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FEEDBACKS - PART 7
September 15, 2006
"I am 71 years old
and in pretty good health as is my husband. Listening and reading
Parents' Wish brought tears to my eyes. We helped with our parents
never thinking that my children will be doing this for us someday. I
hope not. Betty Weltman"
"Thank you for
producing this- it is truly beautiful!!!!!!"
"Maybe I'm still too
young (61) but I found this incredibly DEPRESSING."
"My mother sent this
to me and at first I wasn't going to open it. I'm so glad I did!!! I
cried my eyes out- what a beautiful thing!! Deanna Gabrys"
"I received this in
e-mail today and was deeply touched. It is something that I wish to
share with everyone I know. Thank you for putting this together.
Johnny Hernandez - Pomona, CA"
"I am 71 years old
and although this is every parents desire. I might send this to my
older friends and we can feel sorry and pity ourselves but to send it
to my children would only be trying to put them on a guilt trip. And
if they did anything to help me it would be as a result of my putting
them on a guilt trip not out of a heart of love. On the other hand if
they view it and it instills in them the knowledge that one day that
will be them and they had best treat others like they would like to be
treated. They would be acquiring wisdom. Doris Brown"
"This was very
meaningful to me, as just 9 months ago I lost my 93 year old father
and 6 months later my 90 year old mother followed. As I watched this I
cried for I was guilty of trying to get my father to shower many times
and scolded him, but he knew I loved and cared for him. Thank you for
this."
"Wow thank you mail
master. I cannot say any word to explain this slide show. I realize
all the things that my parents and grandparents have done to us their
children and grandchildren. That was amazing and so moving. I loved it
and it brought a tear to my eyes. Thanks a lot. I wish a lot of us
would read this slide show."
"We recently lost our
Mother to a long and painful bout with RA. Most of her life was spent
in pain of some degree. Then a friend sent me this video via email. I
love the song by Josh, but the words on the screen disappear so fast
and I would like to write them down ... for someday... could you
please send me just the words that are displayed on the screen as you
watch this clip? Thank you, Pam"
[Webmaster's note: The
words of the slideshow can be viewed at:
http://parentswish.com/faq-01.htm]
September 14, 2006
"I would like to send
this to my 2 sons. The problem is their mother and my wife died 18 yrs
ago. The presentation is great. Paul"
"That was just
beautiful-thank you."
"This is a beautiful
read. We just moved my father-in-law in with us. He has liver cancer
and will be with us till the end. I watch his slower walk now and see
the sometimes lost look in his eyes and the simple things he forgets.
I know hard times are ahead and this was a reminder of the love and
understanding we all need and hope for. Trish McElroy"
"This brought back
many memories I had with my mom. What a beautiful tribute to our
elderly. We should never forget all they gave us so we could be happy.
The song says it all. I have the CD from Josh Groban. All his songs
give you a fantastic outlook on life. I’ve sent this to many friends
and family. Thank you again for such a beautiful message . Pam"
"This is awesome. I
can not express my feeling because I can not stop the tears from
flowing. I am taking care of my mother at this time. There were times
I wanted to go back to my home, but I remember she was always there
for me. This was the reminder and encouragement I needed. God Bless
you for this reminder we all need at some point in time. Elizabeth"
"This was such a warm
and loving tribute to our parents. Anyone who is lucky enough to still
have a parent still alive should take this message to heart. My father
has passed away and died at the age of 59 just as I was really getting
to know him as a person, not just my parent. As one who can sympathize
with anyone's plight/pain, I can also feel for parents that are
ageing, tired, and simply want to retain as much dignity and sense of
self as they decline into older age and declining health. Josh Groban
song was definitely a wonderful addition to this video. I feel truly
blessed to have been able to watch this and feel truly humbled and
grateful to God for all that he has given me. Sandra Wallace"
"I lost both of my
grandparents this year within 10 weeks of one another. They were my
pride and joy. They lived together 67 years. The last 6 months of
their lives they were together in a nursing home and experienced
everything mentioned in the video (not wanting to eat, take baths,
hard to understand, etc). It was very trying to see these people that
no longer seemed like your grandparents but you realized their hearts
were still the same. Thank you for giving me the comfort of knowing
that my mom and I did the right thing and that we were there for them
the best that we could be. {I love you Nanny & Grandaddy!}"
"My daughter sent me
this site and warned me to keep a handkerchief handy, which I did. I
cannot explain in mere simple words how touching this video was and
the song presented by Josh Groban made it that much more
inspirational. I truly want to thank you for this presentation and I
will pass it around to as many people and groups as I can. Everybody
needs to see this awesome presentation!! Thank-You!!"
"This was really
nice, wish there was more stuff like this sent around. The music was
just beautiful. I really do not know how to tell you how much I truly
enjoyed this piece. It really touches the heart and makes you think of
things that we should remember the rest of our lives. Thank you for
sharing this with everyone."
"This was just
AWESOME!"
"I would like to
start out by congratulating you on the wonderful job that was done in
this passage. I have very old parents. Dad 86 and Mom not quite 80 and
although my brothers and Sisters and I have been blessed by still
having our parents with us, we all know that one day we won't have
them. Anyone that reads this beautiful Parents' Wish will think about
any time that they may have shown less than love and gratitude for the
wonderful parents that our Lord has blessed us with. Thank you very
much for opening my eyes and those of millions of other people that
sometimes don't think before we act or speak. Barb"
"I look after my
elderly mother who is 95 next birthday and being 60 myself it does
sometimes get a bit trying. However, when a friend of mine sent me an
email with the video attachment of Parents' Wish, I first of all cried
all through it, but also realized for the first time how my mother
must feel. The fact that we try to make them eat and do things they
just do not want to do, it really did hit home as far as I was
concerned. Thank you for making the video clip available to so many
people."
"First of all I want
to say how beautiful this is. The music and words are wonderful. Being
a single Mom, I anxiously looked at the one done for someone like
myself. I was disappointed that the pictures were the same. There are
no pictures of women and yet as a rule, women outlive men. Any
particular reason why this is? Thank you for making this available to
the public. Sincerely Joan Bamlett"
[Webmaster's note:
Please read our FAQ for the answer to your
question.]
September 13, 2006
"I have just watched
this for about the fourth time, and everytime I hear the words, so
beautifully sung by Josh Groban, my eyes fill with tears... The first
time I received this from a friend, my grandson was visiting with me.
When the part came up about having to use a cane, my grandson reached
down and hugged me. I could hear his sobbing as I quickly turned to
him and hugged him. We talked about life, and I reminded him that I
was still here with him and we had to make the best of each and every
day. From that day on, he is constantly asking me if I am alright. He
comes to our house after school at least two days a week, and the
first thing he asks me is if I have eaten. He will go into the kitchen
and immediately start making something for both of us. This beautiful
email tells the story from both sides. From my side, almost at the end
of my life, and also from our children, who are still having children
of their own and guiding them as we did when they were small. The
tears are still running down my face, for it is the beauty of life
told in words that come from the hearts of all who listen to it and
read the words. Thank you. Henrietta Gallardo"
"This was so
beautiful!! I could not stop crying. It made me think about my
grandparents and my parents. My grandparents are both deceased and I
did everything under the sun that I was capable of doing for them. My
parents right now are having some health difficulties and I again am
doing everything I can. Thank you for this- sometimes life gets so
hard and we start to forget why we even bother, I think this will help
everyone remember. I know it will help me. Sincerely, Jodi"
"I have just retired
and see myself entering the last phase of life. This was very
meaningful. I forwarded it to my two children and hope it puts things
in perspective that we all get there someday and hope someone dear to
us cares and understands how it is. DKM"
"My wife and I have
my 83 year old dad living with us in an apartment built on to our
house and we are presently buying a different house to move into that
will allow us to build a small house immediately adjacent to ours for
her mom and dad to move into. We both sat and cried as we watched the
anonymous son capture so wonderfully what it's all about. God bless
you for sharing his heart with us and selecting Josh's wonderful song
to present it so beautifully."
"This is the most
moving tribute I have ever seen! It's so moved me first to tears, then
the memories came back of the most beautiful grandparent's a child
could have! Thank you! Please send more if you have them please! I
have sent them to all on my list. God bless you! I will go back to it
over and over. Patricia Hellyer"
"That was so
beautiful and moving....taking care of my father-in-law I can truly
understand it all. Being in the healthcare field I take care of the
elderly and I have much compassion for them but at the end of my shift
I go home. Having my father in law live with us is 24 hours. I know he
is grateful to have us to care for and love him. We cherish everyday
we have left with him. Cynthia...NJ"
"This is one of the
most beautiful things I have viewed on the web. My father just died in
December and this really hit home. I forwarded it to my children.
Every child should see this! Keep it on the web forever."
September 12, 2006
"This is one of the
most beautiful things I have ever watched. I have a father who is 81
years old and is still in excellent health. I know some day that will
not be the case. I know after the years of love, devotion, dedication,
humor, compassion and careful nurturing my siblings and I could never
do anything but honor him and his wishes. He is guiding force in all
of our lives. He taught us compassion and love for the Lord Jesus
Christ; whose leadership can take to no where but a compassionate and
understanding caring for any and all of our parents. This is a most
heartfelt message of love, and I thank the creator of it for sharing
it with the rest of us who get to experience it. Thank You So Very
Much. Andrea Wooten"
"I never had anything
hit me like this email. Thank you very much. I still have tears coming
down. I have lost both my parents now and I am sending this to my
children now. I hope they enjoy it like I did. Fran in Maine"
"It's beautiful but
needs to have 'Grandma and Grandpa' written into the ending
along with 'Mom and Dad'. Because there are so many
grandparents raising their grandkids these days."
"That was wonderful.
Its the most beautiful song and meaning."
"Oh my gosh, this had
me crying. My husband is failing and slowing down and I find myself
doing all the things in the Parents' Wish. The not being caring but
agitated. Boy how this has touched a special place and I will become
more understanding and caring of him and his needs. I am a bit younger
but I will be here one day as it says. God Bless and thank you".
"Thank you for all of
your hard work in putting this wonderful site together and maintaining
it!"
"Thank you so much
for sharing this incredibly beautiful and touching piece. Whoever is
responsible for creating it is so gifted! I have been taking care of
my mother for 9 years, and she is now becoming more frail at 93. She
has congestive heart failure, and I cannot tell you how deeply this
affected me. The presentation brought many tears to my eyes, and I
could not wait to share with others. It was so very beautiful. Thank
you again for making this available to so many of us who can
appreciate the sentiment. The song by Josh Groban is absolutely
perfect with it. Wow!
"Thank you, that was
very touching. It hit me right where I am in life today as a daughter
watching subtle changes in her parents."
"Wow! This really
touched my heart and had me crying through most of it. My mom died of
Alzheimer's not quite two years ago and I can relate to many of the
things that were written. So many of them happened to my mom. Thank
you for sharing something so beautiful."
"I visit nursing
homes to make sure that the rights of the people are taken care of.
And there are times that I speak to the staff of nursing homes and
this would be something that I could use to make sure that the staff
does not forget who people are and what they are suppose to do for the
people that are in nursing homes. This was nothing but great and
brought to tears. God Bless you for sharing this with me."
"As a Senior, I am
drying my tears after watching and listening to your site."
"I have saved this on
my email and play it frequently, being that my folks are at that age
and I work with hospice as a counselor. This is such a poignant
expression of the end of life struggle many parent's have in leaving
their children. This past summer, one of my longest friendships was
tested when a friend's Dad was dying. I tried very gently to support
my dear friend and his parents. It was painful and I tried holding
back the tears with my friend and yet his parents could cry with me.
Our friendship has endured and I am grateful that I have this to
watch, when I need a good cry myself."
September 11, 2006
"WOW a very touching
site. I hope all who read it remember it and send it on to families
and friends. Very Very Touching."
"God bless you all,
for teaching us how to prepare our children for this time. 50 years
ago this would not have been necessary! I hope you create more~ you
touched me in a special way. SJ"
"Absolutely beautiful
work!!!!!!!!! It brought tears to my eyes thin king of my Mother who
passed away 4 years ago. Keep up the extraordinary work."
"I teach Caregiving
classes in our church for people who are taking care of elderly
parents. This video tugs at the heart!!!"
"This was absolutely
incredible! I cried and prayed that I will be ready to be there for my
parents…like I watched them gracefully handle the times with their
parents. This was wonderful!!!!!!! Tracey Crawford"
"Truly beautiful.
Sometimes the frustrations of caregiving take over and the focus gets
blurred. Thank you for readjusting the lens. Lita Marshall"
"You did a good job
on this one. Thank you. Charlie"
"I can not find the
adequate words to express my thanks to the wonderful Christian group
that put this work of art together and willing to share and to let us
share with friends and loved ones. My late wife in the early 90's had
stage 4 Ovarian Cancer and was cured, praise the Lord. I subsequently
lost her to Alchemies several years ago, but I had the privilege to
take care of her and hold her hand when God called her home. God is
good for He later brought her good friend and I together in marriage
so we can face these golden years together. Thank the Lord for people
like you and your group. May Gob bless you and yours. Jarrell Burke"
"I found this show
very touching, as I am dealing with an aging parent. I hope the site
is still around when I am in that spot."
"This was a good
reminder to take a step back and slow down, enjoy your parents while
they are still here. This had me in tears from the start, and I'm glad
that my Mom sent this to me. It was a hint, a BIG HINT! Shelly
Johnson"
"Awesome."
"I thought this was
fabulous. Thank you for the work you have done."
September 10, 2006
"Wow what a powerful
message this has in it! This is absolutely beautiful. Pat Kelley"
"As an Administrator
of an Assisted Living I have found this to be one of the most
beneficial slides to show families. It is very touching, heart
warming, and puts the most important thing in our life in prospective,
our loved ones. Thank you, and I show this often. Carol"
"Thank you so much
for both an educating and moving video about caring and patience with
both young and old. I cried through the entire thing being so moved,
(especially having an 83 year old father). Anyone with aging parents
and older children will appreciate this. The song by Gosh Groban was
perfect."
"I love it!!!! I work
in a nursing home and this says it sooo right. ALL should see
this and read this. It was soo touching. Thank you very much."
"Wow, this moved me
so much. I sent it to my children with the request that they view the
slide show for me as a birthday present. Thank you for such a
beautiful reminder that we are children at some time in our lives.
Sincerely, Sandi Cole"
"This is the most
beautiful slide i have ever come across. My parents are in another
country and I do not get to see them often. I love them so much and I
am really falling apart not being near to them. I really cried when I
saw this slide because I know that I want to be near to them all the
time to take care of them but circumstances allow me not to. I am
praying that some day soon I will be doing that. Thank you very much
for your inspiration it will be a blessing to my soul from now
onwards. I am going to forward this to all the people I know."
"As with your other
viewers, the presentation made me cry. For the way the pictures and
words reached deep within and left a profound impression. For the
reminder that we as children have received so much from our parents
and that we need to extend the same gifts to them. The gift of
tenderness, patience, understanding, time and most of all love. To
never forget the past and in that remembering, to never ignore them
(our parents) in our future. Thank you so much for allowing us to
access and share your website. For the gift of words, song and the
gentle reminder to never take our parents and loved ones for granted.
To remember the good things in our lives and extend the same to those
in our lives. Keep the website going. Keep the sharing going. Regards,
Jay"
September 9, 2006
"Your video touched
me deeply as I just lost my father this September 1, 2006. Thank you.
C. Woodcock Oxnard, CA."
"This was sent to me
upon the loss of my father of 60 years. It is so beautiful that it
helped me to understand how he felt at 81 with pulmonary fibrosis and
only 20% of his lung capacity when he passed away. God was good to me
by allowing me to be with him and hold his hand as he crossed over. I
have sent this webpage to all of my children, for I know it will touch
them as much as it did me in their loss of their grandfather. I wish
that more people put these beautiful things on the internet instead of
all the garbage that our children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren don't need to see. Keep up your wonderful work!"
"Thank you for this
show. Please keep me in mind for any other you have. Sister is one
suggestion. I have a very sick younger sister. Thank you again and
have a great day and many more."
"It is a beautiful
show. I would love my 95 year old father to see this, he would really
enjoy it."
"I only wanted to
tell you that I am a great grandmother, and have not read such a
moving email in a long time (if ever). They are my feelings exactly.
Thank you so very much."
"This was so moving
and beautiful."
"I had a list of
about 50 + and I sent it too them all. Thanks so much this was my dad!
When I need a good cry I'm going to go to this site. Thanks again."
"My husband and I are
now 56 and 61 years old. This site is a beautiful thing to send to our
kids=.Thank you so much."
"My Mom is going to
be 95 in November and is struggling with Alzheimer-like dementia and
this was sent to me by my sister-in-law and I have found it to be a
source of great help and strength as we are experiencing so many of
the changes mentioned here. At any given time ne just doesn't know
which one it will be or how many of them will be experienced in one
afternoon's visit. So thank you for all your efforts to get this up
and going and continuing to have it available. I am sure there are
many more that have found strength and guidance in its words and
advice and the memories it causes us to recall. Bless You all for a
job well done!!"
September 8, 2006
"I saw this slide
show a couple days after we buried my mother and it was so true. Many
of the things you showed I had just been through with her and I'd like
to think I did most of the things asked for. It was great.}
"This is the single
most touching presentation I’ve ever seen! As I sit here sobbing for
the loss of my mother a year and a half ago, I wish I had been more
patient with her. You see, she had Alzheimer’s and slipped away from
us bit-by-bit over several years. When she had the heart attack that
finally claimed her life, she didn’t remember any of her children or
who she was. Prior to passing away, Mom gave me a gift I’ll never
forget: we used to sing together when I was young and I started a
familiar song one Sunday while visiting her. She chimed in at
appropriate points and we sang it several times together, with Mom
getting a word or two in. After singing, I looked deep into her eyes
and told her that she had a beautiful voice and said 'I love you,
Mom,' to which she responded, 'I love you too, hon.' Those
were the last words Mom spoke to me and this presentation made me
realize how much she did love me and how to be more tolerant when our
nerves have been stretched to the breaking point. THANK YOU! I hope
many, many people read this and have the same eye-opening experience
before it’s too late, as it was for me. I was patient and tolerant,
however, I feel I could have been much more so."
"I cannot believe
that someone actually made this. My parents sent this to me and I
could not be more offended. What kind of a person do they think I am?
Do they think I would leave them all alone and dirty in their time of
need? This is completely ridiculous and over-dramatic. This is what is
wrong with America."
"This is very
touching and very movable. I don't have a very good relationship with
my parents as well as my siblings. We are 8 sibling and my father has
all kind of vices while my mother always say 'Yes' to my father
and never defended us children from my parents. Even though they
treated us unfairly, we still love them, we did everything for them as
their children although up to this time they are already old (in their
70's) they still never changed, but I always pray for them everyday. I
wished I have a good parent like the other people. I feel envied to
those people with a loving, caring parent and they all lucky. God
bless all the parents good or bad parents."
"What a wonderful and
beautiful message you have made for us. God bless your inspiration. I
played it four times back to back and every time I cried. I will share
this with my five children and everyone I come in contact with. Doris
Nicholas, US Virgin Islands"
"Oh my that was
beautiful. If only every child would see this, and oh how true it is!
Thank you for this Rebecca"
"How beautiful! My
mom sent it to me and from the very first page I cried. My brothers
and I are very fortunate that we still have both parent alive and
sassy. However, this brought to mind those that my family has loved
and lost in the not so distant past, and how each one followed in
those exact footsteps outlined in the video. I wish I had email
addresses for all my expanded family. I'd send it to everyone of them!
I did send it to both of my children at their jobs and got scolded for
not warning them ahead of time. Thanks so much for sharing, Becky,
Coweta Oklahoma"
September 7, 2006
"Thank you so very
much for one of the most beautiful and tender sites I've ever seen.
Having lived most of my own life with chronic illness, I can tell you
this doesn't just apply to aging. I lead a Red Hat Society Chapter,
and just sent your site to over 100 women on my mailing list. I told
them it can also be used to help our children understand us better.
You have made us all cry! Joyce Roanoke, Virginia"
"Thank You ever so
much! This is absolutely beautiful. I sent it to our four children
(with tears in my eyes). I agree, as an earlier letter writer wrote,
that maybe teenagers should view this. I am sure some would be more
appreciative of their parents and grandparents. Josh Groban's voice
and music truly makes this something worth saving. Thank you again for
something so beautiful and for sharing it with us. Shelagh"
"I could not stop the
tears. I lost my dad on June 14. He would have been 95 in August. He
was a wonderful man! Sadly missed by all his kids."
"Thank you so very
much for one of the most beautiful and tender sites I've ever seen.
Having lived most of my own life with chronic illness, I can tell you
this doesn't just apply to aging. I lead a Red Hat Society Chapter,
and just sent your site to over 100 women on my mailing list. I told
them it can also be used to help our children understand us better.
You have made us all cry! Joyce Roanoke, Virginia"
"It was a very moving
experience and I have sent it to my own children. Thank the good Lord
that hardly any of the conditions it mentions apply at this moment in
time though I am 71 years old and obviously hope that they never will.
However, if they ever do, it may be too late to formulate such
expressions and the author has done this for us in advance. God Bless.
Colin (UK)"
"I'm fast getting to
this state and even now have my moments and completely understand what
you are saying, where it will be awhile for some of the 'younger'
people to 'get it', they will. May God Bless you and have a
wonderful day. I will be watching this sight. OYM"
"I can't thank you
enough for putting this together. I lost my father years ago and have
been caring for my mom. It's hard to do when you also have grown
children who look at you like you are the older person losing it.
There is so much truth in every single moment. Yes, I'm a single mom
caring for my mom and my autistic brother. But the words and the
pictures carry the same message, let's not forget where we got our
roots! I have a very ungrateful daughter whom I'd like to send this
too, but unfortunately you don't have that capability on my computer.
As soon as this CD is available I will be ordering in quantity!!!
THANK YOU!"
"Fantastically
moving. I play it over and over. Thank you so much."
"Your production is
incredibly touching."
September 6, 2006
"What do I say? It is
one of the most beautiful things I have ever come across. And it was
really touching! It reminds me of how often we forget those small
small things yet very significant ones that our parents did for us.
Like helping us to learn walking. And we have just taken that for
granted. I am truly thankful to you for increasing my sensitivity.
Regards Ram"
"This is beautiful
music. I love it and cried throughout it. One thing, for the single
mother, the pictures during the slideshow need to be more appropriate,
i.e. show a mom putting shoes on, etc Sharon"
"I just want to say
that the Parents' Wish is so so so right. I am 49 years old. I wonder
what will it be like to be around elders, cause they are so special. I
thank you so much for having a film like that on the web. I wish that
more people can see what you've done. Its lovely. A dear friend of
mine sent this to me. Thank you."
"That was amazing and
so moving.. loved it and it brought a tear to my eyes. Thanks"
"Having lost my
father in a car accident recently (he was 83) this was especially
meaningful to me. It was hard for Dad to get around; his body was a
shell of what it used to be but his mind was active. I am blessed to
still have my Mom and this will inspire and encourage me to be a
better daughter. Thank you so much for sharing; everyone who has a
parent or is a parent should view this. Sincerely, Kathy Barany
Manlius, NY"
"It was quite
touching and certainly thought provoking."
"Thank you for this
inspiring reality of life. I was fortunate to receive this one month
before my dad passed away. I just watched it again now six weeks after
his death and feel fortunate that I had a better understanding of how
he was feeling in his final weeks of life. Thank you again for opening
my eyes to what nobody is ever ready to face and that is the loss of a
parent."
September 5, 2006
"This has touched my
heart and moved me to tears............many many tears! How precious!"
"My name is Trish and
I have been caring for my mother now for seven years. This is the most
beautiful presentation I have ever seen. My mother is now 89 and has
Alzheimer's. It has taken patience and love and understanding to keep
her at home and be her primary caretaker. When I saw the video I cried
for an hour. This has so touched my heart. I want the CDand play it at
my moms funeral service. God bless you and God bless the elderly-our
seniors are the path to wisdom and they cared for us and as the
commandment says- 'Honour thy mother and father' and that
doesn't mean sticking them in a nursing home where they are abused but
to take your time and love them and care for them at home as long as
possible. Thank you."
"This is so touching
and beautiful, especially since I'm now approaching the twilight
years."
"It was wonderful. I
am very good to my 89 year old mother but now I understand her
better."
"It is a great
message."
"Just
awesome.....thank you."
"Truly Beautiful!!!
It brought tears to my eyes as I reflected back on the days I cared
for my Mom. I have forwarded to my son and all my 'baby boomer'
friends since there is so much to learn from this presentation. Thank
you!"
"This says it all,
very beautiful Thank You for sharing."
"Thank You for this
wonderful message. I did need this to help with taking care of My 80
year old Mother in Law whom I love just like a Mother. She is an Angel
and has Alzheimer's and I have to have a lot of patience with her. She
lost her Husband four weeks ago and now wants to die, it's so hard. My
Parent both passed away and my husband's parent have filled that hole
that was left by their passing."
"This is so
inspiring. I was crying the whole time this was playing. I would
remember my children, specially my daughter, Lianne, I just hope she
hear and watch this video. Thank you very much."
"I liked it very much,
it brought tears to my eyes thinking of my dad."
September 4, 2006
"Very touching. You
do great work."
"This brought tears.
I remember how my Dad loved to tell stories about his younger days. I
wish I had listened closer and remembered more. Now that I am his age
and older I know how much it means to be listened to and actually
heard. Thank you for the most beautiful message I will ever read. The
music was so wonderful. Arlene Wright"
"I never heard of
this website until a friend had told me about it. I work in a nursing
home with the elderly and a family member had told me about this
website. I cried when i was listening to it. This website is so true
that I now know what she is thinking inside. When I eventually have to
go through that I hope I will be strong like the song tells us to be.
I should tell my family about this. It tells a good story and opens
your eyes on the truth about life. Thanks."
"Whilst watching the
video, it put a gulp in my throat and tears to my eyes. My dad is
growing older and whilst watching the video, I thought of him and
realized how he might be feeling. Thank you so much for the timely
reminder to be patient with him and to me what I got most out of it is
the fact that it is important to be there for my parents, to simply
spend time with them. I am so glad that my friend forwarded this video
to me. I’m going to do likewise to all my friends! Lydia."
"I will begin with
a..... WOW! So wonderful. We all in this society forget about that
whole thought that you conveyed. How I hope my children will be able
to have that clarity when I am in that time of my life. Thank YOU,
Lita"
"This was a most
amazing tribute to parents. I cared for my parents who lived to be 87
and 96 Whenever they mentioned that they were too much trouble, I told
them what an honor it was to care for them, and that I was only
returning a fraction of what they had done for me. Thank you for
making this homage possible."
"Thank you so much
for this slideshow! I cried almost all the way through. My Mother is
82 years old and was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. My sister
and I help take care of her as she took care of us when we were
growing up. More people should heed the words of taking care of their
parents. Again thank you. Barbra B Morris"
"Thank you for this
beautiful presentation, it bought me to tears. I'm almost 65 now and
thinking of what I will face in the years to come with my children.
I'm going to forward this to them so they can understand that one day
I will be old and need them. God Bless you. Carole"
"I am a home care
provider for the elderly and this moves me greatly. I just lost my dad
recently. I cared for him at home until his death and feel very
honored and privileged to have been able to do that for him. The
elderly are a very important and valuable part of our lives and
heritage and should always be given the respect they have worked so
hard for all of their lives and so richly deserve."
"Thank you, thank
you, thank you. Thanks for sharing this beautiful presentation. As
luck would have it I received a mail from a friend directing me to
this site a few minutes after I spoke with my father-in-law who
suffers from Alzheimer's. I was feeling sad and helpless and then, I
read this and cried throughout the presentation. It touched a cord and
I knew that I could be there for Dad by just being there and letting
the love flow. I know the love will reach him even if the words don't.
I've forwarded the mail to all my friends with aging parents. Thank
you once again for sharing this wonderful presentation. KB, India"
"This is the most
beautiful thing we have seen on the net, how can we see MORE of your
work? Grandpa and Grandnma Julius Brigl"
"My Dad died in '82
and my Mom in '98. Although there were times I thought I sacrificed my
life to be there when I wanted to be doing something else, I'm so glad
I spent the time with them when they were alive and we could enjoy
each other. I've always tried to explain these feelings but the
pictures in the Parents' Wish site truly adds reality to my feelings.
Rosemarie"
"Thank you for what
you’ve shared."
September 3, 2006
"I just want to say
that this is one of the most awesome wonderful pieces that I have ever
seen on the internet! Thank you so much! I have viewed it twice so far
and have cried my eyes out both time. I will do so again the next time
that I view it. It has been my song for my youngest daughter when she
helped to 'raise me up' after my husband of 20 years devastated
me by divorcing me for someone else he met on the internet. She is the
one who mostly got me through the whole ordeal. So the song has double
meaning for me now. Thank you so much! May God bless you! Mary 'Molly'
Rosetto"
"I started crying.
This slideshow was so moving. My father passed away 4 years ago, from
lung cancer, and my mother is getting up in years. I worry about her,
but we are only 5 minutes away, so I see her often. It's unbelievable
how we end the same way we started out: bald, in diapers, and cranky!
Forget showing this to teenagers, we all know that they have other
'priorities'. We all had them at that age. We should, however,
show this to our congressmen/women, senators, governors, and the
president. Maybe the slideshow will get their heads out of the mud
long enough to do something about Medicare, and, also, how retired
people on fixed incomes shouldn't have to pay taxes anymore."
"Oh, How beautiful. I
cried so many tears while reading and watching. It is truly
magnificent!!! Every child should have one sent to them so they can
understand us as we grow older. They too shall reach this age someday,
only then will they understand. Thank you! Gloria Holloway"
"This brought back
memories when I was helping my mom while she was dying of lung cancer.
She was a wonderful patient and we did what you suggest and we had a
lot of fun. I think this should be shown to any children wishing to
put their loved ones in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Thank you for sharing this with the world."
"It is difficult for
me to express how meaningful and lovely I found this tribute. I am a
58 year old woman with two daughters, a one year old granddaughter and
an amazing 94 year old mother. She lives on her own, close to me but
independent as always. We have found a way to bring joy to her as she
is not able to get around the way she once did and is happiest in her
own home. About once a month my daughter and her husband have an
overnight break and my granddaughter Meg and I sleep over at GG's
place. We play and dote on her, feed her wonderful things and
generally just spend time together. When we go to bed at night it
feels so right that we are together, knowing that in the morning we
will waken to a new day and enjoy another smile from Meg and she will
perhaps remember one day how much she was loved by Grand and Great
Grandma. When the morning comes when my mother doesn't waken, I will
remember this song and the sentiment it contains and I will know that
I honoured her until her last breath. Thank you"
"This is such a help
for the families of our residents in the retirement community."
"I thought it was
awesome!!!! I am a care giver to my mother and this is the most
inspirational beautiful thing I have ever seen and I definitely passed
it on."
"You warmed my heart
today. A mom."
September 2, 2006
"Thank you for
sharing this with everyone! This is so true! Just this morning my
sister-in-laws Mom passed, she had dementia and cancer. So this really
touches home and emotions and tears just keep on flowing!"
"This is so
beautiful. Even the toughest find themselves in tears."
"BRAVO- it is an
important contribution! Beauty becomes you, Alison"
"This is the most
beautiful email I've ever seen! I'm still crying. Thank you!"
"We cried and have
watch it a dozen times already. While you were so diligently getting
this done - for all of us, to one day enjoy - we were saying good-bye
to our father, on the same day it was put up on this web site. He was
not only my Daddy - but one of my best friends and I didn't realize it
at the time. We still have our mother, who just turned 74. I worry
about her. But because of this presentation - I now realize that when
the time is right for her - she'll make the decision, because she is a
strong, God fearing and she is wise enough to know when it will be
time for her to move out of the home her and Dad shared and move
closer to me, so that I can help her - not baby her. I know you may
not understand fully how this has helped me - but it has. So -
thank-you, thank-you, thank-you - from the bottom of my heart for not
only helping me 'feel' my father in this presentation - but
understand better how to view this new situation I find my Mom in.
Many hugs and thanks!! Shannon, from Alberta, Canada"
September 1, 2006
"It makes me realize
the importance of existing. We're here for a reason and we die for a
purpose."
"Absolutely
wonderful!"
"Thank you for this,
as sometimes it is hard to express your feelings to your children, and
this says it all very well. If this didn't bring tears to your eyes
then you are missing the sensitivity chip."
"This is so so
wonderful and I would really love to see this being played in all
Nursing Homes around the country. Thank you. Stephanie Depoy"
"This presentation
touched me so much, I sent it to my friends too."
"My father in law has
Dementia and is very feeble. This presentation has made me change my
way of thinking when I go to visit him in the nursing home. I stay
longer and listen more carefully now. Thank you for this, Robin
Vaughan"
"I was very moved by
this until the very end."
"What a wonderful,
heart warming view of those of us who are 'over the hill'! I'm
a spry 70 but I know I'm not the man I used to be. I will send this to
everyone on my email address book with the understanding someone will
be touched as much as I. I'm sure this can make a big difference in
the way the younger folks view their seniors. Thanks for your work!
Jerry Elliott Paola, KS"
August 31, 2006
"This was so
absolutely on the mark, true and poignant. My 74 year old husband has
Alzheimer's for 11 years. I have been the sole caregiver. I care for
him with love and encouragement as he took such good care of our
children and me all our married life. He gave unselfishly of himself
to others all his life. As he began to fail with the disease, most
friends and even family began to distance themselves from us. The most
painful though is our two children seldom visit their Dad. Our son has
seen his Father once in eight months although their relationship had
always been close before the illness took hold. Your email video
touched my heart with such true words. Thank you for putting it into
words and vision for us all to reevaluate our focus on what really
counts in life. God bless you for your work. Gratefully, Clara Witt"
"I did all those
thing for my children because it was the right thing to do, not so
they would do things for me later. This slideshow is based on guilt
not love. Any parent who has to give this to their child or feels it
necessary to give to them has failed."
"I love Josh Groban's
voice and music. I did not, however, love your maudlin attempt at
laying a guilt trip on one's offspring. How degrading. I am almost 66
years old and feel no need to beg my children to treat me with love
and with respect. Since they do that of their own free will, fine - I
am glad and accept it with grace, but I shall never try to make them
feel guilty so that they will be nice to me. Love and respect that is
forced is not real."
"This took me back to
1997 when my mother was living with me in what was to be the last
months of her life. In her hospital bed in my living room she held my
hand and told me 'You are the mommy now and I am your baby and I
don't want to be left alone.' I was holding her hand when
she took her last breath. I stepped outside while the nurse was with
her and I swear I felt a cool wind carrying her spirit up to the
heavens. By then, my five sisters had come to help me, along with
Hospice, to care for her and we spent the most wonderful time of our
lives with our dear mother before she went to her heavenly home. Such
a moving Tribute!!!!"
"Very touching. For
those of us with children, and grand children, who while still active
see the future this is a very moving presentation. It clearly depicts
not only what we want for ourselves but the love and respect we have
for our children."
"A Parents' Wish is
one of the most touching, beautiful things that have come to me in an
e-mail. It really hits close to home as I am reaching the end of my
journey here. Bless you Lee Boyer"
"It's a real tear
jerker. So very beautiful. God bless the creator of this slide show.
Yours truly, R. Sharon McGovern"
"This is beautiful. I
will send this to my children and I hope they remember it when I get
old and feeble. I am 77 years young at this time. DP"
"This is beautiful,
please keep up the good work, I cry every time I watch your slideshow
it is wonderful. I have sent this on to my daughter, so she will
understand when my time comes...kbm"
"Thank you so very
much for such an inspiring video. I have to admit I cried when I
viewed it, because I lost my father 8 years ago, and I still miss him
terribly. Again, Thank you."
"Absolutely
Priceless, Thank You."
"I think that this is
one of the most heart touching things that I have ever seen."
August 30, 2006
"Thank you so much
for this excellent presentation. My parents are 91 and 88. I cried
through the entire presentation and oh how touching, moving and
overwhelming all at the same time. I have no gripes. Your work says
mountains. I am also an Occupational Therapist that has spent my
entire career of so far 20 years working in skilled nursing homes
exclusively."
"I saw the Parent's
Wish at school when my grandson's teacher showed it to me. We both
have elderly parents and we were both crying! It is so beautifully
done! Thank you! (It is a good thing the kids were not in the class
room!)"
"I cannot tell you
with words how much this meant to me. It has come at such a perfect
time in my life, for me, and for my own mother. I have added you to my
prayers of thanks list just for taking the time and effort to make
this available. I will forwarded this on and on and on. It is truly a
masterpiece."
"This was so
beautiful. Thank you for sharing it."
"My precious Daddy
passed away on May 22, 2006. I have shed tears, but none compared to
the ones I shed while experiencing Parents' Wish. Today is his
birthday and the pain of his loss has tearing me up all day. Thanks to
your incredible video, I can rejoice knowing that my wonderful sister
and I treated our parents with the dignity and respect they wanted and
deserved. God bless you and all the families who are in this stage of
life. Treasure your parents! They may have faults, but they also have
the love it takes to overlook the faults of their children."
"Thank you so very
much!!!"
"This is soooooooo
beautiful."
August 29, 2006
"This was beautiful
and a reminder to me that we are getting older and the role of care
giver may suddenly change from us as parents to our children and
grandchildren. They say we reap what we sew. I loved my children and
grandchildren sooooo much. Wouldn't it be nice if they return that
love when we need it most?"
"Thank you for making
this the most profound video I've ever seen."
"I've had this email
in my mailbox for several days and for some reason had not opened it.
I did tonight. What a moving piece! You see, as I watched this I was
also watching my 87 year old Mama lying in her hospital bed right here
beside me. She is an Alzheimer victim and has recently become
bedridden due to a serious infection. I, like so many others, lose
patience with her at times just as she did with me when I was growing
up but I am so thankful to have the opportunity to have her in my
home, our home, and care for her the best I know how. I love her so
much and I can't begin to imagine life without her. Thanks again."
"Thank you so much
for coming up with this beautiful and I mean beautiful slide show.
Just listening to the music started my tears flowing as I lost my
sweet mother not to long ago. I wish I had seen this while I had my
sweet mother at my side. Thank you again from the heart."
"This is very
powerful! It is fabulous ~ in our hectic times when we lose our
humaness - this presentation will bring the most hardened back to
gentle human love and care! Thank you!"
"OUTSTANDING!
Probably the most profound 'piece' I have seen in a long time.
This was especially meaningful to me as I danced with my son to this
Josh Groban tune at his wedding. I needed a lot of Kleenex to get
through this piece."
"Thanks so much. I
needed to see this, and now I can send it on to my children so they
will understand. Mrs. G. in Las Vegas, NV"
"Just received the e
mail. This slide show is beautiful. It really makes you think what
some have missed by not being close to their parents."
"I enjoyed the
slideshow and sent it to our children so they may understand what it
is like to be old. Thank you for it. It was wonderful."
"It was heart
warming."
"Life is short. I’m
calling my mother right now and making plans for my next visit. I’m
going fishing with my dad again before winter. Thank you!"
August 28, 2006
"When I watch this I
think of my parents. But I also think of my sister, who has M.S. She
has been such a strong and inspirational person in my life, and the
lives of many others. She is young, but is becoming more weak. She
still gives and gives and gives. She has always been a giver. She is
funny and strong and the most loving person that I know."
"This was a great
powerpoint. It made me more to realized the importance of loving our
parents."
"I really enjoyed the
Parents' Wish, I plan to show it to my children. It made me cry
because it is so beautiful and Josh Groban song is beautiful with it.
Thank you for sharing it."
"It the most touching
thing I have seen or read in my entire life. GOD bless you for this."
"This is one of the
most beautiful and touching slideshows I have seen. It truly reflects
the heart of parents who love their children and who also wish to
retain their own personal dignity in our aging years. Thank you for
presenting this as such a visual, auditory, emotional experience. It
is a message that many more people need to see and hear. Thanks
again!"
"Both my parents are
in their 90's and this is so true what your slide show says. We have
tried to honor their wishes and it is hard, to watch my mother
succumbing to dementia and my father's body is giving out on him.
Together they stand and we will do what ever we can to help them but
the poem and the song are very true. We do not always know what is
best so please do listen to them. They do know what they want and be
there for them when needed. C. C. Alliston Ont. Canada"
"It is a very
touching movie and did bring tears to my eyes, but was disappointed to
see not one picture of a Mother in any of the pictures. They were all
fathers!! please explain why!!! After all we brought them into the
world!!"
[Webmaster's note:
Please read our FAQ]
"Thank you so much
for something so true. I am (71) years young and would love to leave a
copy for my son's and grandkid's and great grandkid's"
"I thought your page
was wonderful and very inspirational. Every time I view it, it brings
tears streaming down my face. I am in the middle phase of my life with
3 grandchildren, some just learning to walk and some learning to feed
themselves and also with older parents, whom I watch struggling with
simple steps. So your Parents' Wish really hit home with me and made
me stop to reflect on how important they all are in my life. Thank
you. Brenda"
"This was so
beautiful and hit home big time. I just lost my mother-in-law and have
been having a rough time with it. When I received Parents' Wish, I
cried so hard as so many things that were stated was exactly how my
relationship was with mom. It helps me with my grieving and also helps
me to be patient with my mom who, thank the good Lord, is still with
us. I hope that everyone, not matter what age, should read this. Maybe
it will help make the world a better place with love and
understanding, instead of hate and abuse. God bless you."
"This really hit me
for the fact I am 36 years old and moved back in with my parents
because I am recovering from a major ankle surgery. I haven't lived
with my parent since I was 21. Watching this video will by far give me
more patience. I will sit and listen to that story that has been told
100 times. Thank you for all of the reminders that they did with me as
a child. I have a 2 year old and I would like her to remember her mom
as the patient one. I am going to keep this website and pass it on to
everyone! This was absolutely the most beautiful message!! Thank YOU!"
"My cousin sent this
along knowing that it would touch my heart. So much of the video is
true now that I am older and watch from a distance my own children
with their children. Never understanding my own parents until they
were both gone from my life what they taught. Though I am only 51
years young, I know that not many more years will be given that I may
enjoy in good health. Thank you for this video. It made the tears
flow. Sincerely, Mama G"
"Congratulations!
That was a very touching slide. May it touch the hearts of the people
from the new generation. When I was 23 and got married too early, my
parents were processing their papers to migrate to another country. By
the time they had to leave, my eldest child who was 5 years old then
was so sad to be too far from her grandparents who nurtured her with
so much love. I could not even find the right words to explain how it
had to be, not to mention how sad I was feeling because we had such
close family ties. Kids, grow up! But when you do, don't forget the
people who gave you life and the best it could offer."
"This is so moving
because it is true. I never thought that I would be unable to do
things for myself at the age of 54 but it happened and sad to say my
children live in other states and are not able to help me. Since my
parents are not alive it is even more moving to me to think some
people are lucky enough to still have their parents and yet think it
is TOO hard to help them in their elderly years. Where would those
same children be today if it was not for their parents guidance and
love? Thank you for this reminder of our parents and all they did for
us. Margaret Schlegel"
August 27, 2006
"I was most impressed
with Parents' Wish."
"I want to thank you
so much for this slide show. It is so true in every way. When I view
it, I remember my parents being just the way the lyrics read. It
brings tears to my eyes, remembering them the way they were in their
last years. I am forwarding it to my three daughters. Again, thank you
so much. Bonnie Julian"
"Thank you thank you
for something so beautiful.............Joanne"
"The first time I
ever heard this song I cried like a baby. Not with tears of sadness
but tears of gratitude. You see, I am a self admitted alcoholic and by
getting sober I found my way back to God. When I heard this song it
put into words what I was feeling about the way that God has carried
me through my past life and the way he carries me now. I get up in the
morning and say 'Good morning God' instead of 'Good god it's
morning'. My parents did love me unconditionally and I am
ever so grateful that I could do for them when they needed me the
most. Thank you all for putting out such a positive and meaningful
message. We need more of them. Love and God bless you all, Mrs. G. in
New Hampshire"
"This presentation is
wonderful. Talk about tears. I am 72 and know that in a few short
years, my son and/or daughter will be having me on their hands. Both
are wonderful children and they are so good to me now, that I have no
fear of them being otherwise in the future. But it is beautiful. Anna
Rogelstad, Rochester NY"
"I can only marvel at
this most beautiful, heartfelt, but most of all a true look and how
age or the heartbreaking things that the Alzheimer’s Disease does to
people (my Grandmother has it). I can only thank the wonderful person
who created this. Thank you so much from those of us who are going
through this every day. It puts everything into perspective and
reminds us not to loose our temper or criticize, but to cherish
whatever time God gives us with them. Thank you so very much and may
God Bless all the families and friends that this has helped. Also,
bless the person or persons that wrote this. Donise"
"Thank you for a
wonderful tribute. My husband and I have just spent the last year or
so helping with the care of his mom who was in the final stage of
Alzheimer's. We went through many of the ideas presented on your slide
during her decline. She passed away on June 20th. This message should
be sent to the Alzheimer's Association to be given to anyone who
inquires about Alzheimer's as many of those with this disease
experience what you presented. Phil Burke, St. Louis, MO"
"This was the most
touching and amazing email I have ever received. Thank you for the
opportunity to view it. Lynn"
"This is such a
beautiful and touching site. I received it from my parents and I am so
proud to say we are building an addition onto our house for them so
that we can care for them as they age. I always knew it was the right
thing to do, but thought I was doing it for selfish reasons, because I
wanted my parents to be closer to me so I can offer them help. After
viewing this site, I realize that not only is it the right thing to
do, but an incredible honor and blessing to give back to them all they
did for me as a child and even as their adult child. My parents helped
me through many depressions, child care issues and even supported me
through extremely tough times. They are my rock. They are the example
of unconditional love. I am so thankful for all the care and love they
showed me through the years. Thank you for your inspiring site and
reminding me what giving back is all about. These words should be on
the wall of every hospital, clinic, and gym as a constant reminder of
how we should treat our parents. I wish all adult children could see
this through these 'eyes' of a child. Sincerely, Cindy,
Massachusetts"
"How true and how
beautiful I am too sad right now to email you much through these
tears. Thank you. From an Elderly Parent."
August 26, 2006
"All I can say
is that this was WONDERFUL!!! Tears streamed down my face while I was
reading it. I am a 39 year-old female and have been fortunate to have
healthy parents so far. I have two brothers - one older and one
younger - that REALLY NEED TO READ THIS! There will come a day when
they regret how they act toward and treat our wonderful parents. I
also have two small children and seeing the comparison from very young
to very old is just astounding. This is the most touching thing I've
ever seen in my life! THANK YOU!"
"My mother sent this
to me and to be honest, I thought it was degrading to the older
generation. It portrayed them as being helpless individuals you do not
know how to think or speak for themselves and that they have children
who are ungrateful and unwilling to understand. Why not do a video
that shows the older generation as being powerful wise individuals
that we can learn from in spite of their physical weaknesses.
Sincerely, Carrie"
"Thanks for sharing,
it's beautiful"
"I want to thank you
and your staff for the most beautiful presentation I have
ever received. I have a 102 year old mother and three
living siblings sister seventy, sister seventy-nine and a brother
eighty-two. I am with two sons forty seven and fifty. This touched me
two ways with being in the middle of the age span. This is the first
such mail that addresses the elderly with such loving care. The title
is appropriate but could have prayer in it also. Thank you again from
the bottom of my heart, Don Harrell, Austin, Texas"
"I have sent it to
everyone i know and especially to my 4 children and many of their
friends who are like my own children. It brought tears to my heart and
has to everyone I have sent it to. Again thank you so much. I will
save it and read it often."
"I want to thank you
for the website, It is very beautiful. Both of my parents are gone
now. I wish my parents were here with me and their grandchildren
today. I know I would have said and done things a little different. I
tell my husband that still has both parents to really enjoy them and
don't ever take it for granted that they will be here tomorrow,
because tomorrow is never promised. I would never ask my children to
help me. That is just the person I am. But I would like to think and I
Hope that when I reach a point where I can't handle life or care for
myself, that my children will step up with the love and compassion
that their parents had given them, to take care of us. Lisa L."
August 25, 2006
"A Parents' Wish is a
wonderful slideshow, and very moving. It touches the soul, thank you.
We need more of this type presentations that will move people to care
and love. God bless all who was involved in this."
"I hope you know how
much you help children. Even when they are grown they need our help.
They will appreciate this so much. Thank you from a mother who has
absolutely wonderful children. Cathy, Mike, Barb and Joe. They are
also very lucky as they have such thoughtful children. I am truly a
lucky lady. Shirley Munafo"
"That was so
beautiful. My mom is in the early stages of dementia and it really hit
home. It's amazing how our lives have come full circle -moms taking
care of us and now we return the favor - I hope we all do it with the
same love and compassion that our moms gave us."
"Thank you for this
beautiful site, brought tears to my eyes and I have shared it with my
whole address book. Warned them to have a hankie handy before reading.
Very touching and inspiring. Thank you again."
"I cried so hard
through the whole thing. I lost my Mother November 2004 to
Alzheimer's. She was in the nursing home here in my town for the 6
years, I went there nearly every day. I miss her so much. I had lived
with her for 41 years - moved out of town for 7 years before she went
into the Nursing Home. I miss her soooo much - I can't explain. What a
wonderful tribute to parents. Thank you so much - I will definitely
pass this on to others. Kathy Wilson"
"Words truly fail me
at how much the Parents' Wish has blessed my soul, caressed my mind,
and touched my heart. It's nice that I can be moved to have tears of
consciousness from something so beautifully delivered in a world where
so much ugliness is all around us. A God given work of art and truth
is what you have made available for the world. Thank you, Gail
Hamilton"
"Thank-you so much
for the beautiful show of affection and care. Our society seems to be
losing this more and more (very sad). Very touching, it has made me
appreciate my parents more. I will pass this on to everyone I know,
especially my daughter. Thanks again, Monica Abreu New Jersey."
"I am 75 and I love the
song by Josh Groban. Margaret"
August 24, 2006
"I am at the end of
the spectrum - failing health - you describe so beautifully the
feelings of the parent, and I thank you for the effort you put into
making this. Flo".
"This had me in tears
in 10 seconds. Great work and a tribute to all the folks who learned
from this video or were reminded of what they already knew from those
who have gone before. God Bless and Josh Groban rocks!"
"It is the most
wonderful thing I have ever seen. Thank You!"
"When I play Parents'
Wish I am so touched. My father died last year (March 10, 2005) and it
flashes to me all the memories of my father. As a child I want him to
stay even for a year just to make up with him in all of my lapses when
he was still alive. I want to make him feel the love that I was not
able to show during those happy days, but it is too late, he is gone,
and I am alone. I really miss my father, to you my dear father where
ever you are I LOVE YOU very much. Thank you for all the sacrifices
and sorry if I cause you pain. We will see you soon in our HEAVENLY
FATHER'S ARMS. Good night DAD! Ronald Alcazar"
"That was the BEST
video!! I cried through the whole thing and still have tear-filled
eyes. You found the words and pictures to express what every parent
feels for their children. THANK YOU!!!! (Lubbock, TX)"
"I am taking care of
my 94 year old mother by myself for the past 5 1/2 yrs. It has been
very difficult and I am constantly frustrated and lack patience. I
constantly ask the LORD to help me and to give me more compassion. If
this viewing doesn't do it nothing will. I will play it over and over.
Thank you!"
"This Parents' Wish
is so beautiful and thought provoking. I periodically listen to it
just to keep things in perspective. We are on this earth for such a
short time (the number of years is immaterial) so the more we can stop
and remember the important things in our lives the better we can all
be for it. Josh Groban has one of the finest voices ever recorded and
you can hear every meaning in every word. We should all remember that
'yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift
that's why we call it the present'. Don't waste one minute and
remember to tell family, friends and all you come in contact with that
you care deeply for them and love them."
"I cried through the
entire presentation. My 77 year old Mom is in an assistant living
quarters. Her vision is severely impaired by diabetes, her hearing is
long gone, she forgets if she told the story to me or my brother or
sister, but a huge smile remains on her face when I visit her weekly.
This really is the most awesome and moving email I have ever received.
Thank you and may God Bless you and the care takers of elderly. Lou"
August 23, 2006
"I think every school
should have their students watch this especially teenagers!"
"This is so great.
Thanks for making this avenue for the CD available."
"This was so touching
and beautiful. I of course cried thinking of my parents, now 81 and
80. I showed it to my kids who also cried and said they thought of my
parents and also of their dad and I. Bottom line, everyone can relate.
It's good to get an e-mail you actually want to forward to everyone
you know. Thanks."
"Thank you for
sending this. My sons need to send this as they are not nice to me at
all."
"This was very
beautiful."
"I would very much
like to use this for orientation and refreshers for our staff at a
long term care facility. Please advise via email when the CD is
available. Nice job!"
"When this was
forwarded to me I was skeptical, but not anymore since I lost both
parents I want this for both my kids. A very big heart felt thank you.
This brought a tear thinking just how true that this is. Rae Ann
Laycock, Salt Lake City, Utah"
"Thank you so much
for sharing this special presentation."
"I have never heard
such a heart warming verse put to such beautiful music before in all
my life. I cried, and how true to heart it was. Keep up the excellent
work!"
"I wish I had seen
this years ago, as my Mom just passed away in July. She had ALS (Lou
Gehrig's disease). I know there were many times she felt that she was
a burden on me and others, and I wish I would have made her feel more
that she wasn't. I know there were times I was impatient with her, and
she with me, but we always apologized at the end of the day. My Mom
was an angel, and never said an unkind word about anyone. I wish I
could be more like her. Thank you for this. Rita Goluba"
"Thank-you for a
wonderful gift."
August 22, 2006
"WOW!! just simply
awesome....such a beautiful thought provoking presentation. Both my
parents died many years ago. I often wish I was closer to them during
their final days, but I was many miles away studying. However, after
looking at this presentation I am passing it on to my 2 grown
children, hoping they will appreciate it as much as I did. Thank you
for sharing this with the world. God Bless the person or persons who
created this beautiful gift of the Parents' Wish and may it continue
to be an inspiration to others."
"Thank you for such a
beautiful sideshow that truly captures the challenges in dealing with
aging parents and others. I am a Faculty member in a Family Nurse
Practitioner program, and I think this would be such a wonderful way
to point out some of the Geriatric issues to my students. Elaine
Ballard, MSN, APRN, BC, FNP"
"Thank you, this
touched my life at a very needed time. Carol"
"This is certainly a
beautifully prepared presentation. I would like to share those words
with others who have not seen this."
"This brought goose
bumps to my arms! The pictures and words together say everything so
beautifully. Thank you for the opportunity of viewing this wonderful
video. Jean J."
"Your video is very
touching and inspirational."
"This was very
touching. I was taken back to when I was young and then to when I
raised my own and now to think that I'm almost at that point when I
will need the strength of my child to see me through the tough years
ahead."
"We had received an
Email re: your amazing video at work and would be very interested in
receiving a CD for our Palliative Care Committee. We work in a long
term care facility and cried when we watched the video. It is a great
educational tool to use with people of all age groups. The video was
beautiful and touched me deeply."
August 21, 2006
"My mother-in-law
just died and we spent the whole time with tears in our eyes, for it
was so true. And, hopefully, all our children realize how much they
mean to us, and that they can send this to their children."
"Thank you. Nicolas
Agapiadis"
"This slide show was
sent to me by a friend and I am ever so grateful for receiving it and
have enjoyed it thoroughly. My wife and I are in our 70's and it is so
appropriate that the words fit into our lives. May you come across
many such stories and writings and if you do please do not forget to
send it to me. In fact make it a point that I would be one of the
first ones to get it, I shall pass this on to ALL my friends who have
children so that they may read it and understand the situation old
people go through. May the children understand and help the old and
the infirm. Thank you for sharing these wonderful words with the rest
of the world. Sohrab Chenoy Arcadia, Wahab Nagar Staff Road
Secunderabad. A.P India"
"Thank you for this
beautiful website."
August 20, 2006
"What a beautiful
message to all us baby boomers who are watching our parents enter
their golden years."
"The info about the
video can hardly be read through my tears. It's so very touching,
especially since we are in the throes of 'caretaking' for my
husband's 81 year old sister who has Alzheimer's type symptoms. It is
truly confusing and requires energy-sapping, constant thought with
little gain of confidence that we're doing or saying the right things.
We've been through these paths with our parents. We are continually
and simultaneously reminded of our own uncertain future and certain
mortality. A sense of humor, a deep faith in God, and loving family
and friends are our means to handle the load. I am eternally grateful
for a loving God who cares for us all and for a family heritage which
included unconditional love for all, including children, elderly, and
incapacitated. Praise God! I believe He had a hand in this video and I
thank you for producing and making it available! Gratefully, Sarah"
"Thank you so much
for sharing Parent's Wish with the world. I am both a parent and a
caregiver for a disabled, and senior parent-in-law. I also work for
our local office on aging. I plan on sharing this touching and
beautiful Wish with my coworkers. Thanks! Becky"
"Such a touching
beautiful show. Although my parents have passed on to the greater life
and place, I recall some of those feelings as they aged. At times was
difficult to recall that they did indeed raise me and send me in the
right direction for my life! May we All have the highest patience,
love and tolerance for the aging not only in our own families but
everywhere! Thank You for reminding us!!"
"I loved this. I am a
nurse and deal with the elderly on a daily basis and this would be
great to show them as well as other staff to help them keep in mind
who we are dealing with. Thank you for making this. Just beautiful.
Has me in tears cause it's all so true. And this generation will never
be here again. What the 'old timers' can teach those of us here
now are things that will never be here again. They know what its
really like to suffer and be poor with war and to do things by working
and not electronics doing it for us. etc. Thank you again. A caring
nurse. MP"
"This is the most
inspiring thing I have ever viewed. I have tried to send it to all my
friends both young and old as everyone can benefit from it in one way
or another. Thank You very much."
"That was the most
beautiful thing I have ever read. My mom passed away two weeks after I
was born in 1949. I only wish she could have seen this. God bless you,
you have made my day. Kathy Parker Kemp, TX."
"I was really mad the
first time I saw this movie because I thought of all the people who
have nobody at the end of their lives. I had seen it when I worked in
the hospital and volunteering in the nursing homes. I was really mad!
Then I realized I was this child in the movie being spoken too. All
the people I have seen and talked to that were alone weren't alone for
a moment when we spoke together or I did all the talking. Thanks.
Second time thru. This really made remember my Grandmother's. It was
just like the movie. I did for her what she did for me. Then again
several years later for my Dad's mom when she fell and broke her hip.
Those two ladies I miss with all my heart. Thank you for the memories.
Even though tears a flowing down my cheeks."
August 19, 2006
"I am a single mom
and the presentation, although beautiful, is more male oriented. Could
we possibly have a few 'mature' females? Thank you for this
work. Most young people do not have patience with us oldsters. I am 75
years young and still going strong."
"I have tears
streaming down my face, and such guilt over my lack of compassion. My
father is 88 years old with symptoms of dementia. His lifelong
petulant humor has evolved into rancor. His virulent and vituperative
diatribes likely mask profound depression in a man void of
introspection. He defends himself through the externalization of
blame. He has created his own estrangement. He’s virtually deaf and
has refused hearing aides so it is impossible to converse with him,
Yet, I should be able to hear his inner soul, and the pain behind his
behavior. I will try to endure his deportment with more love and
forgiveness."
"I cannot tell you
how much this slide has meant to me. My sister and I do most of the
care giving for our Mother who is 87. After seeing this slide I
realize that I need to be more compassionate and understanding with my
Mother. I appreciate this beautiful and thoughtful video. It is a
reminder that we all should listen to our parents and pay for our
raising. God bless you for making this. We all need to remember God's
commandment to honor our fathers and mothers. I have always told my
sons that the best education you can get is talking to an elderly
person."
"Thank you so very
much for creating something so lovely and moving as this. It should be
shown to every family as they make that decision to have their loved
one to live in any type of assisted care facility – a great reminder
to be shown at church on grandparents day or just a simple reminder to
your own children."
"WOW - doesn't even
come close! So many children need to remember how much they have to be
thankful for with loving parents. I am there for mine. (Mom is
drifting into Alzheimer's world). I cared for my 98 year old
grandfather and although it takes a lot of you, it gives you so much
in return. (Every night he would say 'Thanks, for all you do for
me'. SOB. I won't rattle on. I just wanted to say THANK YOU FOR
THIS HEARTWARMING E-Mail"
"Truly the best email
I have ever received. I have just viewed it for the fourth time and
the tears are still falling. My mom is 75 and she is in a lot of pain
most of the time, and I try to do my best with her. There are times
that I find myself being a little curt with her, and this hit so close
to home. It also reminds me that I will not have her with me forever,
and when that day comes I just don't know how I will ever get along
without her as I love her so very much. I hope this email helps
everyone with parents who are getting older, or any older person that
is in their lives. Thank you, Connie Frey"
"This is a very powerful
presentation! Thank you for making this available to view! KZ"
August 18, 2006
"Absolutely
beautifully written. I must admit I cried throughout the entire video.
It brought back wonderful memories of our son and daughter as young
children. May God Bless you and yours."
"When I received this
email from a friend, I immediately sent it to my sisters and brother.
My Dad wishes he had died. Hearing that was one of the most difficult
things I have dealt with since my Dad has taken ill. We didn't get
along growing up but it really doesn't matter, I wouldn't be who I am
today without him. Thank you for making me sad and happy in the same
moment."
"I just loved this
wonderful reminder to our children and grandchildren. It brought tears
to my eyes and I've sent it to many people."
"Absolutely
tremendous piece. I highly congratulate those who put it together. We
have raised four children of our own and have had 60 foster care
placements. Unfortunately we only know where one of our foster
children lives and we will send it to her as we did to our birth
children. Chuck Slate Wake Forest, NC"
"Very touching and
very true. It should be an inspiration to all families taking care of
their loved one at an old age when things get difficult and you feel
that you don't have the patience or strength to cope."
"I was very moved by
this presentation. My mom (thank God) is a healthy 90 year old and I
cherish every moment I have with her. I hope that my children will
feel the same way about my husband and I when we are her age. Thank
you for putting in picture and words, the feelings that all senior
family members are having. I will send this to my children."
"I can only hope that
my children will guide me as I grow older, just as I have guided them
while they grow up. Thanks for such a beautiful site."
"It was too touchy and
made me realize what I have lost. Devanshu"
August 17, 2006
"It is so beautifully
done. Thank you for sharing."
"Thank you. This made
me remember those wonderful times with my parents. This what my mom
would have said to my three brothers. They are both gone. This brings
them back every time I listen to it. Chuck (67 yrs old)."
"This slide was send
to me by my ex mother in law. I think this is one of the most valuable
things she has done for me and my daughters. Both of my daughters and
I cried when we saw the slide, I am so happy that even though there is
so much hate and anger in this world, someone took the time to do this
beautiful slide and share it. THANK YOU!!!"
"I think this is
excellent. You don't realize how you treat your parent until you
listen to this. It is a true awakening because someday, we too will be
in the same position. I'm sure we would like to be treated with the
same respect as we treat our parent or parents. We may not think we
are doing anything wrong, but reading this, we sometimes do. You are
right, listening is the best thing we can do. Thank you! Carol D."
"I just want you to
know how beautiful this is."
"I went into my
husband's office and he was in tears. I thought something was wrong
until he said 'I'm going to send you something.' He didn't even
know how to do it. What a moving tribute which changed my own thinking
and reaction to my 90-year-old mother in Assisted Living thousands of
miles from me. Thank you so much for making this real. Liz, Tampa FL"
"What an inspired
message. I am almost 63 and I do have a wonderful family but sometimes
I think they think are the parent. But you know when I was let go from
a company, I worked for for several years and my sons came to my aide.
What a wonderful God we have to give us such a wonderful life that we
as parents can forgive our child for wanting what's best for us. Even
if its not or we think its not. Their day is coming. Nola Tompkinson
OKC, OK"
"Absolutely awesome
is all I can say!! I am almost at that age, fighting severe multiple
arthritis' that my children don't understand. I think this pretty well
covers all the 'aging sequence' and Josh Groban has such a
beautiful voice to go with it. I have one of his CD's, he has a
beautiful voice!"
"Thank you. It is
beautiful"
"This is absolutely
beautiful, Thank you, Jeannie"
"As a widower, I
regret you chose to end the beautiful message . . . . Mom and Dad"
[Webmaster's note: The
Single Parent version of the slideshow is available for separate
viewing]
"Thank you very much
for this wonderful presentation. My 92 year old father passed away a
few months ago, and my 83 year old mom is now lost without him. Even
though my mother is 900 miles away, I have learned many valuable
lessons from your words. Everything you say is absolutely true, and I
will apply the lessons learned. I can only imagine how many people
will be touched by this, but you know that I am forwarding it to
everyone on my e-mail list. Thanks again. Robert Cunningham"
August 16, 2006
"Thank you for the
most wonderful touching web site. This brought tears to my eyes while
viewing it. At times I have been so angry at my parents for stuff I
thought that they should or shouldn't have done, or said. Time has
healed my broken heart. Watching my father who I secretly admire has
had a major stroke that has knocked him down. I use to see a
strong-will, very independent man. I now see a scared lost man. His
memory is not well and he repeats himself over and over. This video is
showing me that I need to learn to have more patience (which I seem to
do better than my other family members). The show has taught that I
need to spend more time with him and my mother. One day I will be in
their shoes. Again Thank You for opening my eyes. RT - Wichita,
Kansas"
"May God Bless You! I
was so touched. My tears are still flowing. Have had my share of love
lost ones. 3 adult kids and 6 grandkids. Connie from KY."
"Absolutely heart
felt and beautiful rendition of life's grandest time! Thank you so
much!"
"I read the FAQ page
and I found it an absolute insult to all your beautiful and hard work
for people to be questioning what it means. First of all I feel
everyone has the right to interpret it as they feel they want to
interpret it and that no one has the right to judge you on either
interpretation."
"Thank you for a very
touching and very true slide show. Thank you for reminding me that as
a daughter living with an elderly mother, I need to be more patient,
kind, loving and understanding. More power to you."
"I would like to
thank you for this slideshow and for the person that forwarded it to
me. I too am going through these things with my Mother now and lost my
father at the very early age of 57. It is all such an emotional thing
and cried through it all, but understand it totally. Thank you Julie."
"Just simply
thanks!".
"I can not express my
heartfelt thanks to you for this movie and song. I will cherish it
forever. No, no, no, to anyone who thinks this is a way of these
beautiful precious elderly people wanting to have anyone help end
their lives. I will testify that this movie and song is 100% accurate
dealing with this Alzheimer’s. There is no other way to tell anyone
how this is a living nightmare having to sat and watch this happening,
especially when their health otherwise is better than mine. So, please
never think we will or would ever think about ending their lives. That
will come soon enough, but only when God chooses and never before. How
beautiful and appropriate the song 'You Raised me Up'. I just pray
that my children will be so kind and understanding. Again, I thank you
from the bottom of my heart for doing this."
August 15, 2006
"Thank you for a
beautiful and emotional piece. May you continue to touch the hearts of
all people. Thank you!"
"Frankly, I found
this slideshow offensive. First, it is depressing. Second, it is
guilt- inducing. Finally, it is also simply wrong on many of its
admonitions. I love, revere and respect my elderly mother (who is 85)
and would never dream of demeaning her or disrespecting her. But I
would not be a loving child if I acquiesced to her not taking care of
herself, or if I tried to 'understand' or support her if she
ever wanted to give up on life. This slideshow tries to present itself
as sentimental and heartwarming, but I found it to be demeaning and
negative and offensive. I say skip the politically correct claptrap -
all that really needs to be said on this subject is succinctly
summarized in the commandment: 'Honor thy father and thy mother.'
And this message, if followed in its entirety, would NOT be in keeping
with that commandment."
[Webmaster's note: I'm
sorry that you chose to interpret the slideshow in a totally different
context. Please read our FAQ.]
"The Parents' Wish
was tremendous, magnificent, and so well done! I wish it could be
presented to all schools (colleges, universities, also). Those that
obtain a wonderful education do NOT always get theirs alone -- parents
could be remembered. P. Kilpatrick, Palm Desert, CA"
"What is the name of
the song and who is singing it!! It was a real tear jerker and I cried
for some time as I have two parents who are in their 80's!! Please let
me know what the song is!!"
[Webmaster's note: The
title of the background music is YOU RAISE ME UP and the singer is
Josh Groban. Please click on the link above to be redirected to Josh
Groban's website.]
"I am a 39 year old
single mother of four beautiful boys. I am all they have and I know
one day I will have to walk the path and they will have to walk it
with me. It's a path that I am walking with my mother and one I have
had to watch her walk with hers. This moved me so it brought me to
tears and I am still overwhelmed. To whoever wrote this, you opened my
eyes just a little wider than they were before. I sent this to two
special friends of mines who both have lost their mothers and I sent
to a few I feel don't appreciate their moms as much as they
should. I know I have a new appreciation for my mom and it will help
me be a better more understanding daughter."
"Thank you so much
for all you have put into increasing and extending the incredible
beauty of this message and music. Seeing and hearing what you
and the gifted persons you know have created in addition to what you
were given to work with by someone unknown has helped my heart
mightily. Each time I played it, I sent it on to other people whom I
am certain it will help also. I hope you know how much you have given
the world by doing what you and those who have helped create this have
done thus far. I am incredibly grateful to you, to those who have
worked with you, and to those who raised all those who have worked to
make this the incredible work of art and the monumental tribute to
love at its finest that it is. Thank you for all you have done to help
convey it to the world and all who are trying to survive what the
world has not yet become what God and our parents want it to become
for every one of us. I thank God for you, and for the parents who
raised those who’ve done the loving work of art that finding and
extending this wish of theirs is."
"I was so touched and I
wish each and every children on earth will."
August 14, 2006
"I really liked this.
My Dad passed away 2 years ago so Mom and I live in the same house.
But Mom is 84 and I must take care of her the best I can. This is so
inspirational. From someone who was lifted up."
"This is so awesome!
You cannot watch this and not get tears in your eyes. Anyone that has
ever taken care of their mom or dad or work with the elderly can
appreciate the message of this song and pictures. I work in a nursing
home in the housekeeping department and the area I clean Assisted
Living. They want you to listen and respond to what they are saying.
Something as simple as a hug and a smile can go a long way. You did a
great job on this and I have passed it on to many people. Thank you
for allowing their feelings to come to life in such an awesome way!"
"My husband and I
have experienced these very same things with our father. The message
portrayed in Parents' Wish are something we all need to be reminded
of. We, thank God, realized the truth in all of these things. I was
sure to send this message on to all our children and close friends."
"My overriding
response to this is one of sadness. It would be lovely to think my
elderly mum who is quite frail now, felt unending kindness to me when
I was young, but that isn't how I remember childhood. I remember lots
of anger and smacks and fear of not getting things right. Now she is
poorly, I'm the one has had to be kind, understanding and patient, but
its not something I learned from her. Yes, there was food and basic
life support stuff, but the guilt seems so much bigger. So.. cute
video, for all those people who have pleasant memories of their
parents. Maggie"
"I am a single mother
and was totally speechless and and couldn't control my emotions, was
crying from the start to finish while reading this. Perfectly created
very emotional and realistic especially with the kids nowadays. Great
imaginations, heartfull feelings and brilliantly true. Will play this
over and over again. Thank you so much. Elizabeth MP"
August 13, 2006
"Oh how wonderful to
see this back! I do not say this with exuberance or excitement but
with reverence and deep, quiet appreciation. A friend had sent this to
me on February 15, 2006. I did not have the time to open it that day.
A mere 6 days later, my dear, dear Father passed away. In the wee
hours of the morning after he had passed the night before, I could not
sleep and got up to keep my grieving mind occupied on the computer. I
opened the email that morning, February the 22nd and it was the
vehicle of release for the grief and at the same time a tremendous
comfort. I truly believe it was a God send and a message on how to
care for my Mother who is in the early stages of dementia. I truly
felt the presence of God as I listened. I was saddened with a short
while later it was not available and I am forever grateful that it is
back. Thank you from the bottom to the top of my heart. Reba Darnell"
"It was very nicely
done. Thank you."
"Thank you for a
wonderful message so beautifully written. I believe that God is
working on the author's life when he created this. I'm going to send
this to all my friends, my parents and my parent-friends...God bless
you.. More power."
"A friend sent me
Parents' Wish and it broke my heart. Yes, I am getting in that
bracket. I am 73 years old and know that feeling. I would like a CD of
Parents' Wish. I would like to mail it to my son whom I have not seen
in several years. I pray daily that I will see him again. His wife
keeps him from coming."
"My granddaughter
just passed away. We played You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban at her
memorial. It always makes me cry, but it is a wonderful song and I
know Jamie loved it."
"This was such a
beautiful tribute to our elderly. I grew up with my great-grandmother
living with my parents and I from the time I was two years old till
she passed away when I was 16 years old. She was a treasure I'll never
forget. I also had my paternal grandmother live in our first home for
about 5 years till she passed away. My 2 sons grew up around her and
enjoyed all their special times together. I'm hoping my children and
grandchildren will treat my husband and I as we treated our parents
and grand-parents. I'm 100% sure they will. Also thanks to Josh Groban
for one of the most beautiful songs I've ever listened to. Sincerely,
Pam Highland."
"I'm a hairy assed ex
brit special forces guy but it made me howl big time. Thank you."
"This is the most
beautiful tribute that I have ever seen or listened to. If you ever
put this on DVD I want one. God Bless You."
August 12, 2006
"Thank you for all
the work to get it back online and I'm pleased with the new changes.
~Cathy & Barney Cogswell (Newton, Texas)"
"Thank you all for
the time and effort that went into this labor of love. I found it very
moving and poignant in that I have an elderly father who is starting
to fail, repeat himself endlessly, and becoming difficult for my
sister and me. She sent me your link address, and I feel that it has
helped us both cope better with what is and what will be. Thank you
again and God Bless."
"l cried through the
whole thing and still have tears coming down my cheek. My family is
dealing with our dad right know. He has amazed us time and time again
to keep going for his family. Thank you and God Bless."
"This was very
touching and everyone should see this so please let me know when the
CD is available."
"Thank you for
sharing your efforts – I am sure that all viewers will be moved to act
based on the lovely and deep emotions it evokes. Tommy."
"I recently lost my
father after quite a few years of illness. He told me about a month
before he got really sick that he didn't want to live any more. He
said he was tired and wanted to die. I couldn't understand at the time
why he would say that to me because he was my world. I realized by
viewing this video that this subject and so many others touched on
were the natural progressions of old age and that I would have to come
to terms with what he was already realizing. That life, no matter how
precious, has to follow the rite of passage. We all know when it's
'our time'. I know now that he knew I loved him deeply. I realize
that I have no regrets on my relationship with my father, or my mother
either for that matter. I loved as I was loved, deeply and truly.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"It's the most
beautiful email I have seen in a long time. It did make me cry as I
lost my mum 5 weeks ago. She was brought up in a time where affection
wasn't shown or the words I love said or spoken but I knew in her own
way she loved both me and my sister of which I am the youngest.
Reading your email has given me a little understanding when she did
say she was tired and was ready to go and wanted to go in her own home
which she did but I know in my lifetime I will never stop telling my
son how much I love him."
"This is so special.
I work with people who are either disabled, partially immobile (some
children), dementia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. This
presentation shows so accurately what life is like. To say your
'message' brought tears to my eyes is an understatement. It so
rightly describes every emotion and feeling that must be going through
the wonderful people's minds that I come into contact daily. This is
one of the most powerful messages I have ever seen on the internet and
I am so pleased I was sent the link and have been able to pass it on.
Pauline in England."
"This is amazing!! I
own and operate an assisted living facility for the frail elderly and
terminally ill. Anyone who cares for the older population should see
this slide show. There is nothing more true than the words in it. If
they didn't raise us up to where we are and showed us the strength to
be the best we can where would we be. Too many forget where we came
from and what it took for our elders to get us where we are now. They
deserve the best care we can offer for all that they have given us. I
don't think that is to much to ask of us. But they don't ask for they
are proud, we need to look through their eyes and treat them with the
dignity and respect they deserve. Thank you for this, I hope it helps
others remember that we can offer quality of life for the final days
when they need us the most as we needed them when we were born."
August 11, 2006
"How incredibly
appropriate today when my almost 91 year old mother was having a
terrible day. She has advanced Parkinson's and now with her anxiety we
have started anti depressants. She does not like being dependant on
any one. Losing her independence I would say has been the single
hardest thing for her. Your story made me cry. Mother does not like
being the child now. I say, I do not want to reach 90 and be in her
shoes. I will send this to my only child a son. He has told me he will
take care of me. I PRAY I can be passive, accept and allow others to
do for me. I suspect I will not be so still either. Thank You for a
project well done. I will send it to my friends. Maureen"
"Both of my parents
have Alzheimer’s Disease. I can hardly bear the pain when I visit
them, and it takes me days to recover from a visit. Sometimes I put it
off, sometimes I cut the visits short, because it hurts ME. I lose a
little piece of them each day. This was incredibly moving and also
eye-opening. Have I gotten short with them, irritated and annoyed at
things? Unfortunately, yes I have. Shame on me. I need to remember all
they have done, and give them back a small portion by BEING THERE no
matter how much it hurts. I pray to God I keep this message in my
heart and mind until my parents dying day, and I have forwarded it to
my children so they can realize what their Grandparents are going
through, and what I may go through some day. Thank you and God Bless
You! Donna, Pennsylvania"
"This past Monday
would have been my daddy’s 82nd birthday. He has been gone 2 years
this October. I will always remember him as the strong person he was
in his younger days and teaching me that all things are possible. This
video and music reminds me of him because he always lifted me up and
made me believe I could do anything if I just tried. I cried while
watching and listening to this beautiful message. God Bless the person
who originally came up with this for everyone to share. Lynda in
Texas"
"I unashamedly wept.
What a lovely way to put these feelings across. Thanks so much for
sharing this with us. It touched me so much."
"It makes me cry and
smile all in one. I took care of my mom and dad. Being the outcast of
my family, I was the only one who love in treating them like my mom
and dad. You see I ran away at 9, my mom and dad had too many kids and
I was just in the way. But I got them to myself when they needed help.
All I wanted was their love. Anyway, now I'm sick at 52, my grandkids
depend on me but I tell them if my name is on God's list,
I'm going home to a much better place. I see myself in this beautiful
slideshow. God bless you all. May we all die with love and dignity and
respect. You said the words for me that I can't say to my own
children. Love Sherry."
"Absolutely
wonderful... it brought me to tears...I took care of two sick parents
and never regretted a minute of it."
"My father just
passed away a few weeks ago-and in his current condition was ready to
die. It was so hard to let go-but, afterwards, knowing he is all well
and with God, with no pains or ailments or infirmities, it makes it
easier to deal with. We will all miss him terribly-but knowing he is
at peace is a real comfort. JGF"
"I want to say how
touched I was when I saw this presentation. A friend passed it on to
me at a time when my elderly mother of 92 became critically ill. In
the past 6 months she has deteriorated from an independent individual
to a very dependent one."
August 10, 2006
"I thank you for what
you're doing. I was raised by a single father who raised me until I
was twenty. My dad was a very sick man. He was a diabetic but he did
what he had to do to raise my brother and me. Most children don't
appreciate their parents and when they do its too late. The Parents'
Wish lets you have the opportunity to let you see what great parents
you really have. So thank you and keep doing what you do."
"Oh my goodness, on
the eve of the one year anniversary of my Father's death this sure
hits home with me. Beyond my deep pain and grief of missing him
terribly I can take solice in the fact that I listened to all these
words when he was near death and feel so proud of him being my father
and the woman he has made me today. Thank you so much for making this
and making it accessible to the world."
"It was one of the
most touching presentation I have ever seen in my lifetime."
"My precious
grandmother Mae Mae passed away a few years ago. Just a few minutes
before she went to heaven, to be with Jesus, she asked me if I would
let her go because she wanted to be with her mother. Your video
brought back all the sweet sweet memories I had of her and my great
grandmother, which was her mother. I thought how wonderful that she
wanted to go and be with her mother. I wish she could have seen
Parents' Wish because she was that daughter who took care of her
elderly mother - always respected her and loved her to the end of her
life. I pray I can be like her with my mom who is 78 and had a stroke.
When I see Parents' Wish (with tears streaming down my face) and
remember my precious Mae Mae I believe I will. Thank you - thank you -
thank you for such a loving tribute to our aging parents. Sherry T.
Georgia"
"Thank you for
putting things back into perspective and reminding all of us to have
patience. Lori"
"Thank you this was
very touching. Some people just can't find the time. Elders should be
cared for as we were once cared for. It is the way things should be
but it doesn't always work out like that. So many are lonely. I wish
it always worked out like that. Then there would be more love in the
world. Angela"
"After experiencing
the loss of my parents, my father at 57 years of age, who died of Lou
Gehrigs disease, and commented that he wanted to die, and my mother
who died at 82 years of age with Alzheimer's Disease, I can so relate
to this e-mail. We don't realize what we have until we loose it. To
put this with Josh Groban's song, was absolutely perfect. When you
look at an elderly person, always remember that they were once young.
My love to all the seniors."
"WOW!! The Parents'
Wish..... how does one start. The author is inspiring and gifted. I
pray that this gift will touch every heart across the world. It
doesn't matter if you have children or not, it doesn't matter if you
have parent(s) or someone who has loved and raised you. The most
important point is this is what we need to do for each other, for the
time we are blessed enough to be on this journey. I was so moved and
of course cried with tears of respect, memories, joy and dignity.
Thank you for the wonderful thought provoking gift. May you and the
Parents' Wish continue to be a blessing to others. Respectfully and
Sincerely, Jane Cerdic."
"This is absolutely
beautiful! It brought tears and memories of my mother as she aged, and
I didn't always understand. Now that I am approaching those years, how
I do understand!"
"Thank you so much
for making this available. I could not finish reading due to tears."
"This was forwarded
to me by my friend at work. I have never seen or read such a powerful
message. My mom is 66 years old and she's going through this stage -
she tends to hate herself when this things happen to her, she would
say that it's really hard to be old or when we criticize her about
something we would always say 'when you get to my age - you will
realize' . I showed this to her and she started to cry, she said
everything in this message is true. I wanted to thank you for such a
wonderful and powerful message that created."
"God knows when I
need encouragement and today He sent me this. My 93 year young Mother
is staying with me for the first time without other family members-
she has dementia. I asked the Lord for guidance and grace and I thank
Him for using you. God Bless your endeavors."
"My 83 year old Dad
is now living with me. I never got upset or lost patience with him
before and will never be able to, especially after seeing this
beautiful tribute to the elderly. He was there for me through my worst
times with unconditional love. Thank you."
"This is so beautiful
and came at a time when we have been in a struggle to find the best
care for our mother. Thank you."
"The slide show is so
beautiful and very touching. I sent it to my two grown daughters. I’m
a widow of 12 years and had 5 days of pain while my husband was in the
hospital after a stroke. He went into a coma and never came out. Your
message will give my girls some peace with what will eventually happen
to me. I’m glad you were determined to continue with a Parents' Wish.
Keep up the good work. Eva Heffner"
"I type this with
tears in my eyes. I work for a church and my ministry here is to the
elderly and their families. This piece is one of the most profound
that I have seen and I plan to share it with many hoping that they
will absorb the message. My parents are aging also and it continues to
amaze me that the patience I have with others is often difficult to
find in my own situation. Thanks for this poignant reminder. Lee"
August 9, 2006
"This was so moving.
I cried because it make me think of my parents when they got old and
needed help and what my husband and myself, may need from our children
someday."
"I was so touched by
this piece, I cried and cried- my beloved Mother had Alzheimer's and
has passed away, but it reminded me so much of our last few years. It
is beautifully done and the music really tops it off."
"God Bless the
creator of this email. This was absolutely wonderful. The entire
American public should see this."
"Having lost both my
parents at a young age, I am still moved by these words. Knowing
that although it was 30 years ago, I was able to provide them comfort
in their last months means so much to me. Thank you to whomever was so
touched to create this. I have shared it with all of my friends/family
-- parents and children alike. Hope it opens some dialogue between
them. THANK YOU AND BLESS YOU! Now, I have to go get the kleenex.
Mauri"
"What a great thing
to pass on to our children."
"Thank you for
putting in print, visuals, and music the truths which will stand when
the ages end."
"This is to all the
people who asked various questions with the same meaning, in reference
to different parts of this that state 'not wanting to eat', 'let
me die with dignity', etc. They obviously have NOT had a loved one
in this situation: Old and/or ill. NOTHING in this beautiful piece of
art implies assisted death or any thing of the sort. All it is saying
is that 'Their eyes are growing old and the body and possible mind
is too'. And that when their time comes they hope to go
peacefully, quickly, and preferably naturally. Is that not how the
majority of us would prefer to expire from this world? People spend
too much time 'ANALYZING' everything instead of taking it at 'FACE
VALUE'. To those who have not had to experience such a loss I pray
you will handle it with Love, Compassion, and Dignity. To those who
have lived through this already 'May God grant you Peace'.
From: Someone who has lived through it TOO many times."
"Thank you for all
you do for this project. Sincerely, Tina"
"This email came to
me only a short time before my grandpa's passing. I already
appreciated so much what my grandpa represented for me and my family
and this just rejuvenated it even more. My grandma still remains in a
nursing home, now alone. She has Alzheimer's and this video is a
strong representation to any family that has a loved one with such a
horrible disease and/or just a loved one who is in their 'Senior'
years. God Bless the person who originated this beautiful writing and
to all those who read it and live it."
"It is by far the
BEST dignity and respect demonstration I have ever seen in my 20 years
as a social worker."
"My mom just sent
this to me and I never realized how much she really means to me. I am
an only child and I get a little annoyed with her sometimes. There are
things that she does that drives me crazy, I understand why she sent
this to me, to make me realize what I really have before it is gone.
Thank you to all of that made this. It is very inspiring and hopefully
will help other children out there realize what a blessing parents
really are."
"This took me by
surprise - I wasn't expecting this. It was so touching, I'm at work
trying not to cry. I'm taking care of my mother, she's only 61 but in
poor health which has caused her to seem a lot older. This video
really hit home. We're experiencing a lot if not all of the things
this video talked about. Thank you for making it. For those that think
they shouldn't take care of their parents, you probably shouldn't
because you won't give them the love and care they should have. My
mother gave me her best and I will give her my best. She loved me
unconditionally and I'll do the same for her."
"I am so filled with
tears right now after viewing this slide show. My mother and I were
never close but she is reaching that age just like the video, and so
many things hit me so hard in my heart because only now, in her old
age, are we starting to become like a mother and daughter should be. I
am sad that so many years has gone by without feeling her love, but so
happy that love is never too late to feel and I am truly grateful that
we are able to start now. Thank you for such a wonderful slide show
that I will forward to all of my family and friends."
"Definitely a 50
million tissue message. I loved it, cried the whole time - and have
passed it on to my children and friends. Thank you. Bobbi"
August 8, 2006
"Thank-you from Del
Rio, Texas"
"I just want
you folks to know that is really nice and every thing in it is
true. My Dad of 79 came down with dementia and he is in the nursing
home. Every time I go and visit him that story and song is in
my mind. Which at times he does have a very good memory. But I just
wanted you folks to know that. It is very touching. I have sent it
every one that I know."
"This is truly the
most beautiful email I have ever received. I work in a rest home with
elderly people and I try to hard to make them feel loved and useful. I
wish every one of their children could see this – it would change
their world as it has changed mine. It makes me realize how important
my work is and I plan to try harder, with God’s help, to do more for
them starting in the morning. Thank you for waking up so many young
people."
"This is a beautiful,
wonderful piece and I thank you for making it possible for me to read
and listen to it. I just lost my Mom 3 months ago and I wish I had
seen this before so I could have shown it to her. It is truly the way
life should be and how she felt in the last year of her life. I miss
her very much and this made me cry, but I am so thankful for it. I
hope other children will read it and relate to the later years of
their parents' lives and have a better understanding how their parents
feel as they grow older and have to depend on us instead of us on
them. J.B., IN"
"This is fantastic!
I'm only 35 and Thank God both of my parents are currently healthy,
but I truly hope to follow these wishes for them as we all age
together."
"I cried when I read
this and listen to the music as I raised my son by myself. He is now
35 years old and has 2 beautiful children of his own and doing better
than I thought he ever would. I taught him the best I could and had no
book to teach me and he is the most wonderful son and more than I
could have ever ask for."
"My mother who is
almost 91 and has Alzheimer's had to give up her house and move into
assisted living two weeks ago. The song with this wonderful message is
one of her favorites. This wonderful message you have put together
says it all - what God wants us to do, expects of us and what we
should want to do in our hearts. Many people never have parents who
are loving and wonderful examples in life. I am truly one of the
blessed and will never take it for granted. I only hope our four adult
children, their spouses and our 7 grandchildren will always feel the
love we have for them. God has truly blessed us with a wonderful
family - one of His greatest blessings. Your message reinforces that!
Thank you."
"Thank you for
creating this beautiful presentation. As parents, 78 and 76 years
young we can relate with love to our parents, also to our 3 children
(and 10 grandchildren). Thank you and may God bless you. Louise Wilson
Hiawassee, GA"
"This was a beautiful
piece of work and spoke to and for so many. Thanks and God bless."
"Thank you and what a
true to life presentation."
"My mother is 82 and
showing a lot of the symptoms of Alzheimer's. Thank you ever so much
for giving me the courage to accept her as she is and the patience to
continue to be a son to her".
"This is the most
beautiful website I have seen. I loved it – I love Josh Groban’s music
and it was so appropriate for Parents' Wish. It says what so many
parents have tried to say and we, as children, think they don’t know
what they want – or need!! I admire the time and effort that went into
this video. Pam from Texas"
"I received this
e-mail on my first day back to work after the death of my 91 year old
mother. Though my heart broke again while watching it, it reaffirmed
the experience I have lived the last few years of my mother's life.
She had dementia and several health problems. People always said how
blessed mom was that she had us to care for her. What they didn't
realize was that it was us who were blessed with the gifts she gave us
by her example of acceptance of her frailties, her ever-present
'Thank-you' when we did something for her, her delight in the
presence of her great grandchildren, and the daily reminder, just by
her presence, of the beauty of life, even at the end of it. We had the
help of Hospice during mom's final days and this video is so
reminiscent of the Hospice philosophy. I want to thank all the people
who helped in the creation of the video and those responsible for
keeping it on the net. It is a blessing to be reminded of the power of
love at all ages."
"My mother sent me
the website link. I don't have trouble with these issues in my dealing
with her. It is the lack of grace and kindness that she exhibits
toward my father as he dribbles, forgets names, and can't handle
technology - that irritates me with her. She has chosen to be unhappy,
to have over a foot of her intestines removed because she does not
deal with conflict, but stuffs it away. She calls this 'choosing
peace' but continues to respond out of hurts, no matter how far
back or how far down they are suppressed. I would love to have a
genuine relationship with her, but she is either unwilling or
unable...but either way, the word MOTHER is not fulfilling, but a sad
void. She has her issues with me, I have mine with her. But I am
willing to talk about it and try to work through it, she is not. And
THAT is what I am frustrated about. No relationship and no hope of
having one...and the opportunity of days for resolve slips further
away with each 24 hour period. This PowerPoint was a reminder."
"I played this over
and over. I recently lost my Mother after 87 years. I wish I could
have shared this with her and my father 6 years ago. It says things
that are felt but left unspoken."
"This was truly
beautiful. It made me think of how impatient I get when my mother
repeats the same thing over and over again. It also made me think that
my children are beginning to tell me the same thing. I will pass this
along to both of them. Being in the middle of this whole thing made me
sit back and really think through the tears. thank you and God bless."
"Wow! What a beautiful
and thought-provoking video. Thank you for making it."
"This is the first I
hear of you but THANK YOU!!!!!"
August 7, 2006
"I just want to say
thank you for your very touching video presentation. My Mom passed
away in December and my Father has dementia. I feel like they were
speaking to me. God Bless you, Mary C."
"I am sending this
e-mail to you to just say thank you. That's it. Thank you. There are
no more words more powerful than those two, after viewing your
slideshow."
"I know in this time
we seem too have little patience with our elderly. I lost my mom at
the age of 55 years old. As I approach that age now, I see things so
much more clearer and I understand the many things that she spoke and
taught me over her years here with us. The a same things that you
speak of in this beautiful story. I am trying too keep from crying at
this time. I am dealing with a wonderful and sweet lady who will
not be with us much longer. She is my mother-in-law. She welcomed me
into the family some 31 years ago when I was just a young one.
Today I look after her with care and loving which I always received
from her. Thank you for the wonderful slide show. I will
always keep it on my desktop. Kathy B. Moore"
"My wife and I were
extremely moved by this most wonderful of emails together with such
lovely music. We have sent the email to as many of our friends as
possible. Thank you. Happy trails. Joe and Mary Harrison Heysham,
Lancashire, England."
"That was so
beautiful and touching. I had tears in my eyes thru the entire piece.
My parents are in their 70's and it really hits home that they will
not be around forever, so I cherish every moment I spend with them. I
love to see them with all the grandchildren. It is amazing how quickly
time has gone by, seems like yesterday they were in their 40's, now
all of us are kids. Thanks for an amazing piece. Sincerely, Andrea
Stabler, Frederick, MD"
"Thank you for that
touching piece. We were not a touchy, feely family and I wasn't able
to tell my parents how I loved them, while they lived, and the time is
too late, now. One piece such as this, from children, could have a
fine place in your repertoire. We weren't blessed with them and that's
life. Yet I've passed this one on to my relatives, for their use. I'm
only 79 but do feel the dark wings at times. Thank you all. AGS"
"I am still a young
mother of three children and you gave me something to ponder on while
I am raising them. My husband work during the day and I work during
the night that leaves me to attend to this three super active children
during the day. There are times when I am very tired that I lost
control of my temper and I ended up giving them a spank, well of
course I feel so guilty that I got mad at them but I am only human.
But anyway I make up to them by taking them to their favorite play
places and everything will be alright to them. But sometimes I am
thinking did I have to punish them? So I am praying that God will give
me more patience and love while growing my children and hopefully they
will do the same to us when we will get older. The slideshow was very
well done. God bless all children and parents."
"As a 61 year old
woman who was recently granted the gift of having my 92 year old
mother-in-law re-enter our lives, this is a truly moving presentation.
My heartfelt thanks. Karen Howells, Prairieville, LA"
"Parents' Wish was
one of the most outstanding, hard hitting, well written and musically
arranged videos I have ever had the pleasure of being able to see. The
music by Josh Groban almost left me speechless. I spent 18 years of my
life as an Alcoholic and Drug Addict. During these 18 years,
considered the growing up years of my children, I was not allowed much
contact with them at all, for obvious reasons. On July 26, 2006, I
celebrated my 26th consecutive year of Sobriety. The Parents' Wish
brought back many 'foggy' memories of my life with my children
and has made me put a lot of perspective in what's left of my life. I
blame no one for my 'Stupidity' but myself and for many, many
years I have tried to make amends to those I hurt. I realize I will
always be a 'Recovering Addict'. However, Parents' Wish has
brought an insight into my life that I never knew existed. For that I
am sincerely grateful- Ronald F. Kilpatrick, Douglasville, GA"
August 6, 2006
"My husband (88) and
I (83) watched this most touching presentation with tears in our eyes
because it speaks so beautifully of what most older adults are
feeling. We have passed the message on to our children and
grandchildren so they, too, can understand. Thank you for keeping this
message online- we have sent it to all those we know will appreciate
it."
"Oh my gosh. That was
a tear jerker but so very true. It really does explain everything and
even though today I have no relatives I can look at others and go like
the words typed in the picture said. WOW! whoever thought of this was
brilliant. tyvm. hdb19677"
"It moved me a lot.
I've been having conflicts with my parents for the past years and they
just called for me and asked me to take care of them. They are neither
too old or anything but I reluctantly agreed thinking its just one of
their style to get me back. But after watching this, it made me think
about my situation now. Perhaps this is the message they are trying to
tell me but they can't tell because I have shut them out of my life
long before. It made me think of the times I was growing up. How my
parents took care of me and guided me to what I have become right now.
I owe them that and now I have to give back all the care they have
given me. Thanks a lot to all who have done much effort on putting
this up. I'm a parent now and made me realize I will be saying the
same thing to my kids once I get too old to care for myself. I hope
other generations would see this video! It was really a great help."
"This is the most
heart warming e-mail. I have or will ever have sent to me. I think of
my Mom who is 91, and tears flow. She is in a home now because she
can't take care of herself but she has her mind. I cry with this
Parents' Wish. God Bless You."
"My thanks go to
anyone who had a part in something like this. It is, without a doubt
the most touching and moving thing I have ever read. I have two
children and I have already e-mailed it to them. I hope someday you
will have it on CD. I will add my name to the list. I also have three
grandchildren and I feel like anyone who has an elderly person in
their life, would benefit from this. Again I say THANK YOU and God
Bless You. Elizabeth McCall Marietta, Ga."
"Today was an
exceptionally hard day. I have taken care of both my terminally ill
parents. Dad died and I was blessed to be here. Mom is very ill now,
and I have chosen to take this journey with them both. I have given up
my time, family and life to be here with them. It is not always easy
but who said life was? I have questioned some days why I am doing this
and the answer came today when this was sent to me from a friend going
through the same thing. There is a reason this was sent to me today. I
do not know the answer but it was sent when I really needed it. Thanks
for such a powerful message...those messages are the reason so many of
us do this because we do remember our now ailing parents as Mom and
Dad! With deepest thanks on a bad day. S.B."
"This was soooooo
beautiful and touching. I have been going through some rough times
lately and this touched my heart so much. I lost my beloved mother in
2004 and she meant the world to me. Since she passed my father now is
gravely ill and I know he won't be with me much longer. It made me cry
and it made me smile when I thought of all the good memories I have.
They outweigh the bad. God Bless. Teresa Reilly"
"That was the most
beautiful and most truthful site I have ever seen. I would like that
in an email so I could print it out and pass it around to some younger
people. It kept messing up while I was trying to view it but it was
beautiful. I am alone so I related to it very well. Thank you.
Brenda Aderson"
"I have just recently
lost my parents. My brother and sister-in-law and I gave all these
considerations to both our parents in their last years. We cared for
them and loved them through the good times and the not so good. We
have no regrets in that area. For me, this slide show was a little
like a thank you from Mama and Daddy rather than a request. They never
had to make the request. I cried my eyes out while viewing the slide
show. The pain of their loss is still sharp. I'm going to send this to
my daughter, whom I know will care for me when I am old and feeble,
but I'd like to remind her to have patience with me because I know it
will be difficult for her. Thank you for a beautiful reminder! B.J.
Carson"
"I would like to say
from my heart 'Thank You' I was a single mommy son who is now
39 years. We shared so much together, and we still do! He is happily
married and he and his wife blessed me with 7 beautiful
granddaughters. My son and I love each other very much. I've sent him
this slide show. I know it will touch his heart as it did mine!"
"This was a truly
remarkable story and it brought back memories of my mom and dad. It
also made me realize how very important it is to be a close family.
Colin Werner"
"What a wonderful
presentation! I miss my father dearly, who passed away just 3 short
years ago. I watched a strong, tall, proud, independent and loving man
become weaker and tired, stooped, forgetful, dependent on us, but
still very loving before he quietly passed. We cried when we had to
put him in assisted living. It was very hard on all of us. Thank you
so much for an inspiring presentation. I wish my mother-in-law had
seen this when her husband was failing and she became impatient with
him. I cried..."
"This is such a
fantastic thing. :-)"
August 5, 2006
"I would like to
thank the person who did write and create that site. I cried and still
crying while I'm writing that feedback. I'm a 21 years-old lady
who is taking care of my parents. But I do it quite in a
different way. Maybe I needed to see that video to realize how patient
they were with me and to understand that I have to be more and more
happy while I'm with them instead of loosing them without having any
kind of memories from and with them. Thank you very much for that
website and thank you for reminding me 'us' of 'our'
REAL duties towards those two great people. Myriem"
"I am the 72-year-old
Grandmother of 13. I love all of your beautiful music, and most of the
words of the song. But, I hate the one verse about asking our children
to 'understand,' when we no longer want to go on living. Three
years ago, I was so ill with severe anemia and severe scarring in my
lungs that I prayed for death daily. But now I am so very thankful
that my doctors and my family would not let me go, and did nothing but
encourage me to live, because now, I am so much better. Nell Wolfe"
"I just want to say
that this is, by far, the most beautiful message I have ever read on
the internet. I sent this to my two daughters even though their Dad
and I have been divorced for over 30 years. It still hits home as to
the love we feel for them. Thank You for such inspiration from 'divorced
parents'. Our love for these two beautiful women has sustained us
and a good relationship we still have between us because of them."
"This is by far the
most loving email I have ever gotten. I am so glad I stayed with my
mom till the end. My oldest sister 90 just passed the other day. Now
there is only my brother who is one year older then me out of 11 still
living. I live near my son and my 2 grandkids. My daughter lives far
away with my other 2 grandkids. I'm going to send this one. This is a
good day for a cry. Brought back happy memories. You must be a
kindhearted soul to have this website. Thank you. This is like a
message from God to your kids so they have no regrets later on."
"This is one of the
most touching and beautiful web sites I have been to. I am getting
older and I sent a copy to both my children. It was so touching that a
tear dropped from my eyes as I read it. Thank you so much for the
beautiful slide show and music. Darlene"
"Thank you!!!!"
"My Mother is getting
older and I love her so much. I cried but was so moved by this piece.
It's absolutely beautiful. Thanks, JJ"
"I lost my Father to
Cancer in 1993 and my Mother died very quickly in 1996. They were both
79, so I never got the chance to really care for them. I wish with all
my heart that I had had that opportunity every day. This is a
beautiful piece and it makes me realize just how much I lost when I
lost my parents. Thank you for putting this together. It was truly
beautiful. Linda Hall"
"I have four grown
children that don't have computers. I would like to send them each a
CD/DVD copy of this very wonderful video as I am in my late 70's and
at this time I am a widow living alone. They have all asked me to come
live with them of which I am very appreciate of. However I know that
later I will have to make that decision this video will remind them of
when I took care of them- thus making them more tolerant of human
frailties. This was a beautiful and heartwarming experience for me as
I remembered caring for my parents in their declining years."
August 4, 2006
"Please, please
notify me when the CD becomes available. I work in Social Services in
a nursing home and this would be a wonderful tool for families who are
going through difficult times when having to place their loved ones
with health problems or dementia. Thank you so much for a beautiful
presentation."
"Thank you so very
very much for your hard work in order for us to view the Parents'
Wish. The production is superb and I am so touched by it's content. I
am sending it to my children - Parents' wish communicates my wishes to
them. God Bless you and thank you again."
"Beyond a doubt, this
is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I am 70 years
old now, my daughters are busy, as our my grand children, and they
have forgotten a lot of things. This is a great way for any parent to
be in touch in a beautiful way with a child, no matter the child's
age. God Bless you and Thank you for what you have do."
"Thank You for this
wonderful website. I am a single mom, which is all my children have. I
have sent it to both of them and hope they will keep it in their
hearts forever. I do wish there were a similar message we can make to
our parents who are still living. A promise they both need to hear.
From Sharon"
"This is the most
incredible slide show I have ever seen. My mother, who is 85, and my
dad, who is 87, are still with us. My mom is having some serious
health issues right now, and every time I come home after seeing her
daily, I watch this slide show. It brings tears to my eyes, but they
are good tears. Whoever did this, thank you, thank you, thank you."
"I so enjoyed this
video, it is a fact and we all take every one for granted to often. We
have been so blessed to have two girls and three boys. Now we have
been able to see our grandchildren grow up and our eight great
grandchildren and still be able to enjoy them. I have to applaud who
ever did this - as it is so true to life as we age. I am a nurse and
have seen too many people forget who ever get put in a nursing home,
however have seen many caring family's come in to visit frequently
throughout the week. God Bless each and all of you. D & E Wood -
Montana"
"This was incredible.
I am helping my husband take care of his parents and we can appreciate
this message. I will be playing it often. Thank You."
"This is truly very
touching and a reminder that our parents were just like us, and we
need to let them know how much we love them daily!"
"A very touching song
and slide show. This should be shared with the Alzheimer’s Societies
across the country. Thank you for sharing."
"Though I understand
the underlying message, the slideshow really is a tragedy. To portray
the elderly as depressed (not wanting to live anymore), confused (not
able to remember), and frail/ feeble (needing a cane to walk) people
in general is completely incorrect. These symptoms are not just what
happens in older age - they are physiological symptoms of diseases and
disorders. Though they are common among the elderly, this slideshow
insinuates that they are normal and to be expected as one ages. To
perpetuate these myths is not only ignorant but very sad. Perhaps you
people should educate yourselves on the subject."
"This is a very
powerful presentation. I'd love to see it made into posters and put in
the lobby of every nursing home in the country. Pauline Curtis Guelph,
ON"
"A beautiful and very
touching video. Today has been a year since my Mother died. God really
works in good ways. My bother had just got this link sent to him and
he in turn sent it to me and my other bother Ronald. Keep up the good
work. Some people really do not understand their 'old folks'
that are around them. I had the joy of spending a lot of time with my
mother the last 10 years of her life. Even though I lived two states
from her, I would go and spend 2 or 3 months with her and we totally
enjoyed that time together. Thank you ever so much for this. T.E.
Pearson, Sweeny, Texas"
"What a beautiful
expression of love. God uses many venues to get a point across when I
started listening I was in the frame of mind as a parent; by the end I
was the child. So soon we forget what our parents did for us even
though we are parents ourselves. Thank you for going to such great
lengths to pass this on. Pamela"
"WOW! So well stated.
And my husband and I are beginning to enter this stage of our life.
This emphasized so many of the things we are now going through. I
cannot retrieve messages on my cell phone and a number of other things
I cannot do without the help of my boys. God Bless you for doing this
precious message! Louise"
"My friend sent this
to me on my 44th birthday and as my parents are have both passed over
it brought back memories of our times we did share and of what family
I do have left but what I also consider my extended family are my new
friends that I have made over the years, we are spread about but we
are in each others thoughts.
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