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FEEDBACKS - PART 3
June 16, 2006
"I have never seen
anything so powerful as this (besides the cross and resurrection of
our Lord); I am able to appreciate it so much because my husband is
going on 72 and we are now experiencing some difficulties that were
never there 23 years ago. I will send to many of our friends who are
our age group. May the Lord use this to touch many people (young and
old, rich or poor)."
"This is so very
beautiful and I can see why there has been such great interest in
Parents' Wish.... PLEASE notify me when this becomes available on CD
as it will definitely be something I wish to have, save and share with
family and friends."
"What a whiny ploy
for recognition of things we should have done out of love. If you
raised your kids right you would have no need for such a pathetic,
maudlin thing! This is not my wish at all."
"I just received this
from my mother and now that I have read it I have more consideration
toward everything. My mother and I really haven't gotten along and
after reading this tears in my eyes and all I think that i am going to
pick up the phone and make a phone call to the person who loves me
most...... MY MOM!!!!! I love you mom!!!"
"Oh my God, I am
breathless and in tears. I am sending this to my daughter because it
says what I want her to know better than I could ever do it myself.
Thank you so much."
"I believe careful
thought and consideration should be given before sending this out. It
is not appropriate for all. Not everyone feels this way in approaching
their last days in their failing bodies. Some face issues of anger and
denial about death and dying. Others want to fight for their lives.
Some don’t know what or how to feel and may interpret this as being
told how and what to feel. Or, even, what or how their loved one
feels, when in fact, they might not feel this way. Feelings can change
from day to day, and minute to minute. I believe we must simply accept
our aging family members’ feelings in the moment, at every moment, of
their lives and never make assumptions. I’m not saying your slideshow
is wrong. It’s just not right for everyone."
"Wow...makes one
really think and remember. Most are very tolerant with young children
yet we do not tolerate it when adults become children again. Thank you
for sharing!"
"I am writing to
speak as someone who has cared for my mother since I was very young
and have done so NOT out of guilt but out of LOVE. Pure love. My
husband did the same for his mother until he knew she could care for
herself. This text seems to be a propoganda message in favor of
EUTHANASIA. Am I wrong? Read it carefully without the music
distracting you. It is about Wanting to End Life. It is also saying
'Remember to do this for me BECAUSE I did it for you.' It is NOT
saying to do this out of LOVE! There is so much more wisdom on this
subject in God's Holy Book. Read the Bible and HE will direct how you
are to treat your parents. Not a website! Amen. ~PO'd Daughter (and
mother of many) of a LOVING MOM!"
[Webmaster's note:
Please read our FAQ for our reply to a similar
comment.]
"I am a Home Health
nurse and If only I could have all my patients children watch this
clip. I am sure they would view their parents last years on earth as a
time to treasure, just like I do. It is a joy to provide for the
elderly. You brought me to tears. Thank You!"
"I don't think I've
ever seen anything more beautiful or more moving! May God bless you
for producing it!"
"I am in the health
care field and deal with aging parents all the time. Some children
choose to listen to their parents wishes and others ignore and simply
disregard their aging parents, forgetting all that they had done for
them. I went through the process of Alzheimer's with my mother. As she
quit eating, it was hard for others to accept it, feeling that she
would starve to death, not thinking that maybe it was her unsaid
choice to 'let go'. Anyway, she died with peace and dignity
that she wanted. Leslie Schonlaw"
"My husband, 84 years
old, and myself, 78 years old were so touched, many tears and we
played it over and over again. Maxine Harward"
"My dad passed away
at the age of 91 and my mom is 88 and in very poor health. They gave
up their home and cherished possessions to live in the same room at a
very nice nursing home, and it has been extremely difficult to see
such loving, independent people become so dependent on skilled
caregivers. I watched the Parents' Wish video and cried so much I
could barely see the words. It couldn’t have come at a more
appropriate time. I immediately forwarded it on to our son and my
brother. I plan to get it to my sister, who lives near our mother and
watches over her care. I’m sure she will be as moved as I was. Debbie
Martin"
"This was so touching
and true. It brought tears to my eyes. Seems I have just lost my
Mother, a mother like figure and Mother in law. This is so true and am
sending it on to family and friends. Pam J"
"This is a lovely
message for our children. However, I do want to add, it is also very
depressing for me and I am sure if I was to email this to my daughter,
she would probably get hysterical crying and start feeling so sorry
for me - even though, thank God, I am still quite functional and still
independent. In ending my email, the message is all true but I cannot
send this to my daughter for reasons mentioned above."
"Thank you for
reminding us in western world of our commitment to family, through
devotion, love and life. I cried mostly for the people who do not
consider that they were once nurtured as children and then despair of
being there for their parents when they enter their twilight years. I
was sent this by my Mum and think often about their welfare and
support as they get older and how I will move heaven and earth to
repay them for their love and devotion to me. Belinda (37) Australia"
"Having almost 20
years in long term care experience, being a Mother and having aging
parents of my own, this video touched my heart like no other ever has.
Thank you. K. Wilkinson, Tennessee"
"This is something
that sank into my heart and made me cry within minutes of viewing it.
A Parents' Wish has an awesome message and it is so moving because it
is so true. I think it should be shown to people going through a time
in their life such as caregiving for a parent. They have videos and
material out there to help people with grief, there is so much more in
store for this video. A true masterpiece. Crystal Parrott"
"A friend sent me
your web address so I could view Parents' Wish. It is absolutely
wonderful. I enjoyed it so very much. Just wanted to let you know and
say 'Thank You' so much for the work that was done on this
slide show. WHAT A BLESSING!!!"
"I cried through the
whole thing and then immediately sent it to my children. The music was
beautiful, the pictures and words were extremely powerful!"
"I never dreamed I
could be so moved emotionally. I could not control my flood of tears
as I thought about my father, who died at 90 five years ago at home,
and my dear mother who is 93 now with Alzheimer's. I had been taking
care of her on a regular basis for years, until she fell and we had to
have nurses to care for her. I always wondered if our children would
take care of us the way we had cared for our parents. After all they
do not see the day in and day out of caring. This is such a beautiful
way to 'encourage' them to think about the sanctity of life.
What a blessing this has been for me. Thank you so very much for this
beautiful 'prayer' and message. I will hold it in my heart for
all times. Helen"
"Thank you for making
this web site. I work with the elderly and have come across the
resident who didn't want a shower, the one who couldn't walk anymore,
or the one who just needed someone to listen. I think differently of
them now and wish every child could see the web page."
"You need a kleenex.
This is beautiful and oh so true. I lost both of my parents and would
give anything to have them here to tell them just how much I Love them
one more time."
"This is a great
reminder of how we have to treat our parents and the elderly period. I
loved it and will put this in my favorites to go back to now and then.
Whether you are close to your parents or not always treat them with
respect. I am close to my mom and not as close to my father and seeing
has helped me understand what is right and what I should do.
EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT. My hat is off to who ever made this. BDO60."
"This really touched
home to me and made me think about life. I have 4 children whom I will
be passing this on to. It proved that love within my family is strong
and always will be. An excellent presentation. Thank you for opening
our eyes."
"I have a mother that
is terminal. Her memory is not what it used to be. She can't get
around as fast or as good as she used to be able to. Some days she is
frustrated or angry about her situation in life. I allow her those 'pity
days' because it is necessary with what she is going through. She
is a much stronger woman/person that I could ever be. She has taken
this illness by the horns and is determined to not let it experience
what is left of life. She will die with dignity. This is a beautiful
piece and I will make sure I send it to as many people as I know."
"I am typing this
feedback through tears. Every word in this piece brings back memories
of my parents, who are now gone from this earth but still in my heart.
My mom was 87 years old but lived at home with my sister across the
street from me. I saw her every day until the end. As the end was
nearing, my mom kept telling us she wanted to go 'home'. Hard
as it was for us, we told her it was ok and we miss her every day. I
lost dad when I was 15 years old and as I get older I miss him even
more now. Thank you for giving me a 'good' cry."
"I loved and sent it
to my sons aged 23 and 19 years old. It was very appropriate at the
time because my 23 year old said something very mean to me that really
took me for a loop. I don't know if he watched it but.. I will say
this.. a few days later he came home with flowers and an apology."
"I just seen the
Parents' Wish video and my God what a slide show it was. Thank you so
very much for taking your time in doing that. That was a heart
touching, tear jerking slide show with music. I think that Josh Groban
is a wonderful singer."
"This is the most
poignant, wonderful, amazing video I have ever had the good fortune to
see. Thank you."
"Very nice. There are
2 suggestions I have if you should ever re-do it. One is that it
should be full screen. There's a place on there to choose, but it
won't go anywhere. It would be much more powerful in that format. The
other suggestion is to let the singers from the WFYI or WIPB public
broadcasting shows called "Celtic Women" do the singing of that
beautiful song. Much better singers! Still, I am sending this one out
to several people."
"You have no idea how
much this meant to me at this time. A dear friend sent it to me
because she knew that I was dealing with a severe health issue with my
elderly father. I am the youngest of 4 children and all my siblings
think that the answer to all of the recent problems could be solved by
placing my mom and dad in a nursing home or a assisted living center.
I love my parents dearly and I've shed many a tear over the fact that
my brothers and sisters do not see how wonderful and loving they are,
and all that they sacrificed for us. Thank you for such a wonderful
presentation."
"This is so true and
right on the money. It applies to every age. It's worth printing out
for people that don't have up to date computers and also to put up in
nursing homes to make people a bit more understanding, even the
families themselves. God bless you. Esther"
"The first few times
I viewed this video it brought tears to my eyes. My father suffered a
right sided stroke and I have been feeling so stressed with looking
after him and trying to live my life as well. When he says, 'I'm
sorry, Jo, I am such a burden to you.' I say, 'Dad, this was
not your fault. Taking care of you is no big deal.' I really
needed this video at this time in my life. It inspires me to go on and
have God lead the way in his plan with me and my dad. It is simply the
most wonderful video I have ever viewed. Joanne Wikund"
"It was the most
moving piece I have ever been sent. As a daughter and a mother, it
touched me from every side. Ok- I cried."
"This made me very
sad. I am a daughter with 2 healthy parents. I do not need to be
reminded on how to treat them or think of them when they become older
or ill. I just wish nobody would need this to remind them how to treat
their parents. This was beautifully done but very very sad to me."
"So many times toward
the end of her life, my mother would tell me how tired she was
and how ready she was to meet the Lord. I felt so much empathy and
heartache for her. She had always been active, and after a stroke, she
lost her will to live. I had the best, sweetest, feisty-ist mom, and
this video drove me to tears for her. I know my son loves me deeply,
and I dread the time when he and his wife have to face the fact that I
am old and not going to be with them forever. I ache for him, because
I know how much he looks to me for guidance and how much he and his
wife care for me."
"I cried when I
watched it - it is so touching and so well done! I commend you on this
and anxiously await the CD. The dying with dignity theme was expressed
so beautifully!! So much these days is not worth viewing, but this
certainly was! Thanks for putting something so positive and moving on
the Internet."
"Absolutely awesome
-- I just wish my estranged son would accept an e-mail from me with
this - but right now God has not opened that door. This says so much
-- thanks for sharing."
"Truly inspirational!
I cried through the entire slideshow presentation. My parents are so
near and dear to my heart! Thank you!"
"Moved to tears,
remembering when our children were small, and thinking about we all
get older."
"I agree that letting
go sometimes is the right thing, but inspiring them to fight sometimes
is also good. A few months ago I went to visit my Grandparents and was
shocked to see how much they had gone down. Both had a flu bug and
were feeling crummy, and hadn’t been eating well. My Mom and I went to
the store and bought all their favorite foods, and a few new things,
such as energy bars to bring their energy up. They look great now, and
had we not pushed a little they would have given up. They weren’t
ready to give up. My other Grandma is dying of cancer in the hospital.
I told her to be brave and it was okay to let go. She has fought hard
for years, and shouldn’t be expected to endure any more. Take a good
look at the situation, and make the right choice."
"This powerpoint show
has been beautifully done and what better music than that of Josh
Groban. My husband and I have lost both our parents and only had to
suffer with one of them as they were dying and what a struggle it is.
I have sent this to our 3 children with hopes that they understand
when 'our' time comes. Thank you for the opportunity to show
our children what is so hard for us to tell them."
"Truth often brings
tears to one's eyes. We are all on a journey and those who are near
the end of that journey deserve the love and care they so willingly
devoted to their children when they were the ones in need of love and
care. What a beautiful way to remind us all, regardless, of where we
are on that journey. God's blessings to you for the lives you have
touched by presenting this slide show. My thanks."
"After receiving this
from a friend I forwarded it on to my supervisor who stated she sent
it on to several friends who cried and one stated that the song by
Josh Groban was sung at her grandfather’s funeral. It is just one more
reminder for me that I am not here to stay---and yes I cried
too---thanks"
"This is such an
inspiring slideshow. You have done a remarkable job. Thank you. I must
mention, however, that the scene about eating raises questions. I have
helped my mother and one older lady in their elderly years. If I had
not focused on the eating sessions, they would NOT have eaten. Tom
Allen Lake Wales, Florida"
"Beautiful. I shared
it with our daughter. It made me think back to my mother's last days.
I lost her March 2005. The smile line at the end spoke to my heart.
Thank you. Carol Dees"
"It is very
beautiful. The tears are still running down my face. Jean Bugg, St.
Jo. Michigan"
"Thank you for
sharing this with the world. Its beautiful. I have two young daughters
and I have to remind myself to listen to them, and this just
underlines that. Thank you very much indeed."
"This is one of the
most beautiful pieces I've ever read on aging parents! Josh Groban's
music adds so much to it, as well, making it very powerful. It is so
difficult to understand as your parents begin going through their
later years -- they are expected to be as they have always been, your
mother and father, there for you. I am sending this to my own mother,
and to my children. Thank you for opening my eyes a little more!"
"Simply stated -
profoundly true. Whether you have parents who are still living or ones
deceased...the message itself is inspiring! I intend to share it with
many."
"My best friend sent
this to me today. Unbeknownst to her I have been having a particularly
difficult week coping with my elderly mother. This was the wake up
call I needed. The Lord spoke to me through this and my friend was the
messenger. I am so moved!"
"A friend at work
shared this video because so many of us are dealing with aging parents
right now. What a beautiful reminder of all our parents have done for
us and how we should show them the same love, patience and respect
when they need it most! Thank you for making this video available for
all to see. God bless you! MDH"
"Thank you for this
poignant reminder... It is beautiful."
"My sister sent this
to all of the siblings and I hope that all were as moved by it as I
was. I had my 14 year old son watch it, also and he was moved by the
words. His 'tough man' image was very moved by the pictures and
words. Thank you so much for the time and effort put forth in
presenting this for viewers."
"I viewed your site
today and thought it was absolutely awesome. It made me think about my
stepdad’s mom and how she just wanted to be let go when she was so
sick and dying and how her kids hung on so hard. I never understood
why they just couldn’t let her go she was suffering so much. This is
certainly something they could have used a couple of years ago maybe
they would have understood that their mom was dying and that they
needed to let her go with grace and dignity."
"BEAUTIFUL! But I
can't watch and listen to it without crying tears of happiness. My
mother and father were the best parents ever and I tried to give them
what has been written. I hope I am not ready for my children to have
to do these things yet, but I am trying to be the kind of parent that
would want them to do them. I do so in hopes of honoring my parents
for their great loving and caring lives. Roberta Richardson"
"This was the most
beautiful expression of love I have seen in a long time!! I sent a
copy to each of my living children. Josh Groban was wonderful, as
usual! Thanks for making this wonderful video! Jude Lillie in NY"
"A colleague from the
American College of Clinicians just passed your site to our Board of
Directors and asked that we review it. I am a medical practitioner-
emergency medicine on a island in Maine. I have seen many families and
people in the stages of growing, going and gone in the 30 years I have
provided care across this nation. In our small facility, we care for
and see many elderly and many families. Some blessed with the ability
and resources to have Mother or Dad cared for at home and others doing
the best they can in facilities or at home and many, many phone calls
from those who care from 'away' not at hand . Gerry Keenan PA-C,MMS"
"If I were to wish
for computer viruses, I wish that this presentation is, so that it can
be viewed by many more children out there from me.. .26 yrs old....
halfway to go and be among the oldies... Keep up with your great
work.... Four thumbs up!!"
"This is the most
incredible and emotional piece of literature I have ever read. Never
have I been so moved to tears. This puts life in perspective and what
is really important. Our senior citizens seem to get put on the back
burner, when they in fact have contributed so much to each and every
one of us. And, we will be there someday. Every nursing home,
physician's office and hospital needs to have a copy of this. They
could not have picked anyone better than Josh Groban and I'm sure they
will not have a problem getting permission to use it. Patty, Largo,
FL"
"That is the most
heartfelt email I have ever received. I too have a mom who will be 90
in October. I know I don't have a lot of patience with her sometimes.
This movie opened my eyes. I thank all who had any part in it. I have
forwarded it to everyone I know."
"I have been living
and caring for my 82 year old mother for the last two years and this
is what I needed to really open up my eyes!!! This message is my life
right now and I can now understand my mother better and not try and
force her to do the things that she doesn't want to do. She can live
without them as she states to me on numerous occasions."
"I lost my mother
last November. she had lived with me for a long time. I think one of
the hardest parts is watching your mama grow old, and not being able
to do the things she did before. This video moved me to tears and made
me realize how much I miss her, and wish I had the chance to hug her
and tell her I love her one more time..."
"I was brought to
tears. Time you think you don't understand God has a way to let you
know, everything is gonna be all right. Thank you soooo much."
"My older sister and
I are facing a difficult period right now as a family with our
mothers' failing health. This actually said all I feel as her youngest
child. I owe her the same amount of time and respect she put in to
raising me as a child that I feel deep within my heart. I now need to
give back to her as she is becoming more childlike in her ways. But I
will be there for my mom to do for her as she has done for us with
every last ounce of breath in my body! To my mother, Madeline Burke, I
love you with all my heart and soul. Mary Ellen Burke"
"I was very touched
by Parents Wish. Is it possible to get a copy of the poem itself? I
would like to print it out and carry a copy with me. I would also like
to put a copy in a frame to hang. Please let me know how or where I
can get a copy of the Parents Wish Poem."
[Webmaster's note: The words
of the slideshow can be viewed by clicking here.]
"BEST EMAIL I've ever
received (and I have received thousands!!!!!) I've gotten phone
calls from people who I have sent it to thanking me for passing it on
to them."
"I just received this
and I loved it. Every child should see this and I will send it to all
I know. You have said everything I would want to say to my children
and I know they would just say, 'OH, Mom, we know and won't say
anything to or about you when you get older.' The thought of their
mother getting older is just never going to happen. Thank you for
saying it where I can get it over to my children without having to be
in front of them. Now all they have to do is listen and read on the
computer."
"The message of the
flash presentation is very genuine. I hope each and every one of us
will love our parents as much as they have loved us. - wengehy"
"WOW! Thank you for
all the hard work that was put into this presentation. I work at a
nursing home, and it is heart breaking to see how lonely people get
when there family gets "too busy" to come see their parents or
grandparents. It is also hard to see the disappointment in their faces
when their loved ones leave from visiting too! It is important to hold
on to your family as long as you can! Again THANK YOU!"
"This is an
extraordinary piece of work. After reading the other responses, I
can't help but feel that people have missed what is to me an obvious
observation. Yes, the poem is powerful and makes a much needed point
in a most touching way. The technical manner in which it was
assembled, and mixed with an excellent choice of music all show a very
high level of artistic talent and expertise. What I feel people have
missed is your motivation for preparing and maintaining this site.
From everything that I can see, your motives are totally selfless. You
are not looking to profit in any discernable manner, you're not trying
to promote your name or any business. You have expended what I can
only imagine was a great deal of time, energy and talent to try and
make this world a little bit better. For that we all owe you a debt of
gratitude. Rabbi Victor I. Beck
[Webmaster's reply::
Thank you, Rabbi. Yes this project is all blood, sweat and tears not
only for me but for my volunteer FLASH artist as well. I've spent
hundreds of dollars from my own personal pocket in finding for the
right server and my FLASH artist had spent countless hours developing this movie
from his meager spare time. I was about to give up on this project at
one point because of the problems I was having with my web host but
the hundreds of emails I get daily from people whose lives were
touched by this movie kept me going.]
"This is a very
touching video. I have been taking care of my Grandad the past year
and things are really hard right now."
"This is the BEST
email I have ever seen ! It is so beautiful."
"Yes, it was moving
but I would never send my children this.. to give them a guilt trip. I
chose to be a parent and it was my love and my responsibility that
engaged me in all those tasks with my kids. I hope that if I gave them
values they don't need to be told how to become my parents, i t is not
my expectation that they pay me back. I am 60+ so I am getting
there...also I had to live with my mothers challenges of AD, I chose
how to relate to her ...as part of our ongoing relationship."
"I am so blessed with
this and it's at a time in my life where I'm going through a rough
time with a child who says that they hate me. I only wish that I could
play this song to him to share how much I long to see him before
anything happens to my husband and I. But most of all just to let him
know that we are always praying for him and have never stopped praying
for him. Right now here and now, we're concerned about our
children that are grown and had fallen away from serving the Lord. So
yes, this song does touch me in many many ways that you just can't
imagine... for my unsaved sister and brother in law and for my
children. Avis"
"This is undoubtedly
the most beautiful e-mail I have ever received. It's tough though
because it hits a little too close to home. Thank you, AJ"
June 15, 2006
"WOW! With tears just
pouring down my face, all I can say is Thank you! Thank you for
touching my heart and communicating what I feel so well in the music,
the words and the pictures! Elizabeth Mohr, Cave Junction, Oregon"
"Wow! I just got
Parents' Wish via email from my father! The man who has, at every
turn, afforded me contempt, humiliation, and judgment for my every
action. In doing so, I wonder, is he trying to rewrite history or
just using your video as another tool to offend. Frankly I believe its
a little of both. Twisted. I read the feedback on your website and
found myself quite jealous of all the children who admire, cherish and
love their parents. I found myself wishing I was one of them instead.
Do you get much feedback from adult children who have received this
from the parents who treated them badly for their whole lives? I
imagine not."
"This is one of the
most beautiful things I have ever read, But the music made it
outstanding. Sherry Shell"
"This is such an
inspirational show. Thank you for making it available. I've just gone
through the death of a parent, and know that my dad, age 83, will not
be with me forever. The Parent's Wish makes me realize that I did the
right things for my Mom and now want to continue being there for Dad.
I only hope my children will do the same for my husband and I. Diane,
IL"
"Very moving and
challenging. My dad is going to be 99 in August and my mom left us 3
years ago, yesterday, after living with me almost that long. Thank you
for this wonderful, loving exhortation."
"Ohhhh my..... our
son sang that song at my mom's funeral just a year ago. It was
beautiful then and now!! Thank you for this beautiful e-mail!!"
"That was so
beautiful---Thanks for reminding us-- how life really can be.
"This is so very
touching. Thanks for sharing such provocative words and photos.
Everyone who worked on this did an outstanding job."
"God does touch us in
a special way. I received the email today and after opening it the
tears flowed as I have just returned from visiting my dear Mother in
the hospital as she has just suffered a stroke and my heart is so
heavy. God does reach out to us in so many ways and I thank the sender
as well as all those involved with the piece. I too will cherish
this."
"All I can say is
wow. This is so touching. Working as a first responder on a volunteer
Emergency Squad, I see every day, how older, frail people need
compassion and help. Isn't it strange that we come into this world
helpless, and many of us are helpless again before we leave. I will
cherish this piece for many years to come. It was sent to me by my son
in Chicago, and that was really a surprise, since he is not always the
most patient or compassionate person toward his sometimes forgetful or
confused mom. (me). This is a truly inspirational piece and needs to
be read by every child. Sincerely, Uta Kuhn Sun City Center FL "
"This was sent to me
by and old friend of mine since childhood---- 50 years +. This is just
so well done ! I must say I could not hold back my tears sitting here
and thinking of all the beautiful people I have known and watched grow
old and then have to leave us. I now am watching myself do the same
and am thankful for the opportunity. It is quite an experience !! MAG
in Wichita, KS""
"If only when we were
young we had the wisdom to understand this message. I did not. Now I
am the grandfather and someday soon my time will come. I hope that my
family can understand and support me."
"This is absolutely
outstanding. Thank you so very much for labor of love and concern. I
am reaching my 75th year and still recall my parents and their love
and care for all my siblings, all 15 of us, thru depression times and
good times. Thank God for people like you and the messages needed to
be sent and remembered. Helen, St. Augustine, FL "
"This video is the
voice for all of our parents and will someday speak for me. I watched
the video and memories of my mother filled my thoughts, and tears of
joy and pain filled my eyes and heart. I miss mom, and your video
reminds me of her last few years of her life, and those years were
hard on us all. Sometimes we forget who it must have been the hardest
of all on. Thanks for bringing back mom even if only in a memory. MS"
"Thank you for such a
beautiful message. I wish I had recognized the blessings and gifts my
parents were to me before they passed away."
"I am a nurse in a
nursing home. As I sat here watching the movie, I thought of the
hundreds of elders that I have had the pleasure of knowing. Because of
the nature of the work that we do, it takes a special kind of person
to do it. Even the most well-meaning of us become bogged down in the
daily routine of the job. I am going to recommend that this movie be
watched by every staff member to remind us of why we chose this
profession."
"You made me
cry...this was very touching, Jesus would approve! Thank you. Rev.
Barbara Di Gilio"
"I loved it an want
to share it with others. Is there anyway that I can remove the play
controls from the screen to use it as a PowerPoint."
"This just wonderful!
It was emailed to me from a friend in New York. I am in Oklahoma and I
sent it to a friend across town (who I haven't met yet), she
forwarded it to a friend and on it went. I just wanted to share with
you their responses. Carol"
"This was absolutely
beautiful and so touching! I'm still crying! I am fortunate to still
have my mother who is 85 years. This helps you to continue to keep
things in perspective. Thank you so much!"
"Please, tears are
streaming down my face.. Josh Groban was a great choice."
"As a long-term care
worker for the better part of 25 years, I can only say, Thank you for
your thoughtfulness. Also, for reminding us that every moment we have
with our loved ones, wherever they are in their lives, we should
cherish and enjoy them fully. For we have only a short time on this
earth to write our poetry, to see a newborn baby, to touch a complete
stranger with a smile. I hope this message is taken to heart by every
person who hears and sees this."
"I am taking care of
my 84 year old mother. Whoever created this beautiful sentiment,
should be given an Oscar. It made me realize all I do, and when my
patience grows tired, to remember who had the patience with me long
time since I had such a good cry for a wonderful piece of life that I
am living now. My mom is close to passing and everyday is a present to
be with her, she is my friend now and still my mother. Thanks, Mike D"
"Watching this and
then trying to describe the feelings that I have would be useless.
Thank you for sharing this with the world. I lost my mom almost two
years ago very suddenly and definitely without warning. I wish so much
that I could be taking care of her. Anything to have her with me now.
At the present time my 73 year old father with Parkinson's is living
with my husband and I. He is very able to take care of himself and
even tends to look after my husband and I. But I know down the road he
will need help and I will always, always remember this. I have sent
this to my daughter. Hopefully she will remember when I get older."
"This was simply
wonderful and meaningful. I thank you for this. I forwarded it to my
children as well as to several friends including several AARP staff
and colleagues."
"Wow! This was the
true facts! I will remember this when my parents get older, and I want
my son to know this when I get older. There is nothing better then the
love of your child or family. Sometimes people take things for granted
and its not fair."
"One of the most
beautiful things I have read. Very spiritual, very moving. I cried
when listening to the music and reading the words. This should be seen
by everyone, with or without children."
"The tears are still
flowing as I write this. Such a beautiful presentation of the years of
which we are now in. We are so blessed to have children that do
appreciate us and hold our hand when we need it. May God richly bless
the author and be thankful for the wisdom and knowledge God gave you
to write ever so beautiful. It is so good to be reminded of the years
gone bye and to realize our blessings. Thank you for reminding our
children of where we are today and of the years we sacrificed so much
to make them who they are today. Mary Ann"
"This is by far the
most touching e-mail I have ever received!!!!!! It is so true and I
just hope that every child that reads this, will understand it, the
way I do now that I am a parent. Thank you for touching so many hearts
and souls."
"PATIENCE, PATIENCE,
and PATIENCE! Oh, and did I mention PATIENCE? Okay, and, needless to
say, LOTS of unselfish love. This is all the magic you'll need. When
these two are well in place, everything else is pretty manageable. Far
from easy, to be sure, but oh so simple. I am a 24-hour caregiver.
Clearly, my toughest days are my own fault, they are inevitably the
days I fall short of patience and forget to place love highest in my
heart."
"I also was touched
by the beautiful slide show - I have heard another rendition of 'You
Raise me Up' by Selah - also a beautiful rendition. For people who
don't have PCs or Laptops, please encourage them to visit their public
library - they are usually equipped with PCs that that general public
can use. Everyone should see this slide show!"
"I am living in
Holland and my sister in law send it to me from America. It is so
beautiful and so true. This are the things most of the people want to
say to their children but don’t know how to do. I had to cry by
reading it and I had to think of my parents who passed already. It is
so recognizable. I have send it to my children and friends."
"I have an elderly
Mother and my sister and I don't see 'eye to eye' on what is
best for her; I try to ignore those things that truly don't make any
difference just as I did when raising my children. My sister wants to
'fix' everything about our Mother and is making them both miserable in
the process. This e-mail speaks directly to the issues of aging
parents, their needs and desires. Thank you for expressing the aging
process in such a beautiful way."
"This is awesome! I
am dealing with my 89 yr old mother, who is starting chemotherapy next
month. She's still driving and living alone, but it's going to be
rough on her. This touched my heart immensely!!!!!!!!!!"
"Absolutely beautiful
and we should all respect and take care of our parents as they get
older. They've loved us so much."
"It was absolutely
awesome. I cried and smiled. I am going to send this to my children. I
could not have said it so beautifully. Thank you so much!!!!!!!"
"Wow! I got this at
work and needless to say, the make-up is running! How very beautiful!
I'm sending to my kids, and to a lot of parents I know. It's very
touching and it makes us baby boomers realize how very lucky we are if
our parents are still alive. I'm one of the lucky ones, my Mom is 88
and still going strong. But she's frail, and this made me really
think, and made me realize even more how fortunate I am. Sandy Nelson"
"Truly beautiful!!
And it will bring tears to one's eyes. I am a single mother, but when
they were born I know their fathers wished them well. No matter if
this message is sent by a mom, dad, or both; the wish is the same from
those who are responsible for giving life to a child. Thank you so
much for this timely piece of work as I am 66 and it strikes very
close to my feelings now. It expresses so much of what we cannot
always put into words ourselves. Music very appropriate, enhances the
words with expression. MBB"
"To describe it as
brilliant is an understatement. So true-so poignant. Viewing should
compulsory. Tony Gale."
"I have not been so
taken aback. This was so touching and I appreciate it! I was crying!"
"WOW! I am not a
parent yet but I wanted to say thanks for taking the time and effort
to put this together--it was very moving and I LOVED the Josh Groban
song you chose although I couldn't hear it without speakers. 'You
Raise Me Up' is very appropriate-I own that CD!"
"This is really
beautiful!!! When my father was repeating himself and asking if today
was Tuesday, my brother got annoyed with him. I told him that Dad
isn’t doing it just to tick him off— he can’t help it. It can be
wearing, but you have to realize that they don’t know they’re doing it
and they can’t help it. Every offspring who is a caregiver should see
this and maybe even start every morning with it. June Day"
"This was very true
and inspiring, I am 74 and so it hits home; several of my good friends
have already passed on and I now understand what my dad went thru---my
mom died at age 34 and so death hit home early. Thank you so much for
this video--I have sent it on to my 2 daughters and my son."
"I thank you for that
thought. I cried the entire time I was viewing reminding my
understanding of growing old as such I have parents that are starting
to need help. I truly thank you for such an effort and letting us view
this beautiful presentation. Thank you once again."
"Thank you for all
your time and effort that went into this. It wasn't in vain. I just
came back from helping my dear mother in law eat. She no longer
remembers how. I also help others in the dining room where the nursing
assistants help others eat. God has given me a gift to help while
having respect and patience. However, I do not deal with this
situation in my home on a 24/7 basis. Parents' Wish Feedback is what
all younger people need to see to help them understand. The only way
we could really understand if perhaps to be born old and know what it
is like and then grow younger. That cannot be and so thank you for
showing us."
"I have my gran-gran
who is almost 76 years old, she walks with a walker due to breaking
her hip over a year ago. And on numerous occasions she has said that
she is ready to go on home, and I always say I understand but in all
reality I don't. She has lived longer, seen more and survived more
than I could ever imagine. So to all all that may read this take time
to listen to your elders they can teach us soooo much. May GOD bless
each of you!!!
"Thank you all for
this beautiful and touching site I have just seen. I cried remembering
all the times I use to help my children learn and walk and now I cry
because I miss them being a small child but most of all I cry because
I miss being around to help my parents everyday. Sincerely, Donna
Miller"
"We are going thru
this right now with our father. We had to move him in with us. He is
80 years old and the start of Parkinsons. We had hire a caregiver to
be here when we're at work, when we go to the store... someone has to
be with him 24 hours a day. Our lives are on hold right now, can't do
the things we use to and cant just pick up and go.. No more
vacations.. No more just to get out and take a ride, no more going out
for dinners, movies etc. This really helped us understand, and we
thank you so much for such a touching piece. GOD BLESS."
"Parents Wish is so
beautiful and sad, but true. I'm Chairman of the Visit Shut Ins
Committee at our church, and we visit people in nursing homes,
assisted living facilities, and in their homes."
"I lost my father to
cancer 4 years ago. I miss him everyday. His courage in fighting this
monster of a disease made me proud. He was a God fearing man and I
know he is looking down on me always. Thank you for your insight."
"I am a 52 year old
man with two grown sons. I took care of my mother for three years,
feeding bathing grooming, and all the things that comes with that job.
I only wish I would have been more patient, more loving, and held her
a little more often. Your video reminded me of those times. I cried
like a child, but it was a good cry. Thank you for bringing those
feeling into my heart. I realize now every moment was precious. I
wasted too many of them. God bless. Stephen Aucoin..."
"What a great
reminder. My Gram is 92 and has had 'enough'. I always
understood but, this really gets you thinking."
"OK... I'm leaving
now to visit my mother in the nursing home! Thanks for the 'gentle'
nudge of remembrance! AMD"
"My Dad left this
earth nine years ago. My Mother is a nursing home. She can no longer
talk, walk, or do anything for herself. You don't know if she really
knows who you are or not. I cried all through this. We think our
parents will be around forever when we are young. When they are gone,
either through death or in mind, we wish we could turn back the hands
of time and love them more and better than we did."
"You are performing a
wonderful service by reminding offspring of their duty toward their
parents and above all helping us to understand why compassion and
patients truly are virtues that must be spiritual watered everyday.
You have my admiration and thanks."
"I just saw Parents'
Wish and wanted to send a quick message to say that I loved it. It was
so moving and so true. I work in the health care field and so many of
our elderly are treated like outcasts by family, friends, and even
some health care workers. Thanks for sending a message such as this,
maybe it will open a lot of eyes. Remember to treat our elderly the
way we hope to be treated when we get that way."
"Thank you, I can not
tell you how very important this is. I only wish it could be shown on
national television and world wide in many many languages. God bless
and keep you, Mr. Groban."
"This is one of the
most touching slide shows I have seen. I wish more young viewers could
see it just to bring them back to reality, and understand the meaning
of (Once a Man Twice a Child)."
"Thank you for this
Beautiful and touching show. It says what I would like say to my
children but don't know if it will make a difference but, my hubby
sent it anyway. Some how along the way it seems as though our children
are too busy for my husband and myself. We LOVE THEM ALL SO MUCH. I
only wish we knew what we did wrong in raising them. I was not raised
by my mother or father, so having my children show how much they love
me is so important. I pray this will open their eyes to the pain we
feel inside when they say they are too busy for us."
"I wish I had it when
my mom and dad were still here with me. It tells the truth so many
children forget that their Mom and Dad watch them and help them go
though the same thing and now that we are getting older the children
some of them forget about the parents. I hope my children are like we
were when they were growing up, and I still worry about all my kids."
"This is the most
beautiful thing I have ever seen. It has hit me in many ways. I cared
for my Mother in Law for 6 years and many of the pictures and sayings
meant so very much. As a past care taker this would truly give
strength to anyone caring or for that matter with parents getting old.
I have sent my 2 sons your website and can only hope they will follow
this as soon we will be there and hope they have the patience to deal
with us. They help with there grandma so I also feel this would mean a
lot to them also."
"It touched me
deeply. After viewing your presentation, I felt like I understood my
mother better. She's dealing with her body giving way, wearing out and
being generally tired all the time! Her bones are brittle and her
joints are decaying. She is tired - and rightfully so - she's lived
over 3/4 of a century! She is strong, and I can only hope to have her
strength at her age that she does now. It is not something to be dealt
with, she should be honored and revered. Again, thank you."
"I lost my father two
weeks ago today. What a beautiful tribute and so true. The music is
lovely. For those of you viewing this, please treasure every moment
you have with your parents if you still have them with you."
"I sat at work and
cried! This is so amazing and true. I am now going through this
process with my MOM. She is the sweetest thing you ever seen. She is
home with me now, and gets so upset about the diaper thing. I just
keep reminding her that she changed my diapers and took care of me and
now it is my turn. I love her so much it hurts to see her this way. I
don't want to lose her early, her mom died at 101, and she just lost
her older brother who was 92. Out of nine children she and her baby
sister is all that is left, she just turned 72 in May. Thank you for
the beautiful song and words."
"AMAZING! Thank you
for all the efforts you’ve put to make such a beautiful slide show."
"Parenthood is
universal as are the hopes and aspirations of parents for their
children. Yet we find it amazing that despite this commonality, we are
so ignorant of these final years. The author displays a grand
knowledge of life’s closing times and superbly unlocks a parent’s
final wishes for their progeny. Thank you for sharing. Our wish for
you: May your children listen with their hearts and minds open and
glorify what is deep in all parents hearts. Sincerely, Phil and Tomoko
Duke Eagle River, Alaska"
"I cannot tell you
how much I can Identify with this presentations message. I hope that
this message serves as a reminder for many years to come of the things
that were done for me and the things that I might be called to do in
return for my parents. I find myself frustrated and sometimes
irritable about things that are inevitable concerning my parents age.
I needed the reminder for me to slow down and think about what has
been done for me and what is asked of me now..."
"Parents Wish is
absolutely inspirational, it is an awakening for all of us children
who is always complaining about their parents. for me, it helped me
appreciate my mother more, my Dad died 10 years ago, to love my mother
more, to treasure her in my heart more. I know I keep on telling my
friends how difficult my mom could be at times, but reading this made
me realize that soon I will be her age and experience the attitude
that comes with old age, oh life. I want my son to see how I treat my
mother so I can get the same treatment from him, the compassion, the
love, understanding and respect."
"Most of the
situations in the presentation actually happened to us while my 19
year old son was yet a young boy and I'm sure this is the reason why
many parents could relate to the presentation. My favorite part is
that slide that says 'Someday you will realize that despite our
mistakes, we wanted the best for you and prepared the way for you.'
I think only a parent's heart could lovingly and sincerely say that to
a beloved child. Indeed, young people and even those who aren't that
young anymore should see Parents Wish especially those who are tired
and weary caring for an elderly and sick, sometimes senile parents.
The presentation will remind those concerned of how HOLY and SACRED
are your acts of sacrifice in caring for a PARENT."
"You said what
parents need to say, but can't because the words are too emotional for
them to say. You said them in a nonjudgmental way. You said what is
truly important. Stating what every parent really needs to have in
order to continue to feel human, and to feel they are still part of
their family... the family they helped create."
June 14, 2006
"My son sent me
Parents' Wish. I cried and cried and cried some more. My mother died
in 2001 and I was not wanting to let her go. Selfish on my part? I
didn't think so at the time. I was very angry, that she would want to
actually leave us. She made us adult orphans. Everyday since Oct. 9,
2001, I have waited for her to call me to say that she has changed her
mind and has come back. Your slideshow has helped me to realize that
she had lived her years and she was tired and it was now time for her
to finally rest. Rest in peace mom. I love and miss you."
"That is so true and
the older I get the more I try to live by it. Thanks, Gloria"
"This was the most
moving thing I have ever seen on my computer, sent to my by a very
good friend. I also cried, and have sent it to my children. You don't
really realize these things until you get older. Thank you so much, it
is so beautiful. Delores Candies"
"This is so true and
I believe it should be shown in every classroom in the country.
Teachers are not the only teachers in this world we live in. Respect,
sympathy and compassion for our older citizens are almost a thing of
the past. I will send this to every parent I know, in the hopes of
bringing people back to reality. Whoever put this together should be
given a medal for their brilliance. I salute you!"
"My own mother is
paralyzed from a stroke. After seeing this video, I realized how
blessed I am. That video has been my life for the past 5 years. I just
returned from visiting my mother in the nursing home. She always says
that she doesn't want to drain me, but those visits really energize
me. At the end of a long day I take a bus from the subway because I am
too tired to walk the 7 blocks. Yet when I leave there, I am so
energized that I walk all the way home, a mile's distance. I feel like
I am floating on a cloud of love. Thank you for the opportunity of
realizing how wonderful those visits are."
"Very nice but I wish
I could edit it. My wife died in 1988 at the age of 51 so that I don't
feel comfortable sending it to our children with the signature Mother
and Father. Also, it would be more impressive if it could be viewed on
full screen rather than sharing space with the controls. These are not
criticisms but thoughts on how the presentation might be even better."
"This was soooo nice,
but how come all the parents were white? I sent this out to Blacks,
Asians, and Latinos. It would have been nice if a parent image of all
cultures were shown on this slide."
"My mother's cancer
came back Thanksgiving of 2004 and she passed away in May 2005. During
that time, my siblings took turn in caring for her but the difficult
shifts came during my time that I was impatient, angry and shouted at
her. I am still guilt ridden even after 1 year she passed. After
seeing the video, I should have been more patient and understanding. I
had no idea the pain she was in. I guess no one can know until one
undergoes the pain of cancer. I pray that my mother forgives me for my
immature unChrist-like actions, for taking her for granted, not taking
her to vacations, thought she was going to live longer but now I do
miss her so much, it is breaking my heart. I love you Ma.I know you
are in heaven"
"This was incredible.
I think my family should see this because my Mom is 85 years old and
repeating herself, doing all the things in the video and they just
need to remember all the time and effort she put into all of us. I was
completely in tears, I had to watch it about 4 times to even get
through it still with tears impairing my vision. Thank you so much for
this video. EVERYONE needs to see this!"
"I was so touched by
the movie - I cried. I lost my father 4 years ago June 19th - my
parents' 53rd wedding anniversary. This would mean so much to my
brothers and sister. Thanks so much for a wonderful job. Terry"
"I live in a senior
home, and if you could see the people here that have just been dumped
here by their kids, it would make you cry. It would be great to have
this put on the kids' web site. I have no one to send it to, but I
wish I had a 1,000,000,000 e-mail to send it to. Thank you for the
truth. Jackbuda."
"I have watched my
mother, slowly go down in her thinking, health, and ability to care
for herself. It's difficult for her as well as myself. I love my
mother so much and I am honored, blessed and thankful that God have
given me the chance to care for her even when the going is hardest.
When she tells me that she is embarrassed and ashamed, I take a deep
breath, smile and said, 'I love you Mom, everything's going to be
ok.' To the person who created and sent this wonderful message of
love, so people around the world could enjoy it, I thank you from the
bottom of my heart. FC"
"I took care of my
dad when he was ill, and after he died help my mom until she died this
year. Please be patient with your love ones, they gave so much when we
were young. I would love to take care of them again and this
video made me appreciates them even more. I do have the privilege of
helping my mother in law and watching this video made me realize to be
more patient."
"This was very good I
sent it to all my children. It moved me beyond tears."
"Such a truth. My
father sent this to me and I am in tears. God bless you mom and dad
for all you did for me and my sister and I promise to have my hands
and arms wide open for you when you need them. God bless the creators
of this wonderful piece!!! Take it to heart!!! It is so very true!!!
Pattie Austin, Wanchese, NC"
"I was very moved by
the video. My Dad passed away 5 years ago and just this past year my
mother went to live in a long term care facility. Everytime I talk to
her I pray for the patience not to tell her that she is repeating
herself and that she is confused. Just yesterday I forwarded this to a
friend who has parents in a similar situation and she thanked me.
Today she sent me a note to say her Dad had died, just as they were
looking to place him in a nursing home. Things happen for a reason.
Thank you for taking the time to share this with others."
"That was just
wonderful. My father-in-law passed a few years back and my
sister-in-laws and myself spent many hours with him. The knowledge he
gave us cannot be measured. Just to sit and listen to his childhood
stories and how the world was then and how it is now. I look forward
to my stories to my grandkids. I hope they enjoy them as much as we
did. My grand daughter was also there. She has 2 generation of
stories. Thank you so much Shirley"
"This beautiful video
brought me to tears. I cannot wait to email this to all of my
children, and my friends as well. It was well written, beautifully
sung and said many things I would have liked to say, but could not
express. My sister was very ill and she chose to die. This video made
me feel so sad for the loss of her, that she will never get to this
point in her life. Thank you for putting this out there for us baby
boomers to be able to send this to our children. Sheryl Hanover"
"This was so
beautiful and so true. I wish it was on TV for the world to see. I
sent it to as many people as I could. God bless you for this.
Angela"
"This is one of the
most touching, truthful presentations I have ever witnessed. It
brought tears to my eyes and a feeling in my heart that is
unexplainable. Guess it is because I am 67 years old and have two
married daughters and this brings home the reality of getting older. I
sent it along to my oldest daughter who has email and she respond that
she was very touched as well and it had made her cry. Don Hardy."
"My mom sent this to
me and warned me that it would make me cry but I had no idea just how
many tears I would shed! By the end I could barely see through my
tears. It really hits home for me right now as my grandma who is
89-years old has just moved into a long-term care facility. We have
witnessed many of these signs of aging with her, but we encourage her
each and every day to be proud of her age and to wear it like a badge
of honor. I think we owe it to her to see that her last days on this
earth are as absolutely wonderful as they can be. She certainly
deserves it for all the love she has shown us. Thank you again for
reminding me how important it is to help my grandma through this phase
of her life!"
"I cried as I watched
this but they were good tears reminding me of how much my parents have
done for me. I know that as I grew up they only ever did what was
right for me and I am grateful to them for their love and guidance. My
father is no longer with us but I know in my heart that he knew I
loved him and his fathering helped make me who I am today. I am
spending time with my Mom today, she is 81 and I will make sure I take
the time to be patient and understanding towards her because that is
the least she deserves from me."
"Absolutely
beautiful! Enjoyed it so very, very much!"
"This is truly
inspiring and very touching. I was moved by the slideshow and it made
me understand and appreciate my parents more. It's just sad coz I'm
miles away from them. Thank you so much for this! I'll surely share
this to my family and friends."
"Very moving and most
appropriate as a reminder to those of us still lucky enough to have an
aging parent!"
"As a 66 year old
woman who just received this e-mail, I can't begin to tell you how it
touched me. I have four children from ages 33 to 43. I sent it off to
all of them because it expresses so much how I feel. I often have been
with my children and realized that they were rolling their eyes at
things I said, talking around me, etc. etc. I don't think they mean it
and I remember doing it to my parents too. This just lets kids know
how parents feel. Thank you so much for publishing it."
"I've watched my mom
and dad deteriorate before my eyes. As an only child, I can't stand
the thought of losing either or both of them. It really scares me.
Watching Parents' Wish reminded me of the many times my mother has
told me, if anything happens to me, don't let them keep me alive. She
just wants to go peacefully and not be on any machines. Thank you for
'Parent's Wish'. It was very touching and relateable. Lou-Ann"
"I just lost my Dad
in January---that was soo beautiful!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!"
"I take care of my 86
year old stepfather, sometimes it is so very hard. Getting old isn't
fun, I'm 63 and of course I feel like a kid next to my step father. I
care for him because I do remember when he did for me, always in a
loving, caring, giving way. He deserves to be taken care of now. I
truly believe we owe this to our parents. My stepfather was good to
me, good to my mother, and good to my kids. He now welcomes my
granddaughter and my great grandson into his home. Too many of our old
people are shoved aside. Of course this brought tears to my eyes too.
Thank you for helping us to remember. Carolyn Shank"
"My mother suffers
from Alzheimer's and cannot be alone for a minute. All of us grown
children, who are in our 50's and 60's have different ideas on what is
the best care for her and it's been very hard. Our jobs and own health
issues make it impossible for some of us to do what the others can and
it's causing hard feelings in what was once a very close family. This
video is so true, and I have sent it to my children. However, I don't
want them to think that it means they are expected to care for me when
I become incapacitated. My husband and I intend to have arrangements
made so that they are not made to feel 'guilty' for not
restructuring their lives to care for us."
"I lost my mother 9
years ago at 62; and my father, now 73, is in a nursing home with
Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. I needed to see this more than anything
at this point in our lives. It's so hard to watch him deteriorate
before my eyes as my mother did from cancer. What a beautiful, loving
reminder of what I should be seeing as he sees me through his eyes.
God bless you and your loving spirit. Gail, St. Cloud, Florida"
"Wow great slide
show!"
"That was truly
inspiring. I sent it to all my children. This is something that we
should all remind ourselves of. Thank you and God bless, S. King"
"This message is just
what I needed to help me come to terms with my grandmother's wish to
die. She is suffering so much and I have been trying to help her
'fix things' and 'hang around'. She has blessed my life in
so many ways and I am able to look her in the eye and thank her along
with letting her go when the time comes. It also reminded me to be
more patient when she is so negative, a product of her pain and
suffering."
"I teach people how
to care for elderly people. I also teach people how to teach the
course. Would love to use a CD in my classes. I have been searching
for something that I saw several years ago but am not able to locate
it anymore. I would be delighted to use this as well as give you
credit for it!"
"That is the most
awesome song I think I have ever heard! Wow! It just blew me away!"
"That was absolutely
beautiful! I too had tears before it was over! I'm STILL crying. I
think of seeing my Dad's Mother, with Senility; and my Mom's Mother
with her many strokes but kept on going! She also endured pacemakers
and diabetes! And, now, as I watch my Mother gracefully age, I can
understand how things are to be handled. We need to take care of the
person/people who once took the best care of us possible! Cathi"
"I so truly enjoyed
the movie clip. Thank You so much for taking the time to put this
together. As my own parents are entering this stage it was such a
blessing and a very good reminder as to how to treat them during this
time. Bless you in your efforts!"
"The words are very
poignant and brought tears to our eyes. The music is wonderful. I am
almost 70 and my spouse is almost 73 years of age. I have forwarded it
to our children and friends."
"THANK YOU!! I am a
nurse who works in long term care. I also have 3 aging parents to deal
with. Parents' Wish is phenomenal and says it all. As the parent of a
child with a brain injury, it also provided insight to how she fells
as well."
"This the most
touching E-mail I have ever gotten. And all so true to our feelings.
We have 7 children, and they treat us so well and make sure we are ok.
Such wonderful family we have. This is one of those tear-jerker's,
music, words. and the true meaning."
"I just lost my
mother a little over a year ago and I lost my Daddy when I was just
14. I tried to make the best of their lives when I was around. I took
care of my mom the last 3 years of her life and they were the best! I
have 2 young kids and we are going thru a difficult time right now and
this made it all worth while. Thank you for sharing and may God bless
each and every one of you. Elaine"
"I am currently
involved in a program called 'culture change' at our nursing
home where I work. I have recommended that all of the members of this
committee go into this web page and watch and listen to it. When it
becomes available on CD I think it should be required watching for
every nursing home employee and every agency that cares for the
elderly. Thank you for putting this out."
"It made me smile and
feel as if I needed to cry, very emotional. I thank God for my
parents. They have been more than a blessing to me. I appreciate them
even more since I have my own child; and realize all the work it takes
to raise a balanced child. If my parents read this I would have to say
thank you and I love you so very much!!! JB"
"This is the
greatest! Thank you for putting it together."
"How true it really
is. Josh's music was so beautiful for the backdrop while reading it. I
immediately forwarded it to my children, since occasionally they laugh
when we don't do some things correctly like we used to. Thank you for
the inspiring message!"
"Incredible, just
incredible!!"
"I can only say
'Thank you'. I lost my Mother last year and it has been very
difficult. I used many tissues this morning. Patricia"
"Absolutely beautiful
and touching!!! God Bless the messenger and those who take the time to
read!!"
"Oh my gosh, you made
me cry! This was SO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you."
"This was a very
touching and poignant presentation! I work with Creekside Hospice and
was deeply touched by this slide show. Susan R. Pocatello, Idaho"
"I really love this
video. I have worked for the long term care nursing facilities for 12
years and this is exactly how everyone should feel about their loved
ones!"
"In the past few
years I have lost my father and grandmother. My 85 year old
father-in-law is going in for a major operation tomorrow in his battle
against cancer. This email couldn't have come at a more appropriate
time. Thank you so much for keeping it going."
"My mother is 89 and
has Alzheimer's Disease. My sister and I take turns caring for Mom in
our homes. I cried as I watched this video. It touched my heart. Even
though it is challenging at times, it is a joy and privilege to care
for this special woman who cared for me so many years ago."
"My sister sent the
link to me and it was awesome. We lost our parents in the last few
years, there is seven of us, and we are still pretty close to each
other. I like to think that we did our best for them, following the
Parents' Wish even before we knew it."
"All I can say is
beautiful, very tearful, but beautiful! Mrs. Sabrina Kratzer. Mother
of 3 and love my kids and my parents more everyday!"
"My parents are both
in their mid 70s now and these things are becoming more apparent in
their daily lives. Thank you for the reminder that they have done so
much for us in our lifetimes, that we should never grow tired of
returning the love and patience to them that they showed to us when we
were growing up. Sunnyone"
"This brought tears
to my eyes to the point I could barely finish reading it. I have been
the child taking care of aging parents. I miss them terribly now. And
now I'm approaching the age to be the old person asking for help and
understanding. My only prayer is that my daughter can have the
patience to tolerate me as I grow older and less able to keep up and
do for myself. God Bless everyone involved with the making of this.
Anna"
"I have been on the
Internet for years and this is the most beautiful email i have seen.
Perhaps it is because I am 64 years old, and this says exactly what I
would like to say to the younger members of our family."
"I was in tears
within the first few seconds and by the end, I could barely read the
messages. It really touches people and makes them realize how much a
parent does for their children and the best way children can repay
them is to have the same patience and love for them when they get
older as they did for us when we were little. Amazing!! I am sending
this to everyone I know. Tonya"
"I often felt that
all my mother wanted was to be with us and for us to be kind and
gentle to her as she grew older and more dependent upon us. Treat your
love ones with kindness, have patience, and give them your love
unconditionally. They are such a gift to us, even when they are older.
Thank you for saying what I think our parents want to say, but did not
know how to tell us. My mother went home to be with the Lord, August
20, 2005. I miss her so much. Doris Holland Olukoya"
"It is beautiful and
just what I needed. The perfect refresher for my relationship with my
near 93 year old precious daddy."
"This was beautiful
and moving, made me realize a lot of things that have been hanging
heavy on my heart lately. After losing my mother last May 2005 and
then my father in March 2006, I see a lot of what they felt in their
hearts and I really know how they felt by watching this. The one thing
I realize is that 'time with loved ones is precious'. We must
put the anger and hurt behind us and take the love we have now and
pour it onto others, especially the elderly, because a lot is
happening to them that they don't understand and they are angry about.
Love will replace that anger, give it."
"I read this and it
seemed to hit me perfectly. I help my sister care for both our parents
who are 89 years old and it was perfect because every day you have to
remember what they did for you and the love they had for you. Very
well written and the music was of course outstanding. Dicksy"
"I just watched
Parents' Wish and got goose bumps!!! It is so true. I am sending it to
our Long Term Care activity director because I think it also fits
anyone who takes care of our elderly citizens. Thank you. Sharon Yost"
"I don't think so!
God will take us when He knows we are ready. This was a beautiful
idea, gone wrong in the last frame."
"Thank you for this.
It really makes you think about life in a way some of us may have
never done so before. I was in tears by the time it was all over. I
now understand better how life can be for older people. My uncle just
passed away a couple of weeks ago and I think that now I have a better
understanding of him in his last years of life."
"This has truly
blessed me. I lost my father to cancer in January of this year. I have
really enjoyed this slideshow with this music."
"I'll be brief not
because I don't know what to say, but because hardly I can see the
screen writing this. I am a man and I will not hide the fact that I am
crying. The emotion is so deep, so profound that the only normal
reaction is to cry. I am pretty sure that many of us have done things
to our parents that not always pleased them, things that we sincerely
regret, and the price we pay for this now is to cry and ask them where
ever they are, for forgiveness. Thank you and God bless you! Anton"
"Hi, I just wanted to
say that was beautiful and very touching and it made me understand
something I needed to know, having older parents than my peers. An
when the time comes I'll be sad but I'll understand. It's all a
continuing cycle. Good job!"
"This is insane. Is
this a cut on how a child would take care of an elderly parent OR a
cut on the parent for raising children who would actually feel this
way about their elderly parents? This was in no way sweet. This is a
negative portrayal of an elderly parent who didn't raise their
children to love and respect LIFE no matter how old, or unborn for
that matter, life is. Denise"
"My father is already
gone, and my mother is in an assisted living facility. She's so very
alone and because I live a distance from her, hardly gets touched
anymore and it breaks my heart! If this movie reminds any of my
siblings, or anyone in my circumstance, of the importance of loving
and encouraging the 'little' ones in our lives, it will make a
HUGE difference in this world of aging baby boomers."
"I found this very
touching. My Mother is 93 and in her last weeks of her life. Thank you
for taking the time to put such a presentation together!"
"This is the most
heartfelt e-mail in the entire world! It rings so very very true. I
only hope that I can remember this when my parents get old and reach
those stages."
"How wonderful to be
reminded of when our children were young. I was smiling for a lot of
this but by the end I was in tears. Am sending it to my five grown
children. Music was beautiful. Thank you Terry"
"Absolutely
beautiful, so very true and heart warming."
"This was absolutely
the most powerful thing I have ever read seen on aging. Thank You!!"
"I cannot even
express how that struck a chord with me. I have a grandmother who took
care of me as if I was her own child, now she has Alzheimer's and this
touched my heart so much because it is exactly what I have to do. This
is exactly what she would want to say."
"I am a healthy 58
year old man but your video clip brought me to tears. How I wish I
could talk to my parents again and to tell them how much I loved them
and miss them. Even as I am typing this email, I am welling up again.
It was just that moving. Alan Jaye"
"As a mum, a
daughter, granddaughter and an in home support worker for the elderly
I absolutely love it! I sat and watched it with tears in my eye. As a
support worker I really wish many more people could see this, it might
make a great difference to the elderly who feel no longer useful to
their families in the way of help, the ones that are left in their
homes to do for themselves, the ones who are alone and miss their
families and feel because they are no longer needed and they are worth
nothing. Remember we all get old whether it is alone or with a huge
family support network we will never truly know how it feels, or the
thoughts that go through our elderly loved ones minds until we are
there and in that exact position."
"Thank you so very
much for this touching slide show with the beautiful music. My husband
and I are getting there, slowly, but surely. Of course, I did send
this to my our oldest son and since he always comes here to 'teach'
us how to work the PC or other modern gadget, he does so with an
understanding smile and we can just see him laugh. Once again, we
appreciate you for making it a little easier to understand us, the
seniors......well on our way to become the 'elderly'. Irene
Marmelstein"
"My fantastic son
just sent this to me, and his step DAD, and how I LOVE him for this.
At 72 years, and my hubby is almost 81, we are getting close to our
'later' years. I too, blubbered all thru this, but loved it all
the way also. What a God given tribute this is to all our parents,
grandparents, and as far back as you can go. God has truly blessed us
all, with this beautiful music, and the author of the words and
pictures. What a blessing they have given to us all, and I thank each
of them. Shirley & Harry Griffitts, Warsaw MO."
"Nice but not
universally applicable: While touching, gentle and well-produced, this
video presents management of an idyllic relationship not scarred by
years of conflict and unresolved, even irresolvable, issues. Parents
who mistreated their children, either physically or emotionally,
cannot expect a dramatic softening with sudden gentleness and loving
care as the parent becomes infirm. Though sad and tragic, we adult
children must deal with our obligations the best we can, often
suffering premature caretaker burnout and needing outside assistance,
as the aging parent usually lacks the mental and physical resources
for frank discussion. – Lewis Garnett, former social worker, NC"
"It really touched my
heart in a very emotional way and made me realize how much I cherish
my parents and how I always want to be there for them as they are for
me. It gives me understanding, for when the time comes to be patient
and understanding as they were with me. LOVE U MOM AND DAD!"
"Soo True! I myself,
have Great Parents. I'm 53 , with 3 sisters and 1 brother. We are very
fortunate to have both of our Parents. God Bless them! And God Bless
America! Thank You for this Inspiration. It touch my Heart."
June 13, 2006
"I am the
Director of recreation in a full service retirement community in
Arizona. We have independent, assisted living, and skilled care. How
appropriate this would be to use in some of the classes and workshops
we have!!!"
"That is just
beautiful, I had tears in my eyes. And I am 72 now, it is sort of like
the beginning of the end. Thank God I have most of my senses still
intact. The music and all the words are wonderful. I shall pass this
along to my granddaughter. Thank you for making my day complete. Amen,
Jo Ann Cassano"
"What a beautiful
presentation. I was moved to tears because I see so much of my parents
in the video and vow to remember that they did so much for me. I pray
for the patience to return those good deeds to them when I may feel at
wits end. Thank you."
"This touches my
heart so much after the recent death of my mother and brother. Thank
you for presenting this on the web for all to enjoy. I know Christ had
a large hand in guiding yours. I feel that the words of the song is
the tears of Christ for us and the reminder of His golden rule to love
one another. Thank you again. Sheila in Indiana"
"Simply beautiful!
Have just come from the nursing home visiting my aunt. I wish her
children had this understanding."
"Parent's Wish is
probably the most touching documentation of my very near future. I
have sent it to all of my kids and hope that they will respond
positively. All is so true and so poignant. Thank you very much. Lynn
R. Meyer"
"Thank you so much
for putting into words some of the many things our older population
cannot voice. I work in a long term care facility and when I was at
work today I shared this all those I could. We all had the same
response. We all sat around our conference table and shed many tears.
I hoped you are blessed with a way to continue to get this out to
others who have not had the opportunity to view it yet. It really
opens your eyes and gives meaning to your job, no matter what that job
may be. Thank you once again for renewing my love of nursing. RN in
Ilinois."
"This is truly a
beautiful piece and I would really enjoy having it on a CD when it
comes out. Thanks Josh Groban for singing this and thank you for
putting the pictures and words on the screen. An aging parent."
"This is one of the
most wonderful and sad emails I have ever received. God bless the one
who thought of it. I only wish I had seen this one several years ago.
I am going to forward it to my friends especially the young ones whose
parents are still living."
"Inspiring and full
of love and compassion. Something every son and daughter should see
and hear. A Blessing! God Bless the Author and All who view and hear
this."
"Thank you for
composing such a meaningful slides. It was indeed a very touching and
meaningful site I had ever seen."
"I am a nurse. I have
seen too many deaths. I have also seen too many kept alive. This made
me cry and reminded me how strong I will have to be when it's my turn
to let go."
"It was a beautiful
video telling a story of the wonderful love parents give. Shame I
never had any.. but I did have my Grandparents. They are with God now
and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. AZ Germany"
"What makes this
doubly meaningful to me was that it was sent to me by my daughter.
This gives me a sense of comfort that she will understand me when the
time comes. I also wish I had received this earlier. My father passed
six months ago. I would have had a better appreciation of each moment
I had to listen to his endless talks during the time that he still
could talk. I miss him. - FA"
"Thank you for such a
loving graceful piece of work. This reminded me of my Grandmother who
passed away a little over a year ago. She was 92. At her last moments
she talked about wanting to go home and even though it hurt I knew she
had no great life left, kissed her and told her go when she was ready.
Thank you again. Gloria"
"I have been
struggling through my older years with my children as they are still
young enough not to be aware of what is ahead of them. They still see
me in their eyes as the younger mother I once was. They get frustrated
when I repeat things or can't remember that I already sent them a
forward, or told them some news, that I had already told them. It also
frustrates me because they don't understand that at this stage of my
life, it isn't going to get any better. The hair is grey, the
waistline is gone, the pep in my step is still pretty good but hidden
with aches and pains. I could go on, but thank you for this parental
fact. A lonely mother."
"Wow, its amazing.
I've probably watched it at least 20 times. I cry every time I watch
it. It couldn't have come at better time for me. My siblings and I are
going through everything on that video with our mother. I can't thank
you enough. It's great."
"That was a touching
show. I guess it shows me how much my parents love me and what they
mean to teach me. I am touched. I loved just as much as I love
my parents."
"I lost my
grandmother 2 weeks after I had my son. I couldn't get to the hospital
to see her before she died but I did get to see her the day she went
to the hospital. I had gone to check on her and she insisted she was
fine. I was so worried about her because she wouldn't eat and just
wanted to sleep. I miss her so much. She was more to me than just my
grandmother. She took care of me when my mother took off. I think all
of us should remember what our parents have done for us and how we can
help them later on in life. Melissa Yousett"
"In a word: 'powerful.'
I am touched and moved by the music, words, and pictures. A wonderful
gift for my friends and family. Thank you for sharing. Lynn"
"I'm a certified
nursing assistant. I work in a nursing home in W.V. I have been
employed here 13 years. This touched me so much. I am also one of 9
children. Thanks"
"This was totally
awesome. Sure brought back nice memories of my folks and the tears did
flow. Thank you."
"Bless you for
understanding how it feels to get old. I agree completely!"
"It was touching but
very lopsided.. Being as I am a female parent, and would want my
children to also treat me with dignity... when I get elder or
infirmed... the sparsity of pictures of elderly women in this piece is
very noticeable. One would think that elderly men are the only ones
who ever fed, clothed, or cared for their children."
"What you have done
is really wonderful and I thank you for your dedication to such a
wonderful venture. My mother, who had two sets of twin daughters, will
celebrate her 80th birthday next year and we are planning on running
some computer based programs throughout the event. This will
definitely be included."
"That was incredible.
My dad sent it to me and I knew it would be a tear jerker even before
it started. Thank you. It said a lot."
"I am a maintenance
worker at a nursing home in Wolfeboro, NH. I think that this should be
shown to every present worker and anyone who considers going into
long-term care. It brought tears to my eyes."
"I have sent this to
everyone I know. I love Josh's music and it was so fitting to go with
the words. I cried. This is beautiful and I hope we all take note of
what our aging parents are facing everyday and we make their lives
happier, with our kindness and understanding. My hat is off to the
person or persons who wrote this and put it together."
"My husband died last
August 2005 also from dementia. Fortunately, I was able to keep him at
home until the last three weeks. This was one of the songs sung at his
funeral. The other was 'From Up Above'. Both are both very
meaningful."
"Thank You so much.
It showed me my mother in a different light. Even though she is only
in her late fifties she has started to loose her chain of thought and
things like that when she speaks so I am so grateful for allowing me
to see that she just wants me to be patient with her as she was with
me. The musical selection was absolutely perfect. The everything about
it was perfect and thank you, thank you, thank you. A Child"
"This is the
greatest... the music, the pictures and the words are so wonderful. I
sent it to everyone. Thanks for the time you spent on this.... Jo Ann
Brennan"
"It is very hard for
me to express the feelings I have right now after reading a Parent's
Wish five times in a row. I honestly needed to cry. I feel like I am
not there enough for my parents and they are always there for me.
Thanks for reminding us how precious our parents and elderly are, even
though we should always know. Thanks for creating this site. It is by
far the most beautiful thing I have ever ran across. To those of you
who had feedbacks- thanks for sharing it with us. To all of you who
have read this please find it in your heart to pass it on to everyone
you know. You never know who needs it because I did! ~Kema!"
"Cry? Well of course,
besides Josh is just superb, but this all makes sense and you do come
full circle. My husband is a nurse, so I hear first hand. We hope our
children have enough respect for us that they listen when we talk,
better than they did when they were young, and they will be there one
day….. hoping their children will listen to them, do don’t do for me
when you think I cannot do it, let me say 'I need you'! The
Hulls Juneau, Alaska"
"Wow!!!!! I have
never cried soooooo hard. I deal with a lot of seniors, and try my
best to make them feel as young as they can, and see their children
treat them as if they were a child. I wish that all in the world could
view this!!!!!! Phyllis Trumble"
"This is simply
confirmation that it is time to go home. I thank God that my parents
are both stil quite capable of tending to their own needs and I want
to be there with them to spend the quality time that we so readily
forget about as we are growing up and raising our own families. I am
blessed to be able to go back now that my children are grown and my
parents and I can still enjoy each other. Why should I wait until they
can't do for themselves, or until 'I have to' go back. If I go
now, we can do things together and there will be no need for them to
long for someone to come visit or to help and no need for them to
wonder if anyone cares. I care. I'll be there - NOW."
"Loved the song and
the poem. It brought tears to my eyes as I remembered caring for my
mother the last 8 years of her life. Those things were so true and I
trust I was the loving daughter."
"Thank you from the
bottom of my heart for such a compassionate piece of art. It reminds
me so much of my grandma who lives about 3 hours from me that I don't
get to see too often and is suffering from Alzheimer's. She was always
my hero as I was growing up and continues to be so even though she
does not know me now when I do get a chance to visit with her."
"The music alone can
tear you up if you really listen to the words. To put this music with
this slide show makes it really hit home. I can remember before my Dad
passed I was upset that he wasn't eating properly. I told him how much
it hurts to see him waste away to nothing and then when his time was
near he sent me home because he couldn't bear to have me see him die.
I wished I would have gotten this seven years ago. It would have made
a huge difference in my thoughts when my Dad was at the end of his
time here on earth. Thank you for putting together such a beautiful
slide show with music. It is truly inspiring."
"Very
beautiful. I was very touched, in hoping one day, my daughter will
realize all this, and be thankful for it as well. She is 18 right now,
doesn't like me. I did send it to her, and also I have held onto this
for future reference. As a reminder to myself, in case I would some
day forget or get impatient with a family member or friend who would
need me some day."
"That was super
cheesy. Sorry, but for those who were moved by that presentation must
be suffering from guilt. I have an 84 year old grandma and only wisdom
tells me to be patient with her."
"I am drying my eyes
as I type this email. After viewing Parent's Wish I feel guilty for
getting frustrated last night as I dined with my 80 year old mother
who chose not to wear her hearing aid and therefore couldn't hear the
conversations around her. I must finish now so I can call her and
invite her out for dinner tonight. Thanks for a very realistic view of
the 'Golden Years'."
"As with everyone
else that listens and reads this, I am absolutely in love with it. For
me, it put things back into perspective. This just reminds me how my
parents sacrificed for my brother and I, to raise us who we are now.
Thank you very much to you for enlightenment. - Carol"
"I was so deeply
touched by that amazing tribute to getting older and explaining to our
children how we feel. Josh Groban is one of my favorite singers and
his song brought tears to my eyes, along with the tribute to age.
Thank you so much. I am sending it to everyone on my address list
because it will affect them in the same way."
"I thought this was
so touching. My parents are still living but I don't see them much.
But just to read the words and hear the song made me cry. It was so
beautiful.. My mother sent this to me and like she said to me it
reminded her of her parents and how they were before they died. It
does make you think of the things that you will be going through when
you get old and how not to hurt your parents feelings when they go
through. Thank you for such a beautiful slide show. This means so much
to so many people."
"I work in a
continuing care facility and it sure makes me think twice about the
people I care for and what they are thinking when they look at me. I
will always provide the best care I can for these dear people no
matter their mental state and ensure that they are happy and
comfortable, and to always take their dignity into consideration. They
were once young like me and if some of them could, they would tell me:
'Someday you too will understand!!' Thank you to whom ever
created this, it really touched my heart as it has touches so many
others!!!"
"I thought this was a
very sweet and informative film all high school students should be
required to own. For the future is sure to need to remember how to
treat the elder. We have an epidemic of lonely, hopeless,
neglected elders. THANK YOU. 30 year young woman."
"This is the most
touching and beautiful page on the web. I am disabled and in a scooter
almost 24 hours a day. I only have 1 son. He is 19.... going on 30.
LOL. I have told him of my final wishes and he promises to honor
them."
"This is the most
beautiful way to tell children what may be in store. I have a niece
who is caring for her mother and I think it will help her to
understand what her mother is going through and the music is perfect.
Thank you for this beautiful work of art."
"When I saw the
Parents Wish clip, I cried. It made me see things in a different
light, the thoughts I had about getting older and how I feel about my
parents getting older. It honestly gave me chills all over. We are so
blessed to have PARENTS that care about us and that are there for us
and take care of us, even when we are 'special' or sick or
can't do for ourselves, so yes, it is our turn to take care of them. I
wouldn’t have it any other way."
"This hit home with a
double whack. My mother came to live with me and my husband of two
months four years ago due to her increasing infirmity. Then two years
ago, my husband became very disabled due to a stroke. They were both
home here in wheelchairs for a year before Mom went into a nursing
home. I have been irritated, frustrated, dismissive, rough, and
downright mean to each of them at various times out of my own
frustration, exhaustion, and grief. Behaving like that doesn't make me
feel any better, obviously, and certainly increases their own feelings
of frustration, grief, and horror at losing their independence and
being a burden. I have thought all of the things that were in the
slideshow, but seeing it and hearing Josh Groban's music made much
more of an impact than my own guilt-ridden thoughts. Here's to a more
loving future from me and more frequent visits to Mom. CEE"
"I can hardly see to
write this I have never been so touched by a Movie. Thank you for such
a tremendous site. Elly"
"I am experiencing
this same situation with my Mother right now. It is soooooo hard to
see her this way. She has always been my rock throughout my life and
unfortunately she is now in need of me as I was in her as a child. You
don't think of your parent as needy or helpless but as I watch my
Mother and many others in the nursing home your heart just breaks for
all of them. You know yourself that if God took her quickly, you would
be mad at him for that but if he has them linger on like this you
wonder why he does this. It is all a mystery and no one will ever know
the reasoning behind his way of thinking. I am truly grateful she is
still with us!!!!"
"This is great. It
would be great if it could be edited to come from either a mom or a
dad. Lots of single parent families out there and families where one
parent has already died."
[Webmaster's note:
Please see item 12 of our FAQ.]
"I lost my Mother in
1995 to a massive coronary and my Dad passed away in 1997 due to
congestive heart failure. Through the tears I shed watching this
video, I could relate very intensely to its words. I have lived
through the trauma of watching both of my parents slip back into their
'childhood', for lack of a better word. I was there with them
when they each faced their own personal illnesses, and when the time
for each of them came to 'go home' I was there with tears and a
heavy heart to let them go. My parents left this earth gracefully and
with dignity. But, I still miss them terribly and not a day goes by
that I don't think of them. Vernie Florence, SC"
"This really touched
my husband of 54 years and me, knowing that our four grown children do
indeed already seem to realize and understand our feelings. We are
'young', just in the mid-seventies but already feel the need more
than ever for being a part of the lives of our four and their
families. Their love and warmth surround us and leave us comfortable
in this part of our life adventure. Thank you so much for sharing this
so other children can have this insight into the 'eccentricities'
of old age.
"I am touched by this
and thank you to a dear friend of mine for sharing this. As soon as I
get home I will give my kids a bigger and longer kisses to show them
how much I love them so that they would love me back the same way.
From now on I will try my very best to not get upset or angry with
them so that they will do the same to me and my husband when we grow
older. Thank you for sending this special reminder to everyone. - Eva"
"I was a Director of
Nursing in a Skilled Facility for almost 20 years. I only wish
everyone could see this presentation. It touched my heart."
"The slide show and
music just touched me so deeply. As I sat and watched it not only does
it make me think about my own children, but my parents and my
grandparents who raised me and are no longer around. It really opens
your eyes to truth. They did take care of us, and if we are LUCKY one
day we can return the favor. Jennifer, Huntersville N.C."
"I wish I would have
received this before my father died and maybe I wouldn't have so many
regrets today. He has wanted to die for the last twelve years and yes
that made me angry. After reading what you wrote, I cried for what I
didn't do for my father and I cried for finally understanding why he
wanted to die. Thank you for giving me a little peace. May God Bless
You!"
"I wish this video
could get out to more people across the country and realize they're
not the only one that's going through a difficult time. As a nursing
assistant, I have seen so many families that could not handle their
parents turning back into the 'children' that they want were
that they left them in nursing homes and never came back to hardly see
them. Your video was really touching to me!"
"This Parent's wish
is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I am sitting here with
tears in my eyes as I am becoming of age too."
"Can I get a written
transcript of the words on the slide show? I want to send it to
someone who does not have the internet."
[Webmaster's note: The
words of the slideshow can viewed by clicking
here]
"The Parent's Wish
flash presentation is the most powerful tribute to our aging
generations that I have ever come across. Bravo!."
"Your music is
beautiful; however, toward the end of your video you seem to be
suggesting that it is up to the individual to decide when and how to
die. You ruined what could be a video worth sharing. God is still in
control. What was your intent?"
[Webmaster's note:
Please refer to items 8 and 9 of our FAQ."
"I am embarking on a
masters degree in gerontology this fall. I think this video may have
taught me more than whatever I could learn from books, etc. It reminds
me that the frustration, impatience I sometimes feel for my parents
needs to be balanced by all the time and love and caring they gave me
as a child, and how I would hope that my children will treat me with
patience and understanding. Thank you for the eye opener. I will
remember it and treat my parents very differently now."
"I found your
slideshow very moving. IT was emailed to me by a co-worker. As we both
work in a long term nursing home facility, it not only touched us on a
personal level in regards to our parents, but on a professional level
in regards to the residents we care for every day."
"This was just
absolutely beautiful. I love Josh Groban's music, but most of all the
words are just so true. We all need to step back in our lives and see
what we are doing. We have changes so many things and we thought it
was for the better, but in reality it is not for the better and we all
wish things were like when we were kids. April Smokowicz"
"Thank you so much
for sharing this poignant and memorable slideshow- it is so
beautiful."
"This reminded me of
those times when I could/should have shown more patience and
understanding of my mother's little difficulties as she aged so
gracefully. As I watched this over someone's shoulder at work today, I
wept. As I whistled the tune this evening at home, my wife wept as she
has many many times when this song was all the ministry she had
available to her breaking heart. God bless you in this ministry as you
light fires that will warm hearts and cause children to gain
understanding all over God's creation."
"We often learn too
little too late, but this video allows us to reflect on how we are
living our lives. This video has taught me to pause the next time I
might possibly say or do something hurtful to someone. Can we spare a
few moments from the new temples of consumerism and seek opportunities
actively to give something back to the elderly in our society?
Everyone needs to feel loved and valued even when society seems ready
to place them on the scrap heap. If each of us only found one
opportunity a week to say something cheerful and kind to an elderly
person or let them know they are valued, even strangers, this world
would be a better place for all of us in which to live."
"This is awesome and
just beautiful, thank you so much. Il was deeply touched. The things
that we do take for granted when we are growing up. Thank you so much
and l have sent it to all my fellow co-workers. Regards, Pedzy, Zim"
"That was the most
beautiful thing I have every seen or heard I could not stop crying.
Thank you for this beautiful work of art and my God bless you all."
"Very well done. Very
scary that I will have to send this to my children but, I think it
gets our point across. Good Job!"
"Wow! This is a
beautiful and inspiring piece of work. I lost my dad in '85 when I was
just starting to really know him. Being a baby boomer, my mother is
elderly, but she is in good health. Thank the Lord and she actually
helps elderly people. She and I use to go the Nursing Homes and it was
so sad to see people there with no family to visit them, etc. My
mother and I just talked about her not ever wanting to be in a place
like that if she gets to where she can not live alone/be independent.
This really hit home. Ginny"
"I hope my children
will remember the love we have for them. It is hard at times to be
patient with children but now I know why god taught us"
"This moved me in so
many ways. It really makes you think about how you, your parents and
other individuals would like to be treated during these times. Now I
know! Thank you so much for sharing this with the world. GOD BLESS"
"My
mom died a year ago and my dad came to live with us. It has been a
hard year and caring for him is difficult - both physically and
mentally. Viewing this made me cry because I love him with all my
heart and will never again get frustrated when he asks for help or
forgets something, or repeats the same thing a million times, or drops
something on my rug, or takes five minutes to walk to my dinner table.
I have also been angry with my mom for dying and after viewing this I
am not anymore. I usually delete these kinds of emails when people
send them to me but I am so glad I didn't because I needed to see this
and it was amazing. We do not treat the elderly very well in this
country and it makes my heart break. We can learn from them - they are
very wise. JLH"
June 12, 2006
"This was so
inspiring. I was really touched!! I wish my children would read this
but they are going through some trying times and are too busy too take
time to spend with us and have distanced their selves from us!! My
husband and I are in our 70s and not in great health!! We are afraid
we won't have our family around to share our last years together
sometimes. It is months before we hear from our children! And we do
feel very lost!! It is beautiful and thank you for sharing!! Peggy
Lee"
"It really touched my
heart. It made me feel so much better about not wanting to let my
mother go when she died last year. She wanted so badly to die. She had
had enough with her battle from cancer. I did not want to let go.
Thank you."
"This site was very
touching, it made me cry. My mother is in her 80's and I totally dread
the day that she passes away. It made me think of all the things she
has done for me and the things I have in turn done for my own
children. Thank you, Valerie"
"I have just viewed
Parent's Wish. Absolutely wonderful."
"I just saw the
movie. I cried. I have elderly parents so it was very touching.
Blessings to you for creating something beautiful about something so
delicate as aging."
"This is very
beautiful. I just lost my Mom Sept. 11,2005. She had a stoke in 1999.
What a difficult time having to be the parent when I wanted to be the
child. My Dad passed away in 1993 also from a stoke. I miss them both
very much. I am 60 and my Dear Husband is 79. This is a reminder to me
to be more patient when the time comes and to bestow kindness to
everyone. I have worked in a nursing home and with many seniors. Many
people nowadays do not have respect for the Senior community. They
need our help and compassion. Sometimes when we are the caregiver we
don't realize that. I have spent many guilty days during and after my
Mother and Father's deaths and this helped me realize I did the best I
could just as they did while bringing me up. Thank you so much. Joan,
California"
"I have sent this
wonderful presentation to friends and relatives. It's the finest I've
seen. Thank you. DO"
"This is one of the
most beautiful things I ever received through an e-mail. It moved me
greatly."
"Thank you for this
sensitive and beautiful video. I fortunately still have my parents,
though both are quite frail. I saw them so many times in the messages
reflected in this video. I love them both so dearly, and am grateful
to you for reminding me of that fact. With love to you and all who
produced this video. Barbara Sheen Todd"
"It was wonderful, my
parents are close to that point, and I love every minute that I can be
with them and love them just the way they are. Things like this should
be passed on to those who think their parents are just another job
when they reach that age. One day they will be gone for good, and they
will think back on what they should have done. NOW IS THE TIME, NOT
AFTER THEY ARE GONE. Most kids in Africa by the age of 5 have lost
both parents. Let the love of Jesus Christ shine through you toward
those in need."
"Your Parent's Wish
movie was very beautiful, and it meant a great deal to me for the
following reasons. I was a caregiver to my Mother since 1997. Mom had
Alzheimer's Disease and until last year I was able to care for her at
home with the aid of the Brevard Alzheimer's Foundation, Inc. in
Brevard County, Florida, where she went for daycare from Monday
through Friday. They care for our loved ones as if they were their own
with dignity, giving them sense of pride and accomplishment. All those
in our Tuesday Morning Support Group could not survive without their
love, understanding and support. Three weeks ago Mom passed away."
"This is wonderful!!
It brought tears to my eyes, not because of the moving song, but
because I lived this with my parents. They both have passed on now,
and I still miss them so. I would love to have them back again. I had
never thought it in the way you presented it, but it is so true. Thank
you!! Donna I. Charleston, SC"
"This has hit home
with me having just lost my father four weeks ago. We (my brothers and
I) always tried to preserve dad's dignity in his home and also the
last year of his life in a full-care nursing home. He was 90 years old
and we miss him. I hope we set a good example for our child by being
respectful of him in his declining age. Thank you so much for this
reminder to everyone. We are the next generation coming into old age
and hope our dignity will be preserved. I plan on sending this moving
e-mail on to all of my children and friends. Thank you so much. It was
WONDERFUL and so true!"
"Oh my! outstanding!
It is so true. I cry everytime I watch it. My parents are in their mid
70's and I see how their lives have changed so drastically. It breaks
my heart but I pray I will gain strength from this thru our father in
heaven. Thank you! Sincerely, Pat"
"Thank you so much
for the slideshow, it was beautiful. I cared for my grandfather who
had dementia until I lost him 3 years ago. Last week would have been
his 91st birthday, and I still miss him so very much. I will never
forget the lost look in his eyes, while still trusting I would always
take care of him, in memory of my wonderful grandfather Callie Fowler.
I thank you. patty"
"This was the finest
piece I have seen in a very long time."
"This was an awesome
display of what we forget about our parents. How they help us so often
and now when they need us we stick them into a nursing home. That is
so unfair to them, they didn't send us away when we were ill. Let us
start treating them at home instead of mistreating them with underpaid
understaffed nursing homes."
"WOW. That is so
powerful. I cried all the way through thinking of my parents. They are
both slowly declining and often times I lose patience with them. My
Dad falls quite often lately, and I've been scolding him for doing
things he shouldn't be doing. I won't be doing that any more after
reading the Parent's Wish. I am one of seven children. My parents have
lost three of us over the past 25 years. They want to go now before
they have to bury any more of us. That used to make me so mad to hear
them say that, but now I have a different perspective. Thank you so
much for creating this powerful piece. I passed it on to my remaining
siblings and others. Nancy"
"I, like others have
played this over and over. How wonderful!! I sent it to my sisters who
take care of Mom. Dad left us 8 years ago and it seems like yesterday.
Wish I had had this a long time ago. Thanks so much, Sandra Gilbert,
Texas"
"That was just so
beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. Just thinking about it brings
a lump to my throat as the music and message is so powerful. Thank you
so much for sharing something so wonderful."
"Thank you so much
for making such a wonderfully beautiful, thoughtful and expressive
video. You touched all our hearts so deeply. Your video is a wonderful
and touching reminder to keep our love and respect for our elders in
the forefront of our hearts and minds when we interact and visit.
You're so very right in how much better it is to not rush our elders
when they loose their train of thought, to not worry if they forgot
all together or repeat themselves. It makes such a beautiful
difference to just smile and listen and enjoy our time together."
"I am not even sure
how I came about getting this email but WOW! This is no doubt one of
the best and most heart warming videos I have ever seen."
"In the beginning, it
reminds me of my grandma, but saw something there for my mom at the
end. I think everyone should see this!! It will help all of us
understand what they are going through and treat them right. I treat
my grandma right, but I get upset with mom from time to time and then
I saw your website and realized that she means well. No one is
perfect, we all make mistakes and our parents only wants the best for
us. Thank you!!!!"
"I just finished
watching the Parent's Wish, and I must say that was one of the most
beautiful things I have ever seen. I am 53 years old and I cherish
every moment I have with my own parents. Whoever made this I
congratulate you. Brought a loving tear to an old fellers eyes. I will
share this with everyone I know. Thank you, from Columbus, Ohio."
"This is a very
beautiful. I sat and cried and cried and cried. And then cried some
more. My mother-in-law passed a little over a year ago. I feel honored
to have been able to be part of her life for the last 22 years. My
father-in-law is 85 and he repeats the same war stories over and over,
etc. We all just smile and react as if it was the first time we heard
it. I am sending this to my children so that they will understand
their grandpa a little better. I really love Josh Grogin's song.
Thanks to whoever put this together. Very Awesome!"
"This, to me, is one
of the most touching tributes to parents that I have ever seen. I lost
my Mother 5 years ago to ALS, but the whole time that I helped take
care of her I told her that the roles had become reversed. To see this
touching tribute to parents really makes one think about how lucky
they really are to have parents that care about them. I know that one
day I will loose my Dad, who is my best friend, and it will be hard to
go through that process, but being able to think back and reflect on
the memories that we made as a family will help with the loss and the
pain. This video and choice of music did in fact make me cry about how
I miss my Mother and one day will miss my Dad. I thank you for making
this video and I thank you for the time and thought that you took to
put into this. Rob Mills"
"Beautiful, I was
very emotional watching the video. I am one of the children and seeing
my mom's deteriorating health made me see things a little different -
when I get frustrated because she won't let me help her and when she
gets frustrated because I have to help her - this video makes is easy
to bear the hurt and pain I feel while I watch my mom grow weaker.
Beautiful! - God Bless."
"This was wonderful
and really moving. I am and have been caring for mother with severe
dementia (Alzheimer's) for six years and have friends who are now
having to care for parents and this really moved me. Keep up the GOOD
WORK!!! BEAUTIFUL! K.Cogan"
"That was beautiful.
I just lost my Mother on June 6, 2006. She was only 63 and had been
fighting her battle since 1993. The last 13 years have been the most
precious to me. I valued each day and prayed for it not to be her
last. As the end neared I prayed to help my Dad understand and to give
my Mom a release from her pain and suffering. MO"
"This video raises
interesting issues. I just watched it again, this time with my
parents. They made it clear they do not wish me to sacrifice in their
behalf and I have made it clear to my children that under no
circumstances do I want them to take care of me when I am elderly and
infirm. This is what long-term care insurance is for. When I stop
eating, as your video suggests, that is the signal to respect that I
have made the choice to end my own life. And my wills, proxies, and
DNRs will ensure I do not linger on machines. I do not want my
children to sacrifice one iota for me; they have their own lives to
live. As a parent, I revel in taking care of my children, not the
other way around."
"I lost my Mother on
May 25, 2006. That really touched me and brought tears to my eye. I
also e-mailed all of my co-worker and they cried too. Please don't
forget to keep sending the good stuff me."
"That was one of the
most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The song was the same song we
played at my nana's funeral. Thank you for brighting up my day and
everyone who has seen it I hope they feel the same."
"I just wanted to
thank you so much for all the work you did on preparing this website.
It's the first email I've ever received that made my cry. I'm 68 years
old; just returned from my 50th high school reunion last weekend and
noticed how many were missing... now I'm going to send your email to
my two sons, in their 40's, and hope they understand. Bless you for
all your work. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"This is the most
beautiful thing I have ever read. Thank you for sharing this with
younger generations. I have learned so much from this video."
"I am still crying as
I email you THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I buried my mom two 1/2
years ago and my dad 8 months ago. I had to make the decision to pull
off all machines and let them die as I know that was their wish. I
have been having dreams about them for the last 4 or 5 days and not
knowing why until I finally looked at my emails and my daughter sent
this wonderful message to me. You see I have been asking myself
if I did do the right thing and are they happy? And did you approve of
where some of your ashes went... the Pudget Sound as that is where she
lived and where they met....all these questions come up over and over
and it was like they were talking right directly to me through your
email... so maybe finally I can rest too. Thank you. You really will
never know what this has done for me."
"I cried when I saw this - it is beautiful and so true. I lost my
beloved mother last year - although it was 'her time' and she
was ready - I will miss her every day. My dad is 83 and still active -
I recently talked him into flying to meet with his relatives for a
Family Reunion this summer. For months he did not want to do anything
- and suddenly realized that he should be happy to be able to still go
and enjoy anything he can. Thanks again for the beautiful tribute to
our loved ones - and reminders for the times it is difficult to
remember what is important."
"This is the most touching thing that I have seen in a long time. It
may be because someday that will be me. We don't want to think that
will happen to us, but it will. We only hope our children can
understand . I have two boys and I am going to send this to both of
them. It is so touching all I could do was cry watching it. This is
great. Georgianna Smith"
"This is beautiful and so true. My Mother has been ill for 2 years and
this really said it all. We need more E-Mails like this one !!! Thank
You For Sharing! Lana"
"This is absolutely breathtaking. Josh Groban's song is the most
favorite to my son and I. The words are so very true. My husband is
84, and I will soon be 80. I have sent this to all my friends and my
children. I appreciate this so very much. We need to say this more
often. Compassion is lacking these days. THANK YOU. Olivia Yukie"
"That brought tears to my eyes. How very powerful and true."
"Wow. My husband and I are taking care of my 94 year old mother and it
comes at a good time. We try to be patient and loving at all times,
but it is emails such as this that come out of the blue to us that
just reinforces why we are doing this and gives us that extra grace to
continue on. Thank you."
"This was truly awesome. I have lost both parents and at times wish I
could have back some of the time when I was impatient with them. I
know they loved me and gave me everything they could and for that I am
grateful. They are with our Heavenly Father and someday I will see
them again. I have loved Josh Groban's music since I first heard him
and this was absolutely magnificent."
"This was sent to me by a friend and I was stunned. I have never heard
anything so beautiful a Josh Groban's song and then the words of the
text!!! WOW! I can relate them to my Mother who passed away several
years ago and went through much of this. Thank you so much. Jeanne Van
Valkenburg"
"I have watched this video twice already and each time it brings tears
to my eyes. My father died six years ago May 30th from COPD and lung
cancer, my mother died three years ago July 12th from complications
due to Alzheimer's. So many times, I was frustrated with each of them
but I still tried to do the best I could. This video really brought so
many things to mind and I wish they were still here so I could do a
better job of caring for them. I have sent this to my children as well
as to my sisters. Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful images
and insightful words...they have really blessed my heart today."
"I, too, was very moved by the video and music. I did what I could for
both my parents. It was not an act of duty, but an act of love and
thanks. They gave me so much when I was growing up, more than I could
comprehend until I became an adult. The wisdom that they passed along,
as well as love and compassion for their fellow human beings, is
something I could not have learned from a book. I hope they knew I did
not begrudge anyone the time I spent taking care of them and hope they
knew it was done out of love. I agree that all caregivers, those who
are family and those who work in facilities, should watch this and
remember that those 'grumpy, stubborn old people' were once
young, hardworking people too. They deserve our respect and care for
they are the ones who brought us to where we are."
"That is by far the most awesome thing I have seen in a long while. I
wish they could play it on TV so that people who do not have a
computer could see it. It gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes
because I think of my grandparents, mother and father and also myself
as I am growing older. I see the elderly being forgotten and abused
and it breaks my heart. If anything should receive an award, this clip
and it's music should. All of us need to have a little more compassion
and patience for the elderly. I sent this to everyone I could because
I it is so true. Thanks to whom ever put this together!"
"I was awestruck by this. It made me think of my own mother and
appreciate all she did for me. Thank you for putting a beautiful video
out for all too see. I cried thinking of my mother. I miss her and am
thankful she gave me beautiful memories. Some of your video really
struck home. I hope my kids will view this and think of me and their
other parents."
"I work for a Council on Aging. Sometimes, with all of the pressures
and stress of trying to help people we need to be reminded of why we
are doing it. Thanks - this presentation says it all on a personal and
professional level."
"Wow… really amazing.. It is indeed touching… that is so real which
really worth it when my tears fall vertically. Thanks for all the
words to show that all the while my parents did a lot of uncountable
love and care to us which we won't be able to pay for the rest of my
life. 'I LOVE U, MOM and DAD!!!'. I will always promise to take
care and be with you guys all the time… =`) ~apriL~"
"My mother's in a Nursing Home and this just made me want to cry, but
Thank you very much. We do forget."
"Haven't seen anything like this on the internet before. It sure is
emotional and beats the heck out of all the smut we see in our emails.
Good job."
"It was such a wonderful and touching video. The words are very true
and so many lose sight, forget that our parents looked after us when
we were young and they too need us now. One day we will all be in this
position. Thank-you for this reminder. Sarah"
"Thank you for your understanding, I am going to share this with
friends, that think my mother should be in a nursing home, maybe it
will help them understand what I am doing and why. So beautifully
done."
"My girlfriend sent this to me via email this morning. She is caring
for her adopted parents now at a time when their health is failing. I
admire her courage and strength in doing so. I work in an Assisted
Living facility so I feel I have many parents to care for and I love
them all. This was a truly beautiful presentation and I will be
sending it to my co-workers and friends so they too can be inspired."
"This was a beautiful and moving tribute. I would like to have this
for the future. Thank you."
"Awesome presentation! So true in every word used! The visuals and the
music are just superb. An Oscar winner all the way! Its only as one
ages that one realize how foolish we may have been when we were young!
Vispy R Saher, New Delhi, India"
"This beautiful, moving email was sent to me on an occasion when my
mother has just been admitted to hospital. I can see how frail, weak
and sorry for herself she is. I have had a good cry watching this
film. Thank you for helping me realize how important our elderly
parents are, how much they did for us, and most of all how time moves
on."
"That is the greatest slide show ever! A Master piece. It really
touched my heart. I took care of my mother for 12 1/2 years after she
had a stroke. She never walked again. That was less than 3 months
after I had my only child. So basically I had 2 kids. And sometimes it
was not easy. It's a long story. Even after years of the doctor and
others telling me I should put her in a home. I kept my promise to
her. This was her home. This is where she belonged. Mom was almost 92
when she died in 1998. My only hope is that my son feels the same way
in about 40 years!"
June 11, 2006
"My Mom is 80 years
old and was as vibrant and spunky as could be until Dec 17, 2005 when
she fell while we were at the annual Christmas boat parade in our
city. Since then my Mom has had some therapy and now lives in an
assisted living facility close by. Your video and song and words of
inspiration are exactly what I have and cling to everyday, her voice,
her touch and her love. She is physically ok but mentally in a state
of partial dementia from the bleed. She still tells me she loves me
and how beautiful I am everyday and how proud of me she is. She is my
best friend and if this is all I have left, I'll take it anyday.
Thanks for your effort, I hope it can continue. It is all so true. I
live in South Florida where I see a lot of elder neglect. Maybe these
words will inspire some to call or go see their family and loved
ones."
"Wow. I have not been
touched by something so powerful in quite a while. Josh Groban's song
alone is enough to move mountains. Thanks. SLN"
"It not only brought
me to tears, but most especially, it 'moved' me to my very
core. I am not only a nurse who has cared for the elderly in a
long-term care facility, but a daughter who has been caring for a 92
years old father with Alzheimer's. It breaks your heart to see your 'loved
one' deteriorating before your very eyes. How we forget, or don't
take the time to really hear what 'they' cannot express or
truly say to us. This video with Josh Groban's song is just perfect in
every way.. .so moving, so beautiful! My thanks to the unknown author
who has touched so many lives, including mine with the PARENT'S WISH.
I have spent my Sunday afternoon, sharing it with family members and
friends...and tomorrow, I will share it with my father, and mother
too."
"This slide show
touched me like no other one ever has. At the moment, my parents are
still middle aged and taking care of their parents. They also do so
much for me as well, and I have small children of my own so this is
truly amazing!"
"My greatest sadness
was not in viewing this outstanding and heartfelt slideshow but in
receiving it after loosing both my parents."
"Wow!! What a
beautiful video and music. I have always had respect for my parents
and loved them and helped them. My daddy went to heaven 3 years ago
and I miss him terribly. I still have my mama and I will treat her
with more kindness and more love and more help than I ever could
imagined because I watched this and know she won't be here forever. I
only hope my 2 siblings will see this and know that they are missing
out on mama's last time to love and care for her with respect that she
truly deserves. Thank you and God bless everyone involved in this
great blessed project. Francine in Buhl, Alabama"
"This video was
outstanding! It to brought tear's to my eye's. I do struggle with my
82 year old mother at times, but after viewing this, I will be
changing my behavior and remembering that one day I won't have her,
and only able to remember what she did for us and her memories. I do
thank-you for putting this video together and hope there are other's
that will enjoy it also. kay S."
"Thanks for creating
this site. It opened up a lot of children's eyes on how their parents
live their lives when their old age comes. This hit home and
hopefully, the whole world will see this so as to avoid lots of
parents living and dying with pains in their hearts and preventing
children having regrets for not being able to let their parents feel
how much they love them. Sometimes, it's just a matter of
misunderstanding and not being able to show the love to each other the
right way that parents and children hurt one another. This made me
miss my father much more, who passed away 3 years ago and feel the
pain that my mother is having for all actions we have towards her.
That's because we understand her less. This is really an eye opener.
Thanks again."
"My mom died when I
was 19 years old and my father when I was 27 years old. I miss them
both immensely. My wish as an adult is that for everyone who see's
this that they love, appreciate, respect, honor, their parents, and
life. To live each day as if it were yours or their last. Life is way
to short, and we need to appreciate/respect life. This video really
touched my heart, my inner soul, and made me cry. I pray that my
daughter will see this video, and understand, respect, and appreciate
me for who I am, and for my ways. This video is so inspirational, to
the point, and very moving. Hugs to whoever made this, found the
words. I am sure God was speaking through that person, and I can only
say 'Thank You, and Thank You God' You are wonderful.
"My 91 year old
mother suffered a stroke and came to live with us. She was wheel chair
bound and needed constant care. I tried so hard to be patient and
understanding, but there were times when I was overwhelmed. I truly
regret those times. My mother died 5 days before my birthday. Oh, how
I wish I had seen this video years ago. I can't change anything, I can
only ask for momma's forgiveness for the times I was impatient. But
then, I know momma forgave me, mothers do that. I will always miss
her. This video touched my emotions and memories. I can barely see the
computer screen as the tears flow. I will forward this video to my two
sons. Patsy N."
"This is a beautiful
tribute to parents and to help our children understand us as we grow.
But, I was a single parent and raised my children alone. Is there a
modification available so that I could forward this to them from me,
their mother, instead of their father and mother? Thank you for being
so creative and sensitive to an issue in our life today."
[Webmaster's note:
Please read item 12 of our
FAQ]
"Thank you so much
for doing this video. I am not a parent but that does not matter. At
65 years of age it brought me back to when I was a child. It reminded
me so much of sometimes the things I use to say about the elderly. Now
I am the older one, with no one but my hubbie to take care of each
other. God bless you for doing this, and yes it also made me cry."
"Great and very
moving. I am going to send it to my son now."
"I cannot believe how
honest this video is. It is exactly how I felt when my father became
ill with Alzheimer's. I watched my mother at times get impatient with
him. I didn't understand then but I surely do now. My father passed on
February 18, 2006. The cause of death was 'failure to thrive'.
He simply gave up. After his passing I told my kids that I didn't want
to be like that. I will be sending this video to both of them and hope
that when my time comes they will understand too. Thank you so much
for sharing this. As hard as it was to let him go, I miss him every
day. KN Reynoldsburg, Ohio"
"I lost my mom last
year and this brought back so many memories of her last few years. I
reminded myself of many of the things that are in this video as her
health was failing. This brought back those memories in a good way. It
tells me that my brother and I did the best we could for her. Linda (LindaRY)"
"As an only child, I
have lost both of my parents, and, the step-father that raised me as
his own. I loved him dearly. My husband and I are now the parents of
four. This video brought it all to light for me once again how quickly
life passes for us. Just 'yesterday', my 22 year old was 9 months old.
'Tomorrow', my 9 month old will be 22 years old. The 'Day after that',
I will be gone. How precious is the life we have. How precious are
those we love. How we take them for granted."
"This is a beautiful
powerpoint and it has touched my heart. I have told all my friends and
they are currently probably downloading it. Anyways thank you for
making it."
"Thank you so much
for this beautiful presentation. I am only the stepmother of many
children, however this touched me beyond belief. My Husband just lost
his father in March and has had a really hard time dealing with it.
This has changed the way he saw the whole experience of sitting by his
Father's side. Seeing the end for him and now, to understand why his
Dad kept saying, 'I am tired and I am ready, please be happy for
me.' All the while he was angry at his Dad for giving up. After
all he was only 84 years young. Again, Thank You So Much. NSchrum"
"What an incredibly
powerful statement for our aging parents who cannot say it themselves!
In a day where we no longer may honor the Ten Commandments in public,
this reminds us just what 'Honor thy Father and Mother' truly
means. Thank you and may God Bless You for all those parents that will
be touched because of this message!"
"I replayed this
beautiful piece over and over again. Simply beautiful. I lost my great
Dad a little over a year ago. I understand Dad. With love and dignity.
Love you and miss you forever. With tears in my eyes. Very well done.
Thank you."
"This really brings
things into perspective. I have now become the parent to my Mother and
get so frustrated at times but seeing this, has made me remember when
I was a child myself and how often my Mother would have to repeat
things, feed me, dress me, bathe me. Thank you and will try to be the
patient child towards my Mother, that she always was with me."
"This is one of the
most powerful websites I have ever seen on the internet. Thank you.
Carol Ashley"
"It is such a moving
message, and one so important to all of us who are coming to the end
of our lives. It speaks of the things we fear the most. Thank you for
doing it."
"It gave me the
chills! I am a young 76 year old and had 5 children of my own. I am
sure they will take it to heart and pass it on to their children and
our great-grandchildren. Just awesome!!"
"Josh, that was so
beautiful!!! Of course, it made me think of my parents, who have been
gone now for about 11 years, and I know they know that I love them
still. Just brings back precious memories of them. You have a
beautiful and wonderful voice, and I enjoy listening to you. You are
so young and you make the most of your singing career!! Best of luck
to you and CONGRATULATIONS."
"Thank you so much
for such wonderful, heart-warming piece. As a grandparent with 6
grandchildren, and 2 living parents between my wife and I, we know
first hand the message contained within this video. May God Bless you
in this work – as it truly is a great blessing. Jim & Dianne in Hot
Springs Village, AR"
"This very moving and
every bit of it is true."
"OMG, OMG, this was
beautiful. We just came from visiting my husbands 91 year old aunt in
a rehab. center. She would forget things, but she would put on her
lipstick for our visits, she had that much presence of mind. I lost my
mom 20 years ago this year, and it WAS my privilege to take care of
her. I would do it all again, for just one day with her!!"
"I am a social worker
in New York and facilitate support groups for women who are
caregivers. A friend of mine sent me a Parents Wish and I found it so
touching. Thank you for your time."
"Thanks a lot for
making this It is beautiful and heart wrenching"
"This is absolutely
amazing. I've never seen something so beautiful and touching. This
video actually makes your eyes wet... and you remember the great times
shared with your parents and the need to understand their point of
view. It makes you realize again and again that parents are a
personification of the almighty on this earth. Beautiful!!!! ISHA"
"I am a caregiver for
my dear Mother and sometimes it gets a little stressful, but reading
all the words along with the pictures makes me sit up and take notice
and makes me want to be just a little bit kinder ‘all of the time’.
Some of it seemed like it was actually me writing, remembering the
times Mom and Dad read to me and my sister and how they sacrificed so
much of themselves, so that we could be 'just like the other kids'.
The feedback is so touching. Thanks for reminding me just what a
wonderful life my mother has spent during her 87 years, and 87 years
of still taking care of me. I love her!"
"This is so right-on!
I just lost my mother to cancer. My sister lived with her so she was
the one who took care of her. My brother lives next door so he was
there a lot of the time as well. I live only a few miles away so I
went over often to see how they all were doing. My sister was a rock,
she did all those things said in the poem and then some. I would
sometimes feel myself loosing my patience with mom and then try to
remind myself how mom and dad had to do the same things with us as we
were growing up. We don't know how long we have here so we should
practice these words of wisdom all the time."
"I cried and cried as
I see myself and husband going through these stages of our life and
our own children are not much help or do not understand. Thanks to the
person or persons responsible for this touching video."
"This is the most
beautiful e-mail I have ever received, I am almost 65 years old and my
husband is 87, I sometime loose patience with him, this is a good
reminder that if I live that long, God willing, that I will appreciate
if my family have patience with me and don't pass any judgment. Thank
you for the message I will keep it to remind myself, what Love is."
"What a moving
tribute to parents - our parents, and our childrens' parents."
"My father is 84 with
Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. He is now on Hospice care and lives in a
nursing home. I am an only child and my mother passed away 20 years
ago, so my husband and I have been his primary care providers for over
5 years. I hope the CD becomes available soon because your
presentation says it so extremely well that I would like to be able to
show this at his funeral so that others might better understand that
the elderly are still human beings who deserve to be treated with
dignity, honor, and respect, even when it comes to their own wishes
regarding end of life issues. Meanwhile, thank you for making this
available on the internet."
"I can hardly type
for the tears. We had to let my Dad go 11 years ago after a major
stroke. It was one of the hardest things we ever had to do, but it was
what he wanted and had asked for many times. I am 50 now and I still
think of him often."
"The music so
beautiful and the photos and words very touching. Thank you for it."
"Absolutely
beautiful. I just lost a very good friend, she said some of the same
things that were said in this. Again it was beautiful!"
"Thanks for this
wonderful site. It is absolutely awesome."
"We gotta tell U
....... This is a WONDERFUL piece !! This truly has heart and soul!"
"This is the most
beautiful and meaningful video that I ever watched! It brought back so
many memories of my Mom and Dad when they got older. I did not realize
so many things at the time they were going through all of the
mentioned things on the video. At the time I just wanted to help but
did not really know what they must have been thinking and could not
say. I have sent this to each of my four children and hope that they
will understand when I am forgetful about a lot of things now that I
am getting up in years."
"Every bit of this is
SO true! He knew what I was going through. My mother is ill and I have
become her primary caregiver. My dad passed away in 1998. Thank you so
much for making this available to us. I have forwarded it to several
people as well as my own children."
"This was the most
beautiful show I have ever seen. No words can express the emotions I
felt."
"Oh my, this has
proven to be the most moving video stream I have ever seen, perhaps,
more so than the ones from 9/11. I have sent it to all who truly
matter to me. Thanks so much for the insight and inspiration."
"I cried when I view
this. I was feeling very down from health problems. Than I saw this
and remembered my children, Thank you so much. I pray God will bestow
his blessings on you everytime this powerful message touches someone
heart. Thank you for sharing something that would mean so much to so
many."
"This was very heart
gripping! I am the parent and I pray that my children will take these
words to heart as I grow older."
"The Parent's Wish
says so well the thoughts and feelings in my heart I need/wish to say
to my daughter and stepson as their Father has become so much more
ill. Kicker is now, I may well be addressing some OEL issues in regard
to myself. My mother is 84 and in a VA special needs unit here in
Okla. Thank you so very much, ruined my make up, but filled up my
heart with love."
"This was wonderful,
it made me cry. I lost my dad 3 yrs. ago and it so reminded me of him!
Thank you for such a wonderful email to read!"
"Thank you with all
my heart for making this and reminding us how important it is to show
patience and understanding when we least feel like doing it. Our Dad
passed away several years ago and we all miss him terribly but we
still are fortunate enough to have our Mom. She is a handful but we
love her just the same. Linda, Naples, Italy"
"Absolutely
beautiful! We all need to remember to love and care for our parents
and although we may not say it enough.. they gave us so much over the
years. I hope we have raised our son to be that kind of person when we
get old and need him. I believe we did."
"Thank you it is
awesome, my parents are in 90s and it so hits home, I cried."
"I've never read or
watched an internet thing as I have this. Tears flowed the first time,
so I had to watch it again. And, tears flowed even faster the second
time. I shared it with my husband when he woke, and tears (happy ones)
filled his eyes too. He is 63 I am 62. Too young to be so OLD, but he
suffered a stoke 9 months ago, and I am a care giver, again. My mother
died 2 years ago, and I tended to her until her last breath. MAUZ2"
"This is the most
beautiful video that I have ever seen and the music by Josh Groban is
outstanding and nothing else could have been better suited to this
video."
"I just want to say
that having lost my dear wife of 44 years, March 2005, this was they
way we dealt with that journey. It was a gentle reminder of our love
for each other and our only child. Thank you for sharing this with us
all. it's my fond wish as well. I shall share it with my only son.
Thank you for caring and the love show. It's a blessing from God. Ken
Funk"
"This is truly AWESOME.
Keep up the good work."
June 10, 2006
"This is so true. My
youngest and I were not been very close since she was living with my
ex-husband and was very depressed all of this time. I know more about
her now and her feelings and she sent me this, since I have a terminal
disease, she does not want to lose me and this is so different than
what she use to think. I was surprised that she even read this! Now I
know that she will be there at the last stages of this mortal life.
Thank you for this, it is a keeper. Bettie Gatewood."
"I am truly touched!!
I am caring for my elderly Grandparents at present, whilst my parents
choose not to. This touched my heart and squeezed so that the tears
flowed freely. What a wonderful tribute, be it for parents or
Grandparents. My only hope is that I can continue to instill all the
right values in my children, so one day they can look upon me with
respect. Thank you for making my way a little clearer. Trish Loveridge,
Australia"
"I hope that my
children will think of me always in these kind ways, and keep the fond
memories of times gone by."
"I never got to grow
up with my parents, they died much too soon. They are always in my
heart, in my life. I am blessed to have my husband’s parents as my
own. We see some slowing down, some decisions that don’t always seem
to make sense. We do, however, go to them to hold a hand, to offer
support. They won’t go anywhere when we have hurricanes, so my husband
and I go and sit through the storms at their house. We share melted
ice cream by flashlight when the electric fails. We sit on their patio
to watch when we can. After the storm passes, we have more ice cream,
share some hugs, laugh, and thank the lord for our survival. We don’t
have riches in dollar and cents, but we are wealthy beyond imagination
because we share friendship and love with Fay and Charlie. Isabel"
"Wow. The most
amazing email I have ever received! The music the words and the
pictures absolutely amazing but depressing! Sometimes we all need a
good cry and after playing it four times I have forwarded it! Lost my
Mom last year and just fulfilled the whole thing. Just became a
Grandmother also so touched the past, present and the future! Thanks!"
"The worst video I
ever saw. I kept waiting for the punch line. It's throwing back in our
children's faces everything we did for them. Everything I do as a
parent I do out of love and when I become old and frail I would love
for my children to help me, but this video clearly propagands the
belief 'You must help me because I helped you'. Can you
say guilt."
"Incredibly
heartwarming!! I cried and cried!! Made me appreciate my aging parents
oh so very much more!!"
"Recently I lost my
husband and my children lost their father. We were all on vacation in
Jamaica for the wedding of my daughter when my husband died of a heart
attack. This is truly a great memorial for my daughter. Having lost
her father the day before her wedding was devastating enough. This
helped to show us that everything happens for a reason and hopefully
anyone that has their parents still and they are aging will be very
caring, understanding and compassionate towards them in their final
years. My husband touched so many lives and we are all so truly
blessed that we had him for the short time that we did. I would give
anything to have him back and for my children to be able to watch
their father grow old with them."
"I am in total AWE. I
felt so much love in my heart, and sadness for those who don't
understand and treat the elderly bad. I have been around the elderly
and even took a job taking care of them. I love them all so much.
People should be kinder to those who are more mature than us. This
really makes you stop and think of how awful the world is...especially
to the elderly. Thank you for making this page. Kim From California"
"I cried and cried
when I saw this as I recently lost 3 grandparents, 2 of which had
Alzheimer's. This truthfully touched my heart as it brought back the
many times family members were impatient and frustrated. This is
definitely an eye opener and will make me cherish everyday of my life.
Thank you!"
"If and when a CD
comes out, I would love to be on the waiting list to be notified. For
some reason I could not get everything. It seems my computer stopped
with the little boy in the shower. I have a feeling my server has cut
me off. Whoever I sent it to got the whole thing."
[Webmaster's note:
Please try doing item 2 of our FAQ.]
"What a wonderful
inspiration. I lost both parents within 14 months of each other. Both
had cancer, and were so very active. They were early 70's, and very
active. Dad used to say, that life is SO short. Enjoy each day. As
they became more sick, and started to worsen. We took their hands....
they knew we were there. I loved both my parents. I was adopted at an
early age, and they had been the only parents I ever had known, or
care to have known. Bless their souls. May they rest in peace."
"Thank you for such a
beautiful and loving way to talk with our children. As a single parent
with some disabilities I feel that maybe the words you shared with us
just might help my son to understand when I am 'not myself'. He
is always there trying to take care of me the way I took care of him
from infancy and as much as I able to now. Maybe he can understand the
guilt I have because he has almost always put me first in his teens
years and why I try so hard to hide how I am feeling inside. I try to
hide my illness so he will go out and be a 17 year old boy learning
that he can make a wonderful life and that he will go far with the
talents and compassion the Lord gave him. Thank you so much for
sharing this with us. tissue box now empty! ridjunk13"
"That was sooooo
awesome, it literally brought tears to my eyes and a major lump in my
throat!!! The music was very fitting and beautiful also!! Thank you
for putting it out there for us. Valerie Whittemore Sacramento, CA
USA"
"That was beautiful.
It made me cry. I am sending it to everyone I know. I think everyone
should see it - young and old."
"Beautiful! I had a
good time crying and remembering. Lovely photos and music. But, one
concern: Is this a plug for euthanasia?"
[Webmaster's note:
Please read item 8 of our FAQ at:
http://parentswish.com/faq.htm ]
"This is one of the
nicest e mail I have received in a long time. I needed tissues. It was
so touching and so true."
"Simply delightful!"
"My father has
Alzheimer’s and serious heart problems and mother also has serious
health problems. It is so hard to see them failing as they have always
been there. It is also frustrating not knowing how to help other than
to just listen. This is such an eye opener and needs to be forwarded
to every child young and old whose parents are in their final decline.
Someday we will all be there. With God’s blessings may we all be
strong enough to do what is right and comforting."
"I have been unable
to complete the whole Parent's Wish it always stops at the same place-
where the thin man is. The music is beautiful and if it is possible
would you email me the name of the song and where I might order/buy
it. Thank you, Esther."
[Webmaster's note:
Please try doing item 2 of our FAQ. It might fix
your viewing problem. The title of the background music is "You Raise
Me Up". You can buy it from
Josh Groban's website.]
"How ironic - I just
came back from spending the weekend with my aging parents to find they
had sent a link to your site to me in an email. While I was there (and
before seeing your site) I was thinking many of the same things you
talk about. Thank you for confirming what I already knew to be true.
Sincerely, Debbie Gates, FL"
"This is one of the
best I have ever received, so close to the heart and truth. Very
touching."
"Beautiful movie and
music. I will get Josh song right now. Junn Gamo"
"I cried the whole
time I am watching the video. I sent it to my children right away. I
thought of my parents who passed on five years ago. That was a
wonderful video and I'll keep it as long as I can. Ludy Gamo"
"Thank you so much
for putting this in a format that we can all enjoy! What a great
reminder of our responsibilities toward our parents; they give us so
much and sometimes we forget as time goes by.
"Just to let you know
how touching this is. It is the best thing I've seen and heard on the
internet and will always play it."
"This is the most
awesome thing I have seen on aging."
"This is truly
awesome. I am a hospice nurse, and I watch so many families having a
difficulty letting their parents/grandparents go when dealing with a
terminal illness. I hope you do allow a CD to be available so that I
would have the ability to comfort the hearts of so many. This song was
played at a senior graduation evening at my church when our son was
graduating from high school and I still cry every time I hear this
song. Thank-YOU again for having inspiration for all to hear and see.
Jane."
"This statement is
able to help caregivers see the meaning of their actions and to soften
the hardened heart of many."
"Unbelievably
touching and true. I could never come up with such a way to describe
both generations. My best congratulations to the creators."
"Thank you for such a
beautiful reminder of what parenting is all about. God bless you in
your ministry!"
"Thank you so much
for this site, of which I just became aware of. How very true and
loving this is. I have lost both my parents and miss them very much."
"As a caregiver for
my parents, there is nothing harder than to watch your parents age and
decline, when they were so active and full of life in their younger
years. Caring for a parent with dementia is very stressful. The short
term memory is gone and there is the asking over and over the same
questions. We all try to keep from letting the frustration show. This
piece made my cry, not because of my parents aging, but for what aging
has done to them, and how precious their days are. They have done so
much for us in their lifetime. Children are a blessing to their
parents, but parents are the foundation for their children. Now, it is
our turn, to give them the care, love and respect they deserve. Thank
you for providing such a wonderful piece to open the eyes of many
caregiving children everywhere."
"My parents have both
lived very full lives. In the past 5 to 10 years, they have both
developed an increasing number of semi-debilitating progressive
illnesses. My father has coronary heart disease, diabetes and is now
developing dementia and Parkinson’s. My mother has had Alzheimer’s for
about 7 or 8 years. Six months ago, I determined that they could no
longer live 1000 miles away by themselves, even with live in help. I
moved them to an apartment in my own town and secured live-in help for
them. Each day I see them it is more and more trying as I remember
them as they used to be – vibrant and vivacious – and now I see them
fading day by day. My father is constantly telling me 'thank you'
for all that I do and I tell him 'it is not necessary, I am your
son.' This movie has been an inspiration and has renewed me
emotionally confirming that I am doing the right thing not only out of
respect and a feeling of obligation, but out of love."
"Very very nice. Nice
work of art. Hope more people see this. Thank you very much."
"We can expect same
treatment from our children, the way we treated our parents."
"I am a single parent
of two boys age 17 1/2. They were both giving me the most difficult
time today! My brother was mentally incapacitated about a
year ago and is 42 years old but has the mental capacity of a 4
year old. Our father, God bless his soul, will be 67 this year and has
had cancer that he battled for almost 10 years. We did not grow up
with our father in our lives until we became adults. So we feel
blessed to have what time we do together. I guess what I'm
trying to say is that whether we are the child or the parent, GOD has
a way of bringing life to our families (in different ways) full
circle. We must tell the people in our lives that they are special to
us and always be there for them we they need us or even when they feel
like they are left out because GOD does have a plan for all of us."
"Beautifully
presented and 'You Raise Me Up' is one of my favorite pieces of music.
Josh Groban does a great job, but have you heard you heard Secret
Gardens' version?"
"This really hit home
for me. My father passed away after 10 weeks in the hospital. It was
as if we were on a rollercoaster the whole 10 weeks. So many things
are true in this message. we all miss him dearly but now understand
that when he begged God to take him, it wasn't to make us suffer. It
was so he didn't suffer anymore. He means the world to me and always
will. He was a very brave man right up to the end. He is greatly
missed by many and your message should be seen by all."
"Quite beautiful. I
love all his music. This touched my soul."
"I have never seen or
heard anything so beautiful yet so painful. I have lost both of my
parents and I am a geriatric nurse, I see young people daily abuse and
ignore their parents. How dare they? For they don't know what they
have and what they one day will loose, God help them. I pray for each
of them both the child and the parent. Our parents are the best gift
that God ever gave us, just as parents say that children are the best
gift that God gave them. Hold their hand in yours and hold their heart
in yours, you will never be sorry, sad maybe, but never sorry."
"When I saw this
video I cried. This is this most touching one that I have ever seen.
My grandson which is 9 years old and I was watching it and it touched
our hearts. My young grandson was having tears building up in his
eyes. While watching the video and watching his reaction my heart was
touched in a way that I have never felt before. I loved this and would
love to see more like this. Thank you and God bless, Fay Orendorf from
Laurel, Delaware."
"I could not hold
back the tears: Every child should receive this from their loving
parents, and in late years they should pass it on to their children.
Patience is short when we get old, lets hope we can all think of this
when we have to deal with our elderly relatives."
"I just wanted to say
that I took care of my awesome mom for her final year and a half with
Alzheimer's and she passed away in my home and I am grateful I could
do it and your music and message is so great as I sit here sobbing and
remembering the love she gave me and that I could hang on in the
toughest of times to see the peaceful end and let her go with love.
Thank you and thank God for knowledge of how much they give and do for
us that we can give back."
"That was beautiful. It
made me think of my dear mother and daddy who have passed away. I'll
send this to my children. God bless you. Billie"
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