this formatted for me to copy. I would like to keep it for my children to read at a future time...a time when I may require their assistance in providing me care or finding good care for me. It surely is a tear jerker, but at the same time shares the feelings that need to be understood by those we love the most."

"Thank you for a touching reminder of how to be a good daughter to my good, aging mom."

"You have to be a beautiful person to have shared this with so many. Thank you. My Mother is 90 and does not want to live any longer. She suffers from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. She can be very difficult to deal with more often than not. I think I shall be much more helpful and much less judgemental from this moment on!!"

"Very touching, brought tears to my eyes. I can relate, for I have an elderly mom and I am a mom. The music and pictures are awesome."

"My son would have been 50 today June 1st. He died at 19 in a diving accident. I'm now a widow. My niece sent me this e-mail. I thought it was beautiful and so true. It brought many tears. I have sent it to my other children. Thank you. Mrs. W."

"I took care of my mother who lived the last six years of her life in a locked Alzheimer's unit and nursing home but she was not alone because I was with her almost every day. I experienced some of the warmest closest years with my mother during this time and now I do not have regrets. I have the knowledge that I did everything possible to make her end of life more bearable and with as much dignity as is possible with this terrible disease. Please remember that you too, will be there one day. Treat your parents like you want to be treated. Let them know you love them while there is still time."

"I am a nurse and have been moved by this as I am living with my 88 year old Dad. He is still a blessing every day as he struggles to remain as active and healthy as he can be. I love him dearly and would never give up the time I have moved in with him to keep him active after the death of my Mom about 10 years ago. He is one of a kind and the most loving man I know!! My prayer is for when it is his time to go the good Lord will be willing to let him go quickly playing golf or doing something he really loves doing."

"This is wonderful!!! As a man with less than 25% lung function, I am sure I don't have that much time left. This just about says it all for me, and I would very much like to have a permanent copy to leave my kids and grand kids."

"Powerful and moving. My husband had a stroke 7 months ago and my daughter cares for him during the day. This really struck a nerve, I will share this with her to show her she is doing all the right things for her father. Thank you and God Bless."

"One of the finest, most moving slideshow I’ve ever seen! Thanks and Praise for all involved in its make."

"What a great tribute. Thanks for all your efforts, looking forward to the CD to share with my patients."

"SUPERB!! Of course I am still crying. Thanks."

"WOW!!!!! This IS beautiful. It expresses my feelings to the note. As I read it, I remembered my mother smiling at me from her front porch shortly before she passed on. Thanks for the memories."

"Absolutely beautiful!! I can barely see the letters on the keyboard with the tears in my eyes. I work on an Alzheimer's care unit and also have a parent that will some day need extra TLC like all aging individuals. Thank you again."

"One of the most poignant and beautiful e-mails I have ever received.  I have considered the end of my life as being too far away. Our children are wonderful and my husband is the best in the world. We have many wonderful grandchildren who are warm, loving and caring. When bad thoughts do come into my mind I think of all these children, some of whom are adults, and I know how much more there is to my life. I believe your piece made me more aware of the love I am surrounded by and the joy I am fortunate enough to have in my life."

"Oh Thank you! So many young people need to be reminded that it isn't always about us. As a young person I needed to be reminded that even when raising my own children, that my parents and grandparents need me to love them too. Thank you for the much needed reminder of how its not always about me."

May 31, 2006

"This was beautiful, but broke my heart. I lost my Dad last July and have been trying to help my Mom to cope with living without him. If one person benefits from this it is a triumph. Thank you so very much. Edith Belcher."

"This brought tears to my eyes. My Mother is having a difficult time remembering things and will not seek medical attention. (Nothing I say or do will convince her to get medical help). I love her, but became short with her at times. This song and message came at the right moment. God has a way of showing you the right thing at the right time. I will listen and read this message often. Starting now I will more have patience with my Mother because as the songs states she had patience with me. Thanks for such a beautiful song. Chiquita"

"That was wonderful, I had to play it over and over. Thanks for sharing, it was great!"

"This is absolutely the BEST thing I have ever seen or heard!!! Since I raised six children and am a Senior Citizen now, I used the Kleenexes too!!! I helped take care of my mother, my husband's mother and step-mother so it really 'hit home' with me. I think it should be sent to every child no matter what their ages are. Thank you for making this. God Bless!!! Aunt Rae"

"I lost my dad almost a year ago and this is so touching and true, I cannot stop crying."

"My husband and I enjoyed this E-mail immensely. It is so sincere. Gosh Groban's music was just perfect for this."

"So 'awesome and beautifully' expressed. Was unable to hold back the tears. Thank You for sharing! Keep up the good work."

"This is the most touching and beautiful mail I have ever received."

"I raised my children (gladly) to have compassion for those different or less fortunate than they. I raised my children with love and understanding. I did the things I did for my children out of unconditional love at the moment and for always. I did not raise my children so they would feel compelled to take care of me in my old age simply because I did for them when they were young. My children will take care of me if the need should arise because they love me - not because I guilted them into it."

"WOW!!! I just got off the phone with my 94 yr. old mother who is in the process of moving into a retirement home...she is in another country...I felt so 'left out' of all the arrangements that my siblings made for her...I sat here, crying and feeling sorry for myself... and then I happened to turn on my computer...what incredible timing!! The video made me cry even more!! How beautiful and insightful!! It's a keeper!!!"

"I was just speechless. I have never seen anything so beautiful before. I am sending it to my children so that they may understand. Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful experience with me."

"With sincere and heartfelt gratitude, thank you! This tribute is a true reminder to all to be 'COMPASSIONATE' and live the golden rule, 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' Love, patience, and kindness is the key and your tribute has made a lasting impression. May we all strive to offer this hope, dignity, and respect to one another."

"This says it all.. It's most beautiful and impressive. In addition it happens to be my favorite song rendered by Josh. Thank you all."

"This has touched my heart so much you. It was so well done that I have never had or received anything on the internet like it before. The most important part of our lives are our parents and children, and when children respect parents like they should,  the good will come to them and their children will render the same. Most of all when you don’t have parents anymore you then realize how important it is to be good to them in every way. God bless the person who took the time to write this, and remember if you have parents, do it now you can never ever go back. I am grateful I did with my parents and I have no regrets. I just hope as the days go by my children of (six) will do the same for me. God bless."

"Before I decided to make my own tribute to this beautiful power point presentation, I took the time to read some of the other feedback. The only thing more touching than the film itself, was the powerful letters sent from others that the film has touched. Congratulations for bringing such joy to others, and may GOD bless you . Bill C."

"I am still crying! This is extremely touching, the music is perfect and the message is plain beautiful. May many future adults, parents and people who have simply do not understand how lonely it can become have the fortune to see it."

"Thank you for sharing. It touched my heart in so many ways. It was hard to hold back the tears.... no words could ever describe all that I felt, all I can say was.... 'awesome'!! Keep up the good work."

"This is sooooo beautiful! It touched me very deeply, and I thank whoever is responsible for sending it out."

"Please notify me when a CD becomes available, I can hardly see thru the tears to type this. I lost my Mom and sister five weeks apart and this piece touches me as nothing has since their death. Thank you so much, Anita;"

"What a beautiful presentation! I had tears in my eyes all the way through it as it touches my heart personally. Having just seen my grandparents through this stage of their life a few years ago, and now being in this place with my parents and in-laws, it really hits home. It really is the circle of life, and we give what we have received, only I think it makes us even more understanding and patient after having been through this stage in life. Thank you so much for sharing this."

"Truly inspiring. I forwarded this to family and friends who work in extended care homes working with seniors."

"That was out of this world. I thought I was tough but it got to me. Kev from Sheffield."

"How profound. I only hope that this generation can understand and appreciate it."

"This is the most AWESOME thing I have seen in a long time!!!! It is perfect for what I am going through right now. I cried my eyes out, but I needed to do that and would not allow myself to do that! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!"

"This is one of the most touching, moving and poignant pieces I have seen. The music is perfect and I, too, have Josh Groban’s CD. It certainly brought tears to my eyes and made my heart 'hurt'! I, with my husband's help, took care of my parents, my husband's parents and my aunt in their declining years; I can certainly relate to everything written. It rings so true! We were happy to give them the love and care they needed not because they took care of us when we were young and needed them, but because we loved them and they needed us. I will be sharing this beautiful tribute with all my family and friends. Thank you and God Bless!"

"This was sent to me by a very dear friend. It is one of the most touching, moving and poignant emails I have received. I, with my husband, took care of my parents, my husbands’ parents and my aunt in their declining years; so this really rings true! Thank you for such a beautiful tribute to all of us as we age."

"What else can I say? Its all been said before, its so true, so beautiful and made me cry."

"What a wonderful 'tearjerker'!"

"Extremely powerful! Very moving and gut wrenching!"

"I can't stand the guilt! Why, Why, Why! must parents constantly remind us of how wonderful they were. You are the ones who could not keep your pants on. We had no say! You did not ask if we wanted you to raise us, but if you choose to should you not do a good job? Why do you burden us with tons of guilt? Why should we feel obligated? If you had raised us correctly then we would not need this guilt thrown at us. Enough already with the guilty crap. WE do not owe you a thing! You feel guilty now? You taught us to be the way we are! We are taking after you! We are products of your work. Get off our backs already with this guilt trip thing. I cried, I laughed, I threw up from the aggravation of all this guilt! Get over it already. Your loving son, still paying all the bills since dad ran off with the maid."

"I am 58 years old and still lucky enough to have both my parents who are 88 and 81 years old . Being from the baby boomer generation and post WWII baby, I have been through a lot through some very interesting years with my parents. My Daddy's health is only just now starting to fail and is going through tests to see if the diagnosis could possibly be Alzheimer's. It breaks my heart to see a man who up to 6 months ago could run circles around me become a much frailer person. Parent's Wish could not have reached my email box a minute too soon and it will help guide me in what I need to do. I'm so blessed that we have a guest cottage 'just a holler out the back door' away so I can spend every possible spare minute near them. God bless you for sharing a wonderful site that undoubtedly will have a profound affect on so many people just like me."

"Thank you for sharing this very touching slideshow. I look forward to hearing from you when it is available on CD/DVD."

"Thank you for your kind efforts in sharing this with the world."

"We have just come to the point of seeing some of these things happening with my mom. The lost train of thought when talking, the many visits to the doctor, the repeating of the same story over and over and over again, and telling her what is the better food for her or how she needs to stop slouching. I kept thinking that now I am her mom and was finding it hard to accept. This movie has really opened my eyes and heart into seeing what is right and true. THANK YOU!!"

"Parent's Wish is without a doubt the most beautiful and moving piece I've ever seen. Thank you. That seems like such a small word. I know how much work and time you've put into this show and it is so very appreciated. I've shared it with everyone I know. I think children of all ages should see it and older people like me are so touched by it. You have put all of our thoughts and feelings into this show. Again, thank you."

"Awesome! Wonderfully inspiring as I am getting on up there and have 2 children and families close by. I hope all of your thoughts! I will send this to them. Thank you. Alice"

"I do not normally respond to anything I get through email, but this I must tell you touched my heart. Mothers Day has just passed and I took my mom for a drive the following Monday. I feel ashamed to say but I was not looking forward to it, she has seemed to have changed so much over the past few years. After viewing this video I understand that I am afraid of her changes and how I so want my mom back. I now can better understand how our lives revolve and how much I still truly love her. Thank You so much for the insight this video brings. I hope many people will see this and once again reconnect with someone that they love in a very productive way."

"Yes this is so true. I was in prison for 6 years. But God blessed me and I got out of prison two years early and the reason was because of my mother and father praying for me to get out.  I thank God for letting me be home to with my mother in her last days.  I was holding my mother's hand when she died and I plan on doing the same for my father. Yes we do need to show them nothing but love while they are here. I know I will never forget them ever as I made them my life until their end. Show them love and never let them need."

May 30, 2006

"Thank you for the beautiful message that anyone with aging parents needs to read. What a life lesson for all of us! I only wish I could have seen it 8 months ago when my mother became ill and unable to care for herself. Oh, how I wanted to make her better and kept pushing her beyond her desires. She taught me more about life and dying in the 2 months of her illness than in all of her life. This message taught me what she did as she was ailing.  My mom died on Christmas Eve 2005. I wish I had listened and I wish I had read this message earlier for her sake. I will pass it on to others in hopes that others will listen and hear what their parents want."

"This has been such a beautiful and touching e-mail and I would like to share it with people that don't have a computer. I would be interested in purchasing several CD's. Please let me know when those are available."

"I am a registered nurse who works in palliative care. This is the most inspirational e-mail I have ever received. I would love to have a copy of this for our palliative care family room. These are the very things we try to communicate to our families caring for loved ones. I am so touched that my hands are still shaking as I type this message. THANK YOU!"

"I thought this was awesome! I am a full-time care giver for my 88 year old grandfather and this made me cry because I know it is truly how he feels. Thanks for your time and effort in making this available."

"What an extraordinary piece! I would love to send this to my daughter as part of her graduation from high school gift. However, as a single parent, the 'we' and signature of 'mom and dad' does not apply. Is there anyway to change the script or do you have it available in 'single-parent format?' Thank you!"
[Webmaster's note: I am sorry but we do not have a version of this slideshow for a single mom or dad. We will definitely consider that but maybe not in the very near future due to our workloads.]

"I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this Parent’s Wish. It’s well done and a real tribute to our parents. It was really emotional and a real tear jerker for me. My mom is 86, and it is a reminder to me of the love and care that my mom has given me. I love my mom and there is nothing that I wouldn’t do for her. In her golden years the roles have been reversed so it’s my turn to care and love her."

"I nearly cried. I am 63 and see the irritation in my kids' eyes at times This was just beautiful. You know what I think would be nice is if you get some more ideas from us old folks and make another one similar. Thank you for this video."

"I sure hope you find a sponsor.  I have had my mother depending on me as her decision maker for years. My dad died when I was 19. I have had to recall his words to me over and over when he said I must respect her as we had our clashes when I was a teen. He told me she is your mother, you must respect her and I would argue respect is something one earns not demands. He said not when it is your mother. She was so dependent on him and has been so dependent on me it has been hard. Recently she had a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and we are now going through this together. Watching your slide show sure helped to renew my desire to always try and be patient and understanding. All those dealing with an older parent and the demands this entails can benefit from this slide show! Write the AARP and see if they will sponsor it!! It really is excellent."
[Webmaster's reply: I have written AARP and several other organizations that deal with Alzheimer's but my request for corporate funding of this website was either ignored or turned down. We are still hoping to find one but we need it very very soon as our slideshow is now averaging 40,000 views a day!]

"I never seen or heard anything so beautiful in my entire life, and very much to the point. I will forever save this e-mail and pass it along to many. May God Bless."

"I would absolutely LOVE to have this on CD. It's absolutely beautiful. Thank you for putting it together. I can't think of any parent or child who would not be moved by the slideshow of Parent's Wish."

"This is simply beautiful! My eighty-five year old father, who has Alzheimer's is very sick right now. Your slide presentation, music, and verse, depicted exactly what I feel, and think. Please let me know when it is available on CD."

"This was lovely. Thank you. Is there a way to remove the control panel on left while the film is playing? It detracts from the beauty of the message."
[Webmaster's reply: I have quite a few request for that. When our volunteer Flash artist gets another free time, I will ask him to do as you suggested but it may not be soon.]

"May God bless you and keep you, in the palm of His hand, close to his heart! I was so moved by your slide show. We have Dad with Alzheimer's and a sick Mom and this certainly hits home. I will pass it on to all I know, with love and respect. Blessings to you and yours."

"I am an assistant administrator of a 297 bed nursing home in Trumbull CT USA. The families of our residents as well as the staff would benefit from viewing the presentation. It was heart wrenching. Thank you."

"Thank you for that touching and emotional slideshow! It is just amazing!!!!"

"That was the most beautiful and touching email I have received in a long while. I hope it travels the globe and everyone gets a chance to experience it."

"It was one of the most beautifully stated revelations about the feelings of many, many Moms and Dads, that often go unsaid. Thank you for saying them. I'll be looking forward to sending this onto everyone in my address book and when the CD is available to the many that are not. This certainly is one fine, well done composition."

"I have worked in elder care for many years. I work in a dementia community. This will be so important for the adult children of our residents to see and hear. What a beautiful gift you have given to so many."

"It was one of the most beautifully stated revelations about the feelings of many, many Moms and Dads that often go unsaid. Thank you for saying them....Please notify me when the CD becomes available...I'm sure I'll need a few for gifts also."

"This is lovely! This is all I'll expect from my kids when I get to that to precious age! Thanks so much for this nice presentation!!!!"

"Kindly line me up for a CD copy.  I'll store my copy in our safe. Then I'll pull it out once my children even starts entertaining any thoughts that they'll house me in old people's shelter."

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