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FEEDBACKS - PART 14
(Nov. 1, 2007 to Jan. 14,
2008)
January 14,
2008
"I moved my mother in
to my home in 2007. She was a caregiver for two of her life partners
prior to this year and watched them become weak and need help and now
she is the one at 86 to be going through this life changing event. She
has seen much in her time but still has much to teach. She taught me
patience every day. I loved this video. It made me cry like a baby. It
is so true that the bond between parent and child is always with us. I
am fortunate to still have my mom so close to me at this time in my
life even though it is hard on the both of us. Loved, loved, loved the
video. I was too distracted reading the words on the video to listen
to the song lyrics so I plan to buy the CD of Groban's. Pat in
Oregon."
"What a tear jerker!!
This was awesome!!"
"This is the
ultimate. I haven't seen anything that has touched my soul/heart as
this piece has. I am going through this with my own Mother and the
words are so true. One can only pray that one is kinder, more gentle,
and patient then before after reading this. God Bless you for touching
the hearts of many reminding us that we are not perfect and everyone
needs a loving touch. Thanks again, Lyn, Massachusetts"
"I work in a long
term care home and feel this would be very appropriate to show staff
as a education tool."
January 13,
2008
"That was absolutely
amazing. I am going through all of those with my parents right now, so
it makes me stop and think. Great job!"
"You know sometimes
we as children take things for granted not realizing the importance of
life; but when we become parents ourselves it starts to dawn on us.
When we see our children doing what we did we all say (WOW) I was that
little child @ one time. The Parents' Wish really hits home for
me and makes me wish I only had more time with my parents. To my dad-
I'm sorry for the bad time I gave you and Mom. I wish I had it to do
all over again, I'll miss you. In memory of W. Holliday APRIL
1946-JULY 2007. R.HOLLIDAY"
"That was beautiful!
It made me cry. It sure hit home. My parents are at that age. At
times, I feel I lose my patience with them way too much. Next time
that happens, I will think of the pictures and words from this video.
Thank you again for opening my eyes. I know one day I will be in their
place."
"What a moving and
beautiful tribute to being a parent and our parents. Thank you."
"I just turned 75
years. I keep this in my saves. Cried the first time I read it and go
back to read it -the music is great. I'm sending it to my friends
again. GOD BLESS."
January 12,
2008
"It is beautiful."
"Thank you so much .
You made me cry . We need this more than politics . Thanks again.
Gerard"
"I have just seen and
heard the latest Parents' Wish power point going the rounds.
Now, as a senior, I am sooooo depressed I want to go out and top
myself!"
"Thank you. This is
an awesome site."
"Thank you so much
for a wonderfully put together video. My wife had just lost her mother
and my mother is in her last stages of life. The video was very well
put together and provided us with valuable reflections and wisdom on
loving and caring for our parents. You really can't be thanked enough.
God Bless You, Gary and Sue Fuller"
"This is wonderful. I
work in a nursing home and SO MANY of our staff are very young. They
just don't seem to understand that some day they too will be old."
"So very true."
"Thank you for the
reminder we need to realize that our parents time and their parents
time are so valuable to our transitions through life. Thank you for
the memories of youth and for the memories to come."
"Wow....thank you so
much for this beautiful work - my Dad just died from Alzheimer's and
my Mum is 80. I always hope that I treat/treated them both like this.
This beautiful wish made me cry a lot and helped me grieve for my
Dad."
"What an awesome
video! It emulates God's presence that should be in our lives for our
elderly. I think this should be required viewing for the young of
today. The respect and regard for older people, sadly to say, seems to
be lost. Anyone who is not touched by this needs to fall down on their
hands and knees and rededicate their life to Jesus Christ. Thank you
for sharing, as I write this through blurry eyes. God Bless, Diane C."
January 11,
2008
"This is one of the
Most Moving Music and Movie, and so close to Home . Thank You and God
Bless"
"Really enjoyed your
singing and the message. I wish you had enclosed the words to your
song. I am hard of hearing and couldn't quite get the words. Thank you
for your message."
"I think that what is
on this e-mail is so true and if the young read this then the older
would not get so upset when the young just don't understand. I think
that all the young should read this and really listen to what is being
said. I should say read this and then they would understand much
better and not get upset with the older people."
"Wow!! As a daughter
and a mother, that makes me cry."
"Thank you for
finding a way to keep this beautiful piece on line. I lost my mother
after a seven year struggle with strokes, paralysis and heart
problems. I was her caregiver 24/7 for 5 of those years. We lost her
18 months ago and while I cried at her funeral, I was never really
able to release the tremendous grief that lingered in my heart from
that loss. As I watched this slideshow, so much became clear to me,
and it released a heavy burden from my heart. The tears began to flow
like never before and I feel as if you have helped the healing process
begin. We, as caregivers, always try to do what we believe is best for
our parents and loved ones... but we sometimes forget they still have
a will of their own to make decisions that might not be popular. It is
so important that children have an opportunity to view this BEFORE
they are thrust into, and accept the role of, caregiver Frankly, in
the end, we have to honor their wishes and let them go when it is
time... Thank them, encourage them to go, and send them to His arms
knowing the struggle and pain has ended for them. Thank you from the
bottom of a once troubled heart."
"I must admit I was
very moved. My Mom is now 80, and my wife's Mom and Dad are 80 and 82
respectively. We can totally relate to the message delivered by
Parents Wish."
"I am so thankful to
have found this."
"Thank you so very
much. You have said things my children need to read and understand
that their Momma will have to leave this earth someday. They seem to
think I’ll be here always. I have loved them so, taught them what they
need to know and have installed all my love and knowledge in them and
my granddaughter Amari. I thank God everyday for them and my
granddaughter that he let me be a blessing to them and all my family,
friends, sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ. God Bless you for this
wonderful message. Jaclyn Mizell, Lawton, OK"
"Wow...this is great!
It makes you realize the past and how it relates to the future.
Great!!"
"Very nice!!! It made
me cry really... Must sent to every child in the planet. Thank you.
Mackoy, Philippines"
January 10,
2008
"You do not need to
respond but I have a request. Please send this to all people who can
make a difference in the treatment of Seniors. It is powerful and says
exactly what we all need to remember. Perhaps we can make a change for
the better by doing so. Glenda Murphy"
"I am sorry but I do
become impatient at times to my mom. I am not supposed to be. The
slideshow is a rebuke and I thank you for taking the time to publish
it in the mail. To those who received the Parents' Wish, keep
forwarding for it really is a reminder to all children."
"Brought tears to my
eyes. I lost my mom 10 years ago at the end of the month and remember
exactly where I was all day. Thank you for this. Harry"
"Perhaps it will one
day be played in Time Square on that huge Marquis Sign so all
can see. It would make news and expand the message to thousands and
even hundreds of thousands."
"My Mom lived to 101
and 1/2. Her last four months were horrible, but I traveled 93 miles,
three times a week to help. She was a shadow of her former self, but
so valiant. When my sister called to say 'It's over', all I
could do was rejoice. Peace for Mom at last. But, when my husband died
in 1967, at age 39, from Cancer, leaving me, at 34, with 6 children to
raise by myself, I had to find a quiet corner in my heart, where he
could reside and watch, as I taught them to fend for themselves, work
hard, get along with others, and trust God. They have become
wonderful, self-educated (4 Masters Degrees) caring, giving, amazingly
generous, and fun people, and I (and he, in my heart) are very happy
for them. PS. You made me cry. Stupenously beautiful! Thanks,
Sally/California"
January 9,
2008
"Thank you - this is
quite moving."
"This was very
touching. I have had the privilege of being of service to both my mum
and dad. This has touched me deeply as I have realized the beauty of
the situation of caring for an aged parent. Dad passed joyfully and
mum is still going strong. Every day I am thankful for my blessings
and happy that I can bring bring pleasure to my mother by being of
help to her. I have been blessed to have had her tell me that she
loves me and is grateful for my help. Thank you for your beautiful
creation. Judy"
"Thank you. My
sisters and I personally learned these things early on while caring
for my Mom, that our roles changed and now, We are the Mom and She is
the Little Girl again. Please keep this website/email for many years.
Many people are not old enough for their children to know the real
impact of this message. Please have it available for years down the
road."
"It is a beautiful
message but I would change the one slide about wanting to die to just
we are tired of living. Dr. Adrian"
"Thank you for your
Godly wisdom. My 82 year old mother lives with us. Most of the wisdom
I accomplish on a daily basis, but it has been very hard to see my
mother slip into this 'other' person. This helps me to still
see her the way she was. Vicki - Ohio"
"My parents are in
about to be 80 this year and we have 5 children and a warm and loving
family. We own a business and keep them working and happy. That was so
moving. I am just sobbing. I would like to see how I could get it in
writing so I could print it up to give my mother. She is in excellent
help. Unlike my dad was fine 2 years ago but had emergency double
bypass and stoke and needs help. Sometimes my mom gets impatient.
Thank god she has all of us. If I could get it in writing I would so
appreciate it. Tank you again for that. God Bless You"
"Beautiful video. My
Dad had Parkinson's and passed away in 2004. He lived with my husband
and me the last 10 months of his life. Before that he was estranged
from us (cannot go into details). In those last months we showed our
love for one another, a befitting farewell present. After his death,
when I recall the pain he caused us (the family) I find no hate in my
heart but rather feel gratitude towards him, because that pain
strengthened my character. Now there's only my Mom left. We live in
different towns but I keep hoping she will live with us. Lita,
Indonesia"
January 8,
2008
"I was very touched
by this slideshow. I unexpectedly lost my Father September 21, 2006 at
the age of 85. My sister September 28, 2006 at the age of 50 and 10
days to cancer after a courageous 3 year battle. So many of the things
in the slide were memories of my Father and my sister. They were both
ready to go and both went through the disabilities. THANK YOU"
"Thank you. I can't
tell you how much I needed to see this video. God Bless."
"Oh, my! What a
fabulous presentation on a very important and timely subject! My
Mother just recently passed away due to dementia/Alzheimers, so this
really struck an emotional chord with me. I'm desperately hoping that
I will not follow in her path in that regard. I'm sending this on to
my two sons to view and hopefully tuck away for the future if, indeed,
that becomes a reality. You have done a beautiful job with the song
and pictures~ it was done with compassion and sensitivity. Thanks!"
"I thank my dear
friend Toba for sharing this message with me. I felt such emotions
going through the slides. I, admittedly, sometimes grow weary when
dealing with my aging mother. I realize that she is such a gift and I
love her completely and I am so grateful that I still have her with me
and my daughter who is my mother’s heart. We sometimes need something
like this precious presentation to open our eyes and reaffirm our
commitment to our loved ones. THANK YOU… it truly is PRICELESS… EVP,
Baltimore, MD."
"This is the best
video I have EVER seen and heard thank you."
January 7,
2008
"It is fabulous and
hit me right where I needed help as I am dealing with aging parents
right at the present. And I have to remember those points you brought
out so vividly. Thanks. Linda in Ohio."
"Thank you for this
wonderful message. Every adult caregiver should read it. I remember
how true much of this was when my mother spent 4 years in a nursing
home before she died in March 2003. Now my father is 88 and in poor
health and says every day is probably his last, although I think he
still has a few good years left. But we are not guaranteed anything in
this life. My cousin just lost her father on Christmas Day and has
been experiencing the same things with her parents. Fortunately she
has had a few years longer with hers."
"Thank you."
"For those who have
and had a wonderful loving relationship with their parents, this is a
wonderful reminder to treasure. And for those who, through no fault of
their own, were not fortunate enough to have known such a loving
relationship with a parent(s), it is still a good reminder that when
all is said and done, we are all very human and therefore fallible
even on our best days. No matter how many parenting classes you
attend, once you hold another life in your hands, reality has a way of
teaching us what no classes can contain. One of the greatest lesson is
one of Forgiveness. Forgive your children when they are clumsy and
slow. After all, when age robs us of our bodily controls, it will be
our turn to be clumsy and slow."
"EVERY child no
matter what age should see this. Both of my parents are now gone, and
THANK GOD.. I realized this kind of thing long before they died. I’m
still somewhat young, (in my 40s) and no matter what kind of childhood
you had, your parents more than likely did the best they could with
what they had. I know mine did. My dad and I were never close, but in
his later years, when he became feeble, I never left him without
hugging him or telling him I loved him. Then one day he died in his
sleep. My mom was very sick for a long time, and I don’t regret the
years I had to take care of her every need, sometimes I think it was
not enough, but I know I did all I could do be patient with her. Kids
of all ages, don’t ever regret time spent with your parents or
family."
January 6,
2008
"Just want to say
thank you. This was beautiful. My dad just died, and I was fortunate
to have the last two years with him and my mother. These are things he
too said and had problems with. He too said he was ready to 'kick
the bucket'. He was in a great deal of pain. But, I really enjoyed
the time I had with him. And although it was a great deal of work at
the end, I miss him greatly. Beautiful work."
"Thank You, Thank
You, Thank You!!! Thank you for your tremendous efforts to touch so
many people! What a wonderful piece. We are most grateful to you for
sharing it with us. Jim Fairbrother, Penn Yan, New York"
"This was one of the
most touching and emotional things I have ever watched. Thank you for
giving all of us a better perspective of what lies ahead. My parents
are everything to me, and I hope my two sons, Brandon and Noah, feel
the same about me. There is nothing more important than FAMILY!!!
Dave"
January 5,
2008
"I am a director of
nursing in a long term care facility and I think this video is
something every body who does this sort of work should see. It may put
a different spin on how my nurse aides care for the precious people
they are intrusted to care for."
"This is beautiful. I
just lost my mom in Nov. 9 2007. It made me cry it is so true. She
spent 4 years in a nursing home. I watched her go down hill everyday.
It was so hard on me, but very hard on her too. There was only 16
years between us, so we were very close. It was a relief to have her
pass away and have no more suffering. Now I do the suffering as I miss
her so much. Alzheimers is such a terrible disease, They surely have
to find a cure some day. God Bless, Eleanor"
January 4,
2008
"I need to thank you,
profusely, for this. I'm probably one of the few that won't have any
regret's when my mom is no longer with us. I love her with all my
heart and soul. This and The Interview with God are the two
most beautiful things on the Internet. Thank you, again! God bless!"
"Outstanding words
with such deep feeling. A must see for any age person. Background
music/singing excellent choice. Please continue your uplifting."
"This is the best
video I have ever seen....tears rolling down your face and everytime I
watch it it still makes me cry....love it.........will save it
forever....... Patti Carlson, Hurricane, Utah"
"Wow!! God bless you.
My dad sent this to me. I don’t get to spend time with my Mom and Dad
and know that is my fault. I know that I need change that. Before I
can’t. Thank you for showing me that. T.J./Orlando FL."
"WOW!!!!"
"This is a message
that should be shared by many."
"It is a wonderful
video and the song by Josh Groban was used at my dad's funeral."
"The tears are still
flowing. Everyone I have sent this too have had the same reaction.
Every word is true and inspiring. Thank you. You should make one about
Husbands and Wives."
January 3,
2008
"Thank you for that
wonderful website. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my Mom and
Dad. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I could have just five more
minutes with them. But I also thank God I was privileged to have them
in my life as long as I did. God bless you, and thank you. Kieran
O'Hagan"
"Thank you!! This is
an eye opener!! I will remember this everytime I am in my parent's (78
& 79 years old) presence. This site is a blessing to all Seniors...
God Bless! Cathy/Louisiana"
"I just watched the
video. Being staff development and trainer for our nursing home this
would be a fantastic opener to inservices."
"My Mother is in a
very nice Alzheimer’s facility. It is so hard to hear those things
they say about wanting to die, but this made it a bit clearer. The
staff there must have watched this, because they all subscribe to the
suggestions contained in it and are very caring people. We can only
hope our own children can show patience and feel the same compassion.
The world has changed so much."
"What a beautiful
piece. I'm in my last years and now I know why I could never do enough
to help my parents in there last years. Thank you for the light. Ron"
January 2,
2008
"Thank you for
opening my heart and mind. I have been having some apprehension to
having my mom come out and live with me. All that has just dissipated
and I am ready with open arms. Tracy-Jo/Oregon"
"I wonder how many
parents would access a site, were it available, entitled,
'Children's Wish'?!! Not many; certainly not my mother!! There are
(2) verses in the Bible that it seems nobody wants to be reminded of;
nevertheless, they are still in there, and I quote them for your
benefit here: Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest
they be discouraged. -- Colossians 3:21 And, ye fathers,
provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord. -- Ephesians 6:4
"It is awesome and
gets to me every time I watch it. Kudos to those who put it together.
Very easy to relate to."
"As a clinician who
serves a geriatric population, I often see the grown children of
elderly parents behave in a manner suggestive of annoyance,
embarrassment, frustration, or even cruelty toward their failing
parents. I plan to send this powerful video to them in the hopes they
will realize how much their deeds mean. Thanks for sharing the video.
Please keep it going."
"I'm deeply touched
and find my self looking at the sky and remembered how I ignored my
mother. You wake me up from a long sleep. Thank you"
January 1,
2008
"I woke up this
January 01, 2008 to this and I was stunned at the beauty of not only
the song, but the words that are so well put. Both set of my parents
are gone (my mom and dad and mom and dad in law) and so glad that I
followed all that was put into words. Thank you for sharing and what a
wonderful article to start the New Year with for it includes the world
and following the Golden Rules of Life. Always, Shirley"
"I would give
anything to be able to share this with my mother who has no computer
access."
"Wow! I just watched
this three times and each time, cried the same amount. Geeeesh! I can
only think of my blessed mom, now 83, a nurse for 50 years, who went
back and got her reflexology degree, and now averages 7 clients a
weeks as she 'heals them' with her hands, her prayers, and her
heart, massaging their blessed feet. What an amazing woman. I too am
so thankful for the Veterans I have served. This song-writing helps me
remember to treat them, as I treated my children growing up and even
now, at 54, to treat them even better as I await my grand children,
God willing. Thank you for sharing this and setting up this site so
others can cry, be blessed, and model what they learn. Ken. St. Cloud,
MN"
"Thank you!!!!!!!
This was the most beautiful e-mail, that I received in a long, long
time. Even though I have lost my dad, it made me really appreciate my
mom, who is now 88 years old. It brought tears to my eyes, and love
back, now I will appreciate my mom even more. It will also give me
more respect for the older people that I know and see... Thank you,
Dave"
"WOW!!!!! I just
watched this video and no truer words have been spoken. I lost my
mother in May of 05 after years of Alzheimer Disease. My father was
devastated by her death. These comments mentioned in the video sound
just like him. I currently work in a health care field and have for 30
years with direct patient contact. This video should be required
watching by all. My father is now in a long care facility. He is 92
years old and still has some of his faculties. Unfortunately his wife
and all his friends have passed away. He feels totally alone except
for myself and his grandchildren. Thank you for this incredible video.
Steven, Massachusetts"
"Happy New Year! Just
checking my emails...never...never,...never read these emails that are
forwarded. Must be God inspired I read this one. How touching, I am
sitting here in tears. My parents are at that age and actually so am
I. I am forwarding this to all my friends and especially my children.
Thank you God bless. Susanne"
"Today is my 56th
birthday. What an awesome thing to read the first thing in the morning
to put life in perspective. My girls are 27 and 30, still in the 'starting
out in life' stage. Their lives are full of beginnings. My mom is
74 and her life is beginning to show signs of wearing out. My patience
with her and my children is tested daily. My prayer as of this very
moment is that I will 'raise them up'. Thank you, Thank you,
Thank you!
"This is one of the
most beautiful essays I have read in a long, long time. I have sent it
to both of my children and hope each of them have been inspired by
reading it and hearing the beautiful music. So many never realize what
we senior citizens go through nor what we feel. Just a tiny bit of
attention from our children means so very much!!"
December 31,
2007
"This was sent to me
by a friend. It is awesome!"
December 30,
2007
"I am a 74 year old
mother of 5 children and this is the most touching thing I have seen
and heard in a very long time. I would just like to thank you for a
job well done."
"This is so true and
has taken me back to my Mum, who said she didn't want to live when my
Dad passed away. I did feel angry with her at first especially when
she said she would stop taking her medication but then I started to
understand it and this video clip has made it even clearer why. At the
moment I have adult children who say I have started to repeat myself,
they don't seem to have the same respect I tried to show to my parents
so if I can send it to them, then may be they will understand about 'getting
older'. I know that when you are young you don't think the same
way which makes it harder to understand the older generation. This
clip brings it home and may it help others to understand which can
only be a blessing!"
"It was
WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!! I sent it along to my friends and my children.
Thank You."
"I just have one word
- Amen..."
"What a beautiful and
thoughtful message this is! I am going to share it with my children. I
have helped to take care of my ailing parents, and in-laws and an
uncle, who have all since past. This message brought back many
memories for me. In this fast paced world it is so important to
remember to treat others as we would like to be treated and this
applies especially to the aged. How often we forget how precious they
are. We have many stories we tell about my mother repeating her tales,
they bring a smile to our faces as we remember. Oh how we wish she
were here to repeat them one more time!!"
"It is great and so
moving.. Thank you"
"This was so
uplifting. All too often the opportunity for Parents and their
Children to openly talk about the love and respect they have for each
other isn't presented. This message is the perfect opening to do so.
It's so relevant too. Our children often find us repetitive,
forgetful, vague, even plain boring. Why wait until we go before the
opportunity to speak up is gone? The best gift any child can give to a
parent is to acknowledge all the parents attempted to do or give to
that child. Even an unresponsive parent in a nursing home needs to
feel needed. If you take that away, you could take away the reason for
them existing. Don't wait. Do it. Say it. Show it. Now!"
"I had received this
last year and wrote to you asking if you have one saying just Love,
Mom or Love, Dad as there are many widows and widowers who would love
to send this to their children. It is absolutely beautiful and the
song has more meaning to me as my daughter had this sung at her
wedding when I was being seated."
December 29,
2007
"Wow!!! The sayings
in the video are the things that my dad had quite frequently told us
when he was sick a couple of years back. It used to make me, and the
rest of the family, very mad when he kept telling us 'I want to
die', 'I don’t want to go anywhere', and 'I don’t want to take
medications'. I had scolded him every time he said these things
out of frustration since I wanted for him to get better and I wanted
him to fight to live. I was angry and did not understand why he was
behaving such way while I was busting my rear taking him to his
doctors’ appointments and getting all his medical payments straight –
while working full time. All I wanted…was for him to see that I wanted
him around and all I needed…was for him to at least try and live life.
And I miss the main message: his wish – his wants and needs. The video
brought tears to my eyes and an understanding of what my dad was
trying to say when he said those things. Luckily, the lump that they
found in my dad’s kidney was not a cancer. He finally admitted to us
that, the reason he was behaving badly and saying those things was
because, he was scared to go into surgery and never wake up. He didn’t
want us to waste our time, money, and energy on him, just in case
nothing worked out. My dad still has so many other health issues and I
know that his mood swings day to day. After seeing the video… it makes
me realized that even at the old age, the things that they do and say…
are because they don’t want to burden us. And quite often, we, the
kids, do not understand that. I will remember to view the video, the
next time when my parents do and say the things that normally would
make me go 'I don’t understand them!' Thanks for the reminder.
America needs to be reminded that elderly need love and care too!"
"I lost my
grandparents 42 days apart back between March 1999-April 1999. My
mother and father sent this to me in my email the other day and I am
just now getting to sit down and check my email since just going
through surgery on my leg on 12/3/07. We all have had a hard time
dealing with my grandparents loss still yet. I also work in a nursing
home and see how some family members put whether it be there parents
or grandparents in there and never hardly come see them. To much of
them, us ones that work there are there only family because we are
there with them day in and day out. Living beside my mom and dad and
viewing this also made me realize to that I need to spend as much time
with them as I have left and they have left because we not always
guaranteed tomorrow. I love them very much they are my life and my
daddy is very ill with his heart anyway. So this was a wonderful page.
I sure hope everyone who sees it or has already seen it to have
tissues ready they will need it. Michelle Brewer Brown Summersville,
WV"
"What a wonderful
song and presentation. I was fortunate to have my parents live long
enough that I had matured and grew enough to learn that no matter what
stage of life they are in, parents do their best for you, want the
best for you and are there when you need them. My mother passed from
this world in June, 2004, but I was able to be there for her in her
last few weeks of life and to care for her along side of my family
when she could no longer care for herself. She died with the same
dignity that she lived with. Her final words were caring words for
Dad. To the very end she had smiles for everyone like she had during
her entire life. I was so very lucky to be there in her final moments
and watch her peaceful passing. My Dad is still going strong, but some
day I know I will again need to be by his side as he passes to be with
Mom. It is difficult to think about, but I will be happy to be by his
side and help in whatever way I can. It is my small token of
appreciation to them. Now I will wipe away my tears and get on with my
day."
"You have to be very
strong-hearted to read this. I will warn my tender-hearted daughter to
have the Kleenex ready. You can put me on your mail list. I have 2
friends that just lost a 93-year old aunt that raised them and they
cared for her for 6 years, and a friend whose parents, also caring
for, have Alzheimer's. It's called patience, wisdom and tolerance!"
"That was so
beautiful. I'm a teenager who doesn't always agree with my parents but
I love them so much. And this film nearly brought tears to my eyes. I
am sending this to as many people as I know."
December 28,
2007
"I raised my family
to be self sufficient and self reliant AND THEN TO BE COMPASSIONATE TO
OTHERS. I would hope that I can conduct myself as an individual,
responsible for MY OWN optimistic attitude and conduct towards myself
and others. We don't die from old age; we die from overwhelming
illness. Dignity and confidence starts with ourselves as well as an
example for those who follow after us. Spare the 'pollyanna schmaltz'
; concentrate on the JOY and DIGNITY and ADVENTURE of LIVING 'til the
end of this 'phase' as we know it. njr."
"A friend sent me
this link today. I found it very touching and it affected me greatly.
My father has had Alzheimer's since 1997 and is in the final stages. I
do not live close to him and I am traveling today to go home. I will
spend 7 glorious days visiting with my family. Dad is in a nursing
home and all of the video proves to be true, especially in his case. I
cried today knowing that his life is not what he would have wanted and
how sad it is for all of us to watch him go through it. I know
somewhere deep within my Dad, he knows we are there; that we love him
and that we appreciate everything he did for us. I am the youngest of
many children and the only one living away from him. My mother visits
Dad in the nursing home twice a day to feed him and ensure he is being
taken care of. Soon it will be our turn to look after Mom. I
appreciated the video immensely and will forward it onto my family.
Sometimes family members become frustrated with some of the daily
demands and this will be a reminder of what our parents did for us.
Thank you again for sharing it with all of us!"
"THANKS for the
tremendous boost! What a powerful and lovely piece."
"I cannot tell you
the profound impact that this had on me. I made the mistake of
listening to this at work and found myself wiping the streaming tears
from my eyes for quite awhile. I can relate to both aspects of this -
both for taking care of my mother and father who have now both passed
away and for myself (fast approaching that age). I have forwarded this
to all of my children - on whom it had the same affect - as they saw
their grandparents aging. Thank you very much for this
heart-wrenching, touching and impactful expression of love and caring.
I can only hope that when I am of this age, my children will treat me
with the same understanding and love as you have noted here. Thank you
again very much for this touching tribute to our heritage, Linda
(Montreal, Canada)"
December 27,
2007
"This is the best
thing I've read/listened to in a long, long, time. Thank you"
"Boy, break out the
Kleen-x! My God in Heaven; you cannot know what this means to me or
how much I can relate. But of course you can - GOOD JOB! I am sending
this to my siblings and friends, for anyone with an older parent must
surely relate. Thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful site you have
built. Blessed are the meek and helpless; you find out how true this
is. Pray that there is compassion in our old age because that scares
me to death. Pray for our children, theirs, and for us, as did our
parents and theirs before them, I am sure. Each generation must help
the other along; without that, we have lost everything we are taught.
THANK YOU!"
"Keep up the great
work!!!!!"
"This is absolutely
the most touching slideshow I've ever seen! It really hits home and I
thank you for sharing. God Bless~~"
December 26,
2007
"I’m moved by
the words of Parents’ Wish. My father died before I could
fulfill my lifelong wish to give him a better life."
"I really enjoy this video and would like to purchase it when it comes available. I have
many friends that would like it also."
December 25,
2007
"This is lovely. When
the CD becomes available please let me know Thank you for a beautiful
gift at this time."
December 24,
2007
"A friend sent
me this slide show. I have the privilege of assisting with the care of
my parents. Dad has Parkinson's and mom's health is also failing. I
never had the best relationship with my folks and my sister doesn't
understand why I'm here. I know the Lord is giving us back the years
the locust have devoured. I have learned more about my parents in the
past two years then I ever knew before. They are the only parents I'll
ever have and it is a gift to finally get to know them. Not all of us
have warm fuzzy memories of our childhood, but God commands us to
honor our father and mother. When we do He blesses us and them."
"I am sitting here
crying after watching this video. A Parents Wish is so
wonderful. I sent it to my children. I have recently been diagnosed
with NS. I almost lost the battle but ended up in a wheel chair
instead. It told how I feel at times and all I have lost. Things I
could not say to my children this said for me. I have worked in a
nursing home for over 29 years and know that the residents feel this
way. I have sent this to every nurse and aide I know with the hope it
will help them take care of our wonderful elderly. God bless you for
this site. Jackie ( Wisconsin)"
"I read the above in
the Straits Times today and I could not help crying as it has affected
me greatly. I would like to thank whoever put it in the papers today.
I just view the slides on my computer and I'm equally affected not
that I've not done my part as a daughter. I'm sending the site
to my children, former students n friends. It's not that we want
gratitude from our offsprings but I believe there are many areas the
young do not understand about the old much as they love us. Thank you
once more n all the best for the coming year. Helen"
December 23,
2007
"It has been my honor
to care for my 87 year old father David Goldberg who was a World War
II veteran. Sadly, he passed away last night. This morning when I
awoke and checked my email, I had this link from a woman who didn't
know my Dad had passed away. Dad suffered from dementia and a host of
other illnesses, and exhibited all the behaviors shown in the video
(and more) BUT this past month I learned so much about him and the
process of transition. In America, we do not speak of or attempt to
understand the dying process and death, and we NEED TO! Not just for
our parents but for our own peaceful and beautiful transition. I am
proud to be able to say that what I read in these words, I was doing
and it brings me great comfort and eases my pain. In love and light
for the truth ~ heidi"
"This was PRECIOUS
and says it all. Josh's beautiful voice is God's gift to all and was
PERFECT for this. I was so touched! Sue in Oklahoma City, OK"
December 22,
2007
"Expand this
Video DVD to these: ALL CHURCHES, ALL SEMINARIES. Nursing Homes,
Senior Leslure Villages, AARP, AMA, Geriatric Care in Hospitals.
Eons.com, Myspace.com. Facebook.com, Vatican City, Rome. Dept HHS,
Wash DC, VA, School districts.Private schools. Colleges, Univs.
Medical Schools, Communication Schools in Colleges, Hotels, Unions,
For employees. Employers. On TV: Fox News. Glenn Beck- Headline News &
Yes Hed air this nationwide. GMA TV show, Oprah show, Dr Phil.
Godspeed & Godbless. For all Kids to view in College or Grad school.
Below One specific seminary to send info: "Kings College & Seminary,
Van Nuys CA. I can see a whole GE course on Taking of Senior Parents
alone for ALL MAJORS. NO exceptions.& esp for Nursing Majors & Pre Med
majors. Must for Pre Med. Link your Video to many, some DAYSPRING E
CARDS alone. Major PR source alone & Healer. Yes Dayspring Card
Company. Steve Russell"
"A friend of mine
sent this to me, I am a 45 year old male, and I am not ashamed to
admit that I cried. I lost my father in August last year and I am
still caring for my mum. The song, You Raise Me Up, has so much
meaning in it, that everytime I hear it, I cry. THANK YOU for the
wonderful chance to see this as I am married with no children, but it
makes me think a bit more now whilst caring for my mum, some of the
things contained in the wish, makes me think a bit more before I say
something out of place now. THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU. Neil from
Rokeby Tasmania Australia"
"This is beautiful
and touching, however there is NO WAY I will send it to my kids!! The
message I got out of it is 'We raised you so now you owe it to us
to take care of us'. My children owe us NOTHING; however we rest
peacefully knowing that they will, through the love we taught them,
take care of us when and if the need arises. Shame on parents who
think their kids owe them something. All you can expect is love, (if
you earned it) all else automatically comes with it"
"I have just watched
the video that my sister sent me and have not stopped crying yet. We
lost our father on November 29th of this year. It will be a lonely
Christmas without him but I know he is having his first Christmas in
Heaven. Thanks to the author, it was a very inspirational video. I
have helped with my father and now am taking care of my mother. God
bless and Merry Christmas to all! Thank you so much
for making this - it is the most beautiful thing I have ever read.
Ruth"
"I know what it is
like to care for an ill parent. In 2003 I lost my Mother to Breast
Cancer, it does make you think of what they did for you as a child,
and you want to do all for them you can. But you find out you can't
kiss the pain away like they did, it hurts. I wanted to so many times,
it just wasn't possible. But no matter what she knew we all loved her,
till God called her home, and she took our love with her. You could
not have pick a better song to play along with this slide show, she
always raised me (us) up. God Bless. N.S. (Mo)"
December 21,
2007
"I cant express my
feelings after watching this video. Both of my parents have passed
away a long time ago and now we are close to that time. I hope my
children will show me the same care I did for my parents and my in
laws. Very touching and the music was wonderful. Thanks, Ann"
"This was probably
the most profound, heart-rendering and touching presentation that I
have ever had the honor of viewing. I am a nurse and have given care
to the elderly for thirty years. Nothing I have ever read touched me
in this way. It is filled with truth and reveals all the compassion
that a child could possibly give to a parent. My father passed away
with cancer 19 years ago. He was kept at home for three months and I
was his caretaker until his passing. I was with him every day of that
time until he took his last breath. My mother passed this November.
She had Alzheimers and had been in a nursing home lock down unit for
three years. I spent every day going to see her, took her places, fed
her and did anything I could do for her. It was an honor to take care
of and be there for my parents. And this song and video makes me know
in my heart that I did all of the things mentioned to make their lives
as happy as could be and preserved their rights, respect and dignity
in doing so. They meant the world to me. I'm so grateful to God for
giving me the time here on this earth with the two people he chose to
RAISE ME UP. This video and a plaque with the words of this
song should be in all homes, nursing homes and hospitals throughout
the world. It should be a requirement for staff to view this video and
for family members to view as well. The elderly are often not treated
as they should be and that is very sad to me. We all need to remember
that most likely we will be elderly one day and would want to be
treated well and our wishes be fulfilled. In the end, we live with
what we do and I'm so grateful that I have no regrets in what I
provided and how I cared for my parents. This video truly made my day.
Goodnight Mother and Daddy. You are both always tucked away in that
special place within my heart. Sandra"
December 20,
2007
"This is just
beautiful and every parents wish. Thank you!"
"Thank you!"
"I feel I need to
thank you again for the beautiful Parents' Wish tribute. I have had in
my favorites for the last 2 years. It was sent to me while my dad was
in the hospital with dementia, he had a low blood sugar coma, and
never fully recovered to himself. My sisters and I spent the last 5
months of his life, dealing with doctors, hospitals, nursing homes.
There was so much medically wrong with him, not one one of could of
cared for him in our homes. He passed away August 12th 2006. I even
put some songs on a CD for the funeral home to play. This was one of
them. I don't view it as much anymore. But come back every so often.
And since my grandmother is 93, this really helps. I still cry every
time I watch it. Thank you, thank you, thank you, you are an angel!
Anita Knapp Conley, Columbus, Ohio"
"Thank you for this
beautiful video. Though it is beautiful, it is sad at the same
time--bittersweet. I have sent it to everyone, and I watch it over and
over. My Dad has passed, and my Mother has Alzheimer's, so this was
really touching to me. Thank you so much for all your effort to keep
this inspiring video online. God bless you. DC/Memphis, Doris Cash"
"Thank you for
creating this beautiful tribute for our parents. My Father died when I
was 19 and I'm the only living child of my Mother's. It is hard to be
her only care-giver, at times I feel I can't do any more, then I
remember all the things you brought out in your message. I owe her my
care and honor her by serving her, I love her with all I have.....Verg"
December 19,
2007
"One of the most
moving explanations of how all of our elderly and not so elderly
parents, should be treated."
"This is awesome."
December 18,
2007
"Wow what a wonderful
presentation, I have shared this with many friends. As I watched the
video and listened to the song, the tears just flowed. I lost my mom 4
years ago and my dad this year. I found that by taking care of my
parents while they were ill. It was the best thing for me, cause I
thought about how they took care of me and my sibling and did a
wonderful job. I know in my heart that they knew we did everything we
could for them. I was there by the side every step of the way. Thank
you for sharing this beautiful video. signed, Tricia, Delaware"
"First, let me say
that I love Josh, he has the most Angelic voice and touches everyone,
no matter what he sings. He is truly blessed by God. Secondly, the
viewing of the Mom and Dad moments with their children as they grow up
was a very emotional and touching moment. I now am at that age, where
all my boys are men. I lost my one son at age 33, and this only
brought back the happiest of times when they were all growing up. The
artist was PERFECT to display these tender moments. Thank you. Barbara
and God Bless!"
"Thank you for the
this beautiful testimony to older adults. I have parents in their 90s
and I saw them in every page. Please let me know when the CD is
available. I want copies for my children and grandchildren, if I am
blessed enough to survive to my 80s or 90s..maybe this will help them
understand.. Thank You"
"Wonderful. The
parallels between child and elderly parent is well done. But when I
said this to my own mother she did not like it one bit..... grin. It
is also very very close to the bone right now... no grin.........
Tony"
"I really enjoyed it,
I cried thru the whole thing, after raising five children to be grown.
I really appreciated it. DORIS LOVELL"
December 17,
2007
"The video and
music are beautiful and amazing. Thank you for setting up a site for
us to share. I cried the entire time I listened and watched. I saw
myself - the anger and frustration - BUT not at mom... at the disease.
Mom still smiles and laughs, but she doesn't remember family members
sometimes; does things she shouldn't; and it's frustrating. My mom has
Alzheimer's. She's only 76, and most of her family and friends it
seems like, have deserted her. Due no doubt, to their various fears.
My father passed on in 1998, for which I am grateful. It would have
Killed him to see her like this. Truly. I am a second but only child.
(My brother passed on at age 6) My thoughts and prayers are with each
of you who are going through this too. Even if we don't know each
other, we touch each others hearts through the daily loving of our
parents and friends. I am still crying from the beautiful video and
music. Thank you whoever set this up, and God Bless you!! V.P.
Houston, TX"
"This is beautiful
and thoughtful and truthful. Most negative responses to this, in my
opinion only, are from people with guilty consciences or those perhaps
raised without loving and kind parents. (Of course we HAD to do these
things, so that our children learned.) For those I always pray that
someone, somewhere, will befriend them and raise their spirits with
kindness, expecting nothing in return. I am now my mom, caring for my
sick husband, as is my wish, not duty. I am so grateful for my 2
remaining sons who are loving always towards me and their father.
However, I will send it to them so they may share the emotion of this
wonderful presentation. Thanks to the composer/composers. Ronnie
Adams"
"This is so beautiful
and touching and who ever wrote it you are so awesome. Both of my
parents have passed on. My mother-in-law is in a nursing home now she
has Alzheimers. Before she went into the home my husband and I tried
to take care of her. It was very hard. She was up all hours of the
night, never wanted to take a bath and fought me many a times because
I would not let her go out without me because she would take off. Had
to take care of her like a little kid but she was worth it. When we
visit sometimes she knows us and other times she doesn't and it is
very hard. So patience is a very important thing to remember when it
comes to be with our elders. Above all love them unconditional because
they do us. You wrote this and it has so much meaning and I know it
has and will touch a lot of hearts. Thank you for sharing. God Bless.
Shelia/Ohio"
"As I sat there
watching this moving and inspirational video, I could not help but to
cry. A tear of joy for those children I've yet to know, since I am not
yet a Dad. I cried for the losses of my G'Dad, Dad and maternal G'Mom
(Granny) as I know that they've made me the man I am. Often, I
hear/read about being effeminate (by showing emotions) but I would
rather get it out of me, than to bottle up all the frustrations, anger
and angst over time and then experience some outrageous outburst - at
an inappropriate moment - than not. The choice of Josh Groban's
voiceover has me still feeling a bit touched buy ALL that my parents
had/have done for me over the years. I am now 41years old, a Graduate
student at Tulane University here in New Orleans and yes, the BETTER
MAN for having these very special people be a part of my life. I wish
everyone around the world could take a moment to reflect on what it
truly means to have a loving, caring, disciplined PARENT to guide,
protect and cherish him/her. Alas, some do not. It is during the Holy
Days, that this sentiment is strongest for me since I lost my Dad 10
years ago to CJD (Mad Cow) and while I miss the man, his spirit lives
on in me: I'm L., Jr. Thank you so very much for this timely, moving
missive to ALL PARENTS. To my Mom, J., I LOVE YOU. Thank You for being
there for me."
"I have just started
caring for my mother with dementia. She pushes me to the limit with
her anger, depression, argument and repeating everything. When I get
to the limit I can take no more, I try to remind myself how I would
feel without her, in my life. Even though I try to be very helpful,
caring and loving to her, this video, music, and words, really made me
take another view of myself and my mother. Thank you. All was
beautifully done."
December 16,
2007
"I think that the
music is beautiful. I am 65 years old, My dad passed away peacefully
in his sleep at 90. My mom is 96, has her good health, thank God and
lives in a nursing home. I was raised in a very loving home and was
taught to love, cherish each other. My brothers and I visit as often
as we can. I always kiss her, hold her, make her smile and bring her
dunkin donuts and ice cream and hot dogs. We never needed to be told
what to do as far as our parents were concerned. Just in the process
of life, that comes natural. I feel this video puts unnecessary guilt
on the children, and is very sad and depressing. I will never send it
to my children for I am certain that they are sensitive to the needs
of older people, they were raised to honor and respect others. The
tears will come soon enough. Laughter is the real medicine of life.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts. Fran Garante Miami
Beach Florida."
"I was really
touched."
December 15,
2007
"Very good &
enjoyed and sent around ----Thanks"
"I just saw the
Parents Wish at the same time I have Hospice care for my Mother,
This was so inspiring to me. I must have watched it several times.
Thank you so much for this lovely site, how it touched my heart you
can never know just know I am so grateful to have seen it."
"Thank you for all
you have done to present this beautiful video. I feel you have made a
difference in the lives of many people. All of us at sometime in our
lives with be faced with the effects of aging. Your message truly
reminds us how we should respect and embrace time spend with our
elders. Thanks so much, Jean"
"My Wife, both
granddaughters and myself were deeply moved by this presentation."
"What bitter sweet
memories. Thank you. Roger L. Beard Prairie Village, KS"
December 14,
2007
"These beautiful
thoughts are exactly what I would want to extend to our children."
"I love the song,
just done by a different artist. The photo's were not all displayed
with clarity. But the message was and is beautiful."
"Thank You!! This is
very true!! Nothing but beautiful! Saddening but true!! Hope a lot of
people understand after they see and hear this!"
"Those of us who
worked so diligently for years and years to get Paradise Costs--A
Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse out there are
grateful for your inspirational tribute to the aging of our country.
Thank you for allowing us to share this with our viewers as
inspiration to help us: STOP ELDER ABUSE NOW. God bless, Irene A.
Masiello, Author: Paradise Costs-A Victim's Daughter Fights Back
Against Elder Abuse, Member of the Elder Justice Coalition"
"Thank you for
sharing this beautiful perspective on our parents growing older (and,
ourselves...some day). My parents are still in fairly good health, and
I am thankful for that. At the same time, I know that these things
WILL COME...and they come before we are really ready or aware that
they are happening. I am a hospice chaplain...so I see these things,
that are spoken of, on a daily basis. Much of the time, we, as the
children of aging parents, are not prepared for it...and really don't
see it until it is upon us. Hopefully, your presentation will
encourage many to extend that same love, patience, understanding, and
respect to our parents...that they have extended to us, during our
lives. Once again, thanks for sharing with us. Michael W. McCauley"
"My mum will be 89
this 31 July. She is bedridden but she is always so cheerful and tells
me the news from the newspapers that she reads every morning. I love
her dearly and feel blessed that I can take care of her. Your power
point message is a good reminder to those of us who have to take care
of our elderly parents. The message is so true and so beautiful. Bless
the creator of the power point. Leila"
"I am 73 and a widow.
I cared for my mother until she died in my home. I cared for my
husband until he died at our home. I have lost both of my parents and
my husband. After being alone for several years, my eldest son
recently moved near me to be close in case I need him. Needless to
say, this video hit home. The tears are still coming."
December 13,
2007
"This is so
beautiful."
"This was so
beautiful. It made me think of my parents and think about my own
children and hope that they really understand this. It touched my
heart as nothing ever has. I wish I could take back a lot of things I
said to my mom, and wish I had more patience now. I really understand.
I hope she did. God bless the person that wrote this. I hope when I
get older that my children will think of this. I'm 64 now and my
husband is 70. It helps me understand him also. GOD BLESS YOU FOR
PRINTING THIS. PATTY FROM ROME GA"
"I cried the most
sincere tears. I often tease my boys with questions about how they're
going to treat me in my senior years. And they tease back and we
always laugh. Yet deep in my heart I always wonder if we'll be able to
keep laughing 'then'. The one gift I've definitely passed on to
both of my sons, is the ability to feel deeply, while I know this will
bring tears to their eyes, I hope too, that remembering this will see
them through when the time comes. Thank you for sharing this
incredible piece. Gloria Fischer"
"Dittos on all the
feedback. My parents sent this to me, (and to my other 6 brothers and
sisters), and it was very painful and sad to read, as we have lived 16
hours away for 27 years, and has been very hard not to be closer in
distance, especially for our 4 children. They have truly been an
inspiration to me all my adult life, taught us so much, and now we
hand it down to our children. Our children love their grandparents,
they call them, email them, and even visit them on their own even
though they are so far away. Now that we have 2 grandchildren, who
live in the same town as we do, we feel so blessed and grateful that
we see them all the time. It made me realize how much my own children
missed not being able to see their grandparents more often. But even
so, my parents never made us feel guilty. The totally understood that
we all need to live our lives, where ever that may be. They taught us
all well, and were and still are full of wisdom. As they age, though,
I feel a calling to be closer to them, even though I have other
siblings who live closer. And this video makes me feel the calling
even more so! Thanks so much for sharing! It was beautiful! Colette
from NC"
"I received this
today from a special friend and it could not have come at a better
time. I have been working for the last few months trying to finish my
family's genealogy report. This sometimes becomes very difficult
because it brings back some touching memories -- but also some very
difficult moments -- as my father suffered for years with Alzheimer's.
He was an extraordinary man, so vibrant and full of life during my
youth and it was sometime very difficult to cope with the changes that
occurred during his last years. Your presentation touched my heart
deeply and I felt that the message was coming directly from him. Thank
you for your dedication to this project which allowed me to remember
the many special years that I had with this remarkable man. My heart
is at peace. I will always remember you, Daddy."
"This was a beautiful
presentation. It makes me proud to work in Long Term Care and spend my
time with every individual in the home and treat each and everyone of
them with dignity and respect. Each person who I have given a smile,
or a helping hand too knows how much I care about them, and there are
many. I do not have grandparents of my own, they have all passed on,
so now, I have many to make up for my own loss. I only hope and pray
that everybody who sees this and is touched by this presentation will
understand that the elderly are not children. They have wishes of
their own, and we should respect them. Thank you again for sharing
such a heart felt slide show for people to see. -Jennifer B. Leith,
Ontario"
"Such a beautiful
video of what we older people go through at such a perilous time of
our lives when we are so lost and vulnerable should be noted by our
youths, and viewed by our seniors. Thank you for doing what you are
doing, I know God will bless you for being so caring."
December 12,
2007
"The same day I
received this email I found myself losing my temper with my 90 year
old mother on the telephone. I went back to the computer and watched
it again and again. I never erased it from my permanent email and
continue to go back and watch it whenever I seem to slip and forget
what this was all about. With so much trash going around on the
internet this has to be my all time favorite email. Our parents
deserve only the best. Steve Halfon"
"This was beautiful.
Deep down in our hearts it is my belief that we would all want to
grant the Parents' Wish. As we are humans, once in a while the
horns will threaten to flatten our halos and my prayer is that the
Good Lord may give us the strength we need and the desire to treat
others the way we want to be treated. Most importantly it is my prayer
that we may come to know and practice the true meaning of love. With
help from our Good Lord we can grant the Parents' Wish. Thank
you once again for an inspiring message. I quickly forwarded it to
friends and family. God bless."
"I was very touched
by Parents' Wish. I have lost both of my parents and my
mother-in-law is in nursing home with Alzheimer's. I am coping it down
for my boys to read and hope that they can understand it. I wish I
could have read it before my parent's passed away. But now it will
help me to deal with my mother-in-law better. Thank you for putting
this out there for all of us. I hope it will touch everyone. Shelia"
"I had to take care
of my mom after a tragic car accident. Many of these things in the
video I did for her, now I am helping her take care of my grandparents
when I know she still hasn’t recovered all the way from the accident 6
years ago. I do not begrudge one moment and I have thought many times
of each and every thing they have done for me, but because of the
circumstances of course there is no time to do what you have done. So
thank-you for this beautiful and tender expression of loyalty and
integrity. I watched it and felt the burden lift knowing there was
someone who understands…. And I can jump back into the busy days of
caretaking…with no regrets and greater enthusiasm.SEA"
"I really think it is
beautiful as I have parents in their 90’s and it reminds me that one
day I will be (God Willing) where they are. Bless you for such an
awesome site."
"Thank you so much
for this heartwarming reminder. My Mother who is 93 lives with me and
I don’t always give her the extra attention that she so deserves and
needs. It really is like raising a child again. However, she is so
worth it. She was and is a wonderful parent and I will try much harder
to give her the warmth and love she needs on a daily basis. Her world
is small and her needs are few. Love is really all she needs at this
point in her life. It is such a small thing, so easy to give. I thank
you for reminder and I will watch this video on a weekly basis to
remind me that life is fleeting and I am so very lucky to have my
Mother with me. Sybil Ackerman"
"What an awesome
video. The tears roll down my face. My mother is very old and not
doing well. I can tell she has lost the will to get better after many
rounds with cancer. My children do not understand why old people act
the way they do. I think many of us forget that they need us more.
They are still the same person that they were just in a body that old
and tired."
December 11,
2007
"This was fantastic,
and brought allot of things into perspective. THANK YOU!!"
"This is absolutely
beautiful and made me cry……thinking of my own parents, as well as my
future as I grow older. Thank you. Marilyn S. Kleiman"
"I think this would
be so delightful to read."
December 10,
2007
"Popson L Jones: It's
is obvious that your parents do not have Alzheimers. My mom passed
away from complications of cancer and Alzheimer. In each one of the
picture frames I could see my Mother. Not everyone is touched by the
truth of this message. Not everyone feels the need to hear this
message. My brother who lived closer to my mother than myself, never
made an effort to go see her. He is the number one son of four. I am
the baby of the bunch and was there as much as I could be with my
girls and wife, the last 2 years of her life. We tried to do
everything we could to make her last days comfortable. I received this
email the day after she passed. April 14, 2006. And to this day brings
tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. I see her in this message and
have the comfort knowing she was well taken care of. Patience
answering the same question a half dozen time in a 5 minute period.
Encouraging her to bath, especially when she didn't want to, helping
her to walk, when she couldn't walk by herself. You sound like my
brother- That's not how I want to remember my mom! - hope you won't be
selfish when the time comes for your parents!"
"Amazing!!!
amazing!!!! amazing!!!
"One of my officemate
send me this, actually during that time I'm too busy doing all the
reports which my boss told me, I have my deadline. I've noticed the
title Parents' Wish, I thought its just an ordinary picture or video,
but when I heard the song and the first picture come up, my tears
started to fall down. I remember my grand mother who use to be my
favorite lola. I remember the times she can jump and played
with me, taking care of me. I spent most of my college life with her,
everytime we have our school occasion she always prepare for my dress.
My Lola Ana is such a very good lola. But as time goes
by, little by little she gets older and older. She doesn't even
remember my name, even my other cousin. Sometimes I find her crying
with no reason, and when I asked her why, she simply replied, "Who
are you? Are you my husband?". The doctor said its normal,
actually we already accepted the fact. I really miss my lola.
Since she is in the province, everytime I call them and I asked my
mother to talked with her, when she's on the line, I just heard her
voice and asking my mother sounds she doesn't want to talk to me. She
was afraid of what cell phone is? How to use it, etc. As I continued
watching the video, I found it very powerful, inspiring, having full
of respect .I wanna thank and also give my warmest congrats for those
who gave their efforts to make this video. Your parents are so
lucky for having you guys, even though we don't know each other. I
know how good person you are. Thanks."
December 9,
2007
"We are great
grandparents 20 times. Though it was a number of years ago that we and
nearly all of our extended family celebrated our 50th wedding
anniversary, I shall always remember that as we entered the ballroom
the family had rented for the occasion our great granddaughter spotted
us from the far end of the hall and came running to us in pure joy
with her arms raised and squealing grampa grampa. Is it any
wonder that we continue to fight for those who will be here long after
we are gone? We remember when those we elected understood that it was
their duty to protect our founding documents and everything those
documents stood for. We remember a nation which was loved and revered
all over the world. We were there in WWII, the Korean war and what
seems like a thousand wars since. Though the world was at war, we were
at peace because we knew the Prince of Peace. Not peace as the world
knows it but with a peace 'that passes all understanding'. As
children, we even read our Bibles in school. We know God as our Father
and we were eager to know what He had to say to us. How quaint those
words sound to far too many of this generation who will never
understand how it is that we smile in the face of our adversities. So
now you will not find it strange when our family celebrates at our
funeral because they know that we have been homesick, every now and
then, for a few years now. John and Ardy Brogger"
"This was great and
very moving."
"This has to be one
of the most touching videos that I have ever seen. Tears ran down my
cheeks as I read each line. It made me think of my son whom I lost to
cancer last year, and my daughter and son that are left. I immediately
sent both of them this video. It can tell them more what their Dad and
I feel than we ever could. Thank you so much for sharing. Carol
Haller."
"Thank you very much.
That was the best video I have ever received. I received a message
from my daughter that we adopted when she was a little girl. Her
response to us with all her love was so wonderful that I had quite a
time to stop crying. My wife showed the same emotions as I. We love
our daughter so so very much and her return to us told us how much she
really loves us. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!"
"I have never
received an e-mail more powerful than this. I cried buckets. I wasn't
always as patient with my parents as I should have been. I now live in
a building of condos for older people and daily see life through
different eyes. You can be sure I will share this with my children and
other family and friends. Thank you so much for sharing it with the
world."
"I work in a nursing
home - so I have daily contact with those suffering from Alzheimers,
Parkinsons, and a host of other afflictions. I wish each and every one
of their children could see your presentation – they might visit more
often, have more patience, and show more love. Between Josh Groban’s
singing, the pictures and the verse, I used a lot of tissues! Peggy –
Rome, NY"
"A friend of mine
sent this to me on 8/29/07 not knowing that my dad was ill. He went
into the hospital on 9/12 (a day before my parents' 54th anniversary).
He got out of the hospital on 9/28 (his 80th birthday) and went back
in on 10/17. He never made it back home. My youngest daughter and I
listened to this together. It helped each of us to realize that my dad
was saying the last time he was ready to 'go home'. I had my
mom watch this also. It puts a lot of things in perspective when
dealing with a parent when our own lives are so fast paced and hectic.
It causes you to realize the need to slow down a little. I hope
everyone who receives this will listen to the words of the song and
also realize the meaning in the words. It's a powerful message of what
a parent does for their child, no matter how old you are."
"I am very impressed
with your film - much of it expresses my own feelings at this point in
my life."
"I was in awe of this
message. Our Mom has Alzheimer's and while we had patience, we were
not able to care for her which left a deep wound in my heart. She
seems happy in her world and I wonder, just wonder if sometimes, maybe
just sometimes has a small flash back of her wonderful life and
Family. When I see her smile, she is content, when she laughs she
seems happy, and when she says hello to me, even though she does not
know me, I say thank you God for the time she did know me. Thanks so
much for such special advice."
December 8,
2007
"Beautiful!"
"What a beautiful
reminder of the sacrifices our parents have made for us when we were
children and over the years since. We often forget that the aging
process is a natural part of life and not something to be ashamed of.
Thank you for bringing it into focus. After we dry our tears, that
is!"
December 7,
2007
"I don't think I have
ever received anything that touched me more than this did. Every
parent should transmit this to his or her children and pass it along
to all friends who are also parents. Perhaps it will bring about a
greater understanding within the younger generations and will endure
to perpetuate itself to children as yet unborn. It might also help
parents to realize how important their loving care will be, not only
to their own children but to generations to come. Thanks you so much
for preparing this beautiful presentation."
"Thanks so much. What
a tear jerker. I sent it to my six children and told them I hope it
got them where it hurts--the heart--giggle."
"It left me with
tears in my eyes. My mother lived with me for many years and then
developed Alzheimer. I wish I had a reminder like this to keep me
focused on what was important. We all need a reminder, regardless of
how good we think we are to our parents. This was beautiful. I
definitely want a copy when available. Thank you"
"That was so good. Do
you have it down on paper. I would love to send it to people who do
not have internet. It was great."
[Webmaster's note:
Click here
to view and print the wordings of the Parents' Wish]
"The presentation was
very heart warming! I have appreciated my parents more than ever... I
hope someday I can live up with the message of the Parents' Wish...."
December 6,
2007
"Wonder___full !
Thank you ! GOD BLESS America ! : ) K D , Balt., MARYland"
"My wife died 12
years ago, her parents each were an only child, I am an only child, my
daughter is an only child. She is the end of the line in both family
trees and I know she's terrified of the day when I too will die.
Perhaps this beautiful story set to such lovely music will in someway
ease her fears, sooth her soul, lift the burden of those heavy
thoughts from her heart. PLEASE do not remove this from the internet.
There are yet many souls to view it, find comfort in it."
"A friend sent this
to me today. It is hard to express my thoughts, but it is what I have
wanted to say to my children as I move along in age."
"Thank You! I
anxiously await the CD of Parent's Wish"
"It really inspires
me to love and respect more of my mom. I was really touched by the
message, It really touched my heart. I cried a lot while I'm watching
the slideshow. Now, I'm always reminded by that whenever I had hard
time understanding my mom. I now know how their thoughts and feelings.
Little things mean so much to them. Now, I always keep in mind about
the message revealed to me and I think it is a wake up call to all
those children who have think they had hard time with their parents. I
sincerely thank you so much for such a wonderful job you shared with
us. In Christ Alone, Cherry Alcantara"
"I find it hard to
believe that some people are critical of this beautiful piece. I only
have one word for it: AWESOME!!!
"This is terrific
especially for me to share with the youths. Hope I be in mail."
"Heartwarming and the
feedback uplifting in a world that desperately needs hope and love."
December 5,
2007
"This was a truly
touching message. Thanks"
December 4,
2007
"This is
awesome....................."
"Truly a beautiful
site to go to .. would like to be added to your email listing as
well..."
"I received this in
an email from a friend the night I left to see my Granddaddy for what
may have been the last time. I cried like a baby, the song, the
messages that it conveys. I had watched my Granddaddy's health decline
very rapidly in just a few weeks and he went from healthy as a horse
at 92 to unable to to even speak by the time I got there. He passed 48
hours later. The song touched me in such a profound way that I used
it, pictures and video of his life and made my own DVD for my family.
The messages are all true to my experiences and everyone else's who's
parents and/or grandparents are ailing. Today, my friend from years
past contacted me to offer his condolences and told me about his
grandfather that is slipping away and that he's not really sure how to
deal with the changes. I sent him this email and I hope it helps him
as it has helped me and my family. In Loving Memory of Maher and Susan Safadi; Damascus-Syria"
"My friend sent the
link today. I am home this morning because I am not feeling good.
Something that follows me around. I always think sometimes will the
pains go away from my heart, when I think back to my father. As I look
to the future for my mother who is aging quickly. This week my Dad
would have been 89 but he stopped celebrating his arrival two years
ago. He said he wanted to go and I had to come to terms with that all
alone. Today I watched this beautiful movie and I LISTENED. Maybe he
meant for me to see this today to remind me it was ok. I always wanted
to be a better daughter but so much time had passed by over the years
because of distance and loss of hugs missed for so long. I love you
Dad, Happy Birthday. Its ok to smile, you are free to go now, I guess
I needed to keep you closer inside and didn’t want to believe. I miss
calling you. Promise never to stop talking to me, I will listen
forever. Your Daughter, Pauline"
"Thanks this was
nice! April"
"This comes to me at
a very sad time in my life but I will send it on to my daughter in
hopes that she realizes that she does indeed have a mother who loves
and cares very deeply for her. I have not seen nor heard from her in
nine years, nor have I seen my two grandsons in that length of time.
This is due to some bad counseling on her part in which they have
planted some false memories which she believes. I'm in hopes that this
video will stir some good memories of her childhood in her. Thank you
for this beautiful poem and that my favorite gentleman sang it. He's
the best!"
"This is beautiful
and I heard Josh Groban on American Idol with the little kids from
Africa. That really touched me so that I cried in awe of what we all
can do to lift people up to the LORD and prayer for all. Sincerely
Lisa"
"Absolutely beautiful
way to remind our children that we just want them to accept us as we
grow older. So Many aging adults, especially in nursing homes, do not
get ample time to spend with their children because of the rush of the
world. These older 'residents' need to be respected and there
is so much we can learn from them."
"I played this three
times, and while the printed words don't all fit my sister, enough do;
with the song and the pictures I thought of her -- she died of cancer
in March -- and found more ease. I sent it to her best friend."
December 3,
2007
"Wow thanks that
was beautiful! Perfect song! We shouldn't take them for granted!"
"My Mama sent this to
me to view, and it was awesome!! As I am now grown, and have a
teenager of my own, and live in another state than my parents, it is
refreshing to hear and view, that love and caring still exist in our
world today. The love that a parent has for their child is unlike
anything else in the world. The love that is given in return is
unlimited and never ending. Thank you for reminding me, just the
importance that family really is. Chattanooga, Tennessee"
"That was absolutely
beautiful. My mother is 88 years old and is beginning to get to the
point where she cannot do things for herself. This really helped
inspire me to be more patient with her. Thank you. ENichols"
"Sure makes it sound
like raising a child was a chore. 'Had' to do this, 'had'
to do that. And why does someone have to beg for their child's love?
If the child was raised in all the good ways that a parent 'has'
to raise a child, the love, affection, and attention will come as a
normal part of life's progression. You reap what you sow. Raise a
child with patience, you get patience in return. Show a child
attention, attention you will get. Be interested in what a child says,
the child will have an interest in what you say."
"Thank you so much
for a wonderful tribute to our parents! I also work with senior
citizens and this truly touches my heart!! This tribute will be passed
on . My Mother just sent it to me and I will send it to my daughters
and my brothers and sister. Thank you for touching all of our hearts!!
Mary E. Grace"
"Many thanks, very
moving."
"For all those who
forget how much your parents did for you, I challenge anyone to see
this slideshow and not feel any emotion at all. This world needs to
pull back together and remember family values, morals, and traditions
with love and respect not only for ourselves but the world around us.
Then we truly can live and stop the violence around us. God Bless
America! In God I put my trust!"
December 2,
2007
"This would be even
more beautiful if the song was shown in sign language for the deaf. I
have a deaf brother and sister-in-law and I will send it to them but
they won't hear the song, which is beautiful."
"Your video was nice
but I do not want to tell my son how to behave with me. I cared for my
son out of love and love does not need to be paid. I wish you would
take this out of circulation or redo it so it won’t tell the younger
generation what to do. We haven’t been the perfect parents and to now
ask this of them would be only adding to the expectations we tend to
have of them. Guilt serves no purpose at any time."
"When my Dad became
very ill at age 85 I felt guilty that I lived so far from him. I flew
in a few times and did things I didn't know that I could ever do. I
even washed his entire body without shame. I let him know he was loved
and it was okay. When I got this I started to cry my eyes out and I am
going to send it to my son who is sleeping in the next room. My Mom
really should get all the credit in the world. She took in my Dad's
Father for 9 years. Then her Mom at the same time my Dad's dad was
living with us. She also took into her home a family member that had
problems at a young age and then a cousin's wife who had a drinking
problem and no where to go. Then her brother who was alone and had
lots of problems lived with her for many years. Then my brother needed
a liver and she took in him and his wife. He died after one week
there. After all of that my Mom said, while in her seventies, I am
done taking care of people. Well she wasn't then my Dad who was 12
years older than her got ill. She took care of this big 6 foot man
until the day he died. She did everything for him. He could not walk
for a long time. Then he died and then she got sick and had to have an
operation. She survived!!!!! She is a walking ANGEL. I love her and
want to dedicate this song to Rose Pepe, My Rose.. I love you Mom, LUV,
Annmarie"
"One of the most
beautiful emails I've ever had the pleasure of viewing. I've forwarded
it to all our six (6) children, as my wife would say 'Three the
easy way and three by marriage.'"
December 1,
2007
"Excellent!!!! Thank
you!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"In February, I moved
my parents to Penticton as they realized that living in their own
apartment was getting too much for them. They lived in Vernon about 90
km away. They were ready to move to assisted living and I knew I
wanted them close. My life is still quite busy but I say gladly, it
stops if they need me or my same sex partner. They always say thank
you whenever we come around but it is I that should say thank you.
They have always been there for me even when I didn't think I wanted
them around. Aren't we glad that our parents are stubborn. My parents
sent this beautiful piece of love to my sister who lives 3,000 km away
and to me. I was touched and honoured. I've spent a few hours in
emergency and have driven them to doctors and picked up groceries and
it makes me feel grateful to know I can repay them for even a small
amount of all they've given throughout my life."
November 30,
2007
"So, I'm trying to
figure out the message in the video. What I took from it was,
'Please, please, please don't put me in a home! For the love of God!
I'm your parent!' Did I miss anything? Not sure why this is so
powerful. I actually find it rather sad and depressing that anyone
could feel the need to put something like this out there. Now,
granted, my parents are goin' to a home. But it's nice and and the
don't even lock them in until 9 p.m. And the bingo is free! So, good
luck with this. I know you're not going to post this message to the
site, but I wanted you to at least know that some people out here
think you need help. Maybe go for a walk. That always makes me feel
better. All the best, Papson L. Jones Boca Raton, FL".
"This is a beautiful
presentation. The scenes and the music are perfect. My mother raised 3
children as a single parent. Times were very difficult. She got cancer
in her 40s, and died at the age of 49. My youngest brother was only 13
when mom died. We are grown up now, and we all turned out fine, thanks
to the values and morals that our mother gave us. We miss her
terribly. Please show more women in the video. Show a younger woman
with three children, on her own. Show a middle aged woman who is ill
and knows that she won't live to see her children grow up. This would
convey the fear and sadness that my mother lived with in the last
years of her life. Thank you for giving me this venue to express my
feelings. Patricia Young"
"One of my pro bono
editors sent your video to me and it made me weep remembering my
father and his influence in my life."
"It brought tears to
mine and my husbands eyes and we wondered if our children will do this
for us. When you look at all that's going on in this world with our 60
and over generations you wish that all the kids would take this to
heart. You wish they could REMEMBER when they were little and all we
did for them through the days and all through the nights! Life styles
are rushed and filled with stress with no time for family anymore.
Hence all the crime. Families are not as important as they were when
my husband and I were growing up. Listening to this and Josh Groban
singing one of my favorite songs it brought me to tears. My tears were
for the Nation! I hope our generation will not be the last generation
to do this when you watch the news these days. Thank you so much for
this beautiful message a Parents Wish. I miss my parents sooooooooo
much, but this brought me peace of mind that I gave all this love to
them and can feel at peace when I meet them again in a better place."
"I just watched a
Parents Wish and yes I did cry at the beautiful memories I have of
my mother and father who are no longer here. My daughters and
granddaughters will under stand how the circle of life really does not
change. Thank you so much for understanding no one stays young
forever."
"Having lost both my
parents and having gone through this process the video stirred my
heart to the point I broke down and cried. It is how I felt about them
and all they did for me when I was young. Now, I will send this to my
two grown sons hoping they will understand and have patience with me
in my old age. Jamie Benson Houston, Texas"
"Though I can see
your point of helping the younger generation understand what was done
for them, it seems too fatalistic a message for me. Yes, some elderly
become very frail and fragile but there are many that don't. I agree
with the person who wrote that if you've sown love and respect into
their lives (and everyone around you), it should return to you when
you need the extra care."
"Lovely, and you
couldn't have picked a better song to go with it. Thank you.
Margaret."
"The writer may mean
well, but it seems that the parents in the show are asking for return
of the favours they once gave their children. This is what I hear them
say: 'Please be nice to me, as I was nice to you when you were
young.' This is not love. This is bargaining. It would be better
if the words were said by children instead of by parents."
November 29,
2007
"I just wanted to
thank you for this beautiful reminder of how we need to be there for
our parents as they cope with the aging process. We just placed my
mother in a nursing home this week and it was the most difficult
decision we have ever had to make. My parents just celebrated their
60th anniversary and now my father goes home each evening alone to a
bed he shared with my mother for most of their lives. Thank you for
helping me to be there for both of my parents and to let the
frustration go and enjoy the time I have with them. The timing of a
friend sending this to me this week was God's work! God Bless you!"
"I just cried and
cried. It is indeed a moving scene as I see my 75 year old dad. I
appreciate him more as he walks down the lonely road but to be at
peace in paradise. Thank you. Papua New Guinea"
"AWESOME,,,, I am now
taking care of my mother after my dads untimely passing and we younger
caregiver need all the prayers, help and inspiration we can get. Thank
you so much."
"I thought your
Parent's Wish was beautiful. Heart warming and sweet. I hope my
children listen to it."
"My 85-year-old
mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has gone through
2 surgeries and 6 weeks of radiation treatments. I've been there for
her through most of this and only wish I have many more years to help
her as needed. She's visiting now after her treatments and is doing
very well. I saw this and went out to the kitchen to give her a hug.
She was surprised but happy. She sacrificed so much for all of us
growing up and I only hope I can pay her back now. Thank you for this
slideshow."
"I was just sent this
from my Mother in law. I am 53 years old and I live 500 miles from my
children, the minute I opened this page I began to cry, not because my
children forget me, but because of my job I do. I am an in home
caretaker. I go into the elderly's homes when they have no one else
that cares and I take care of their needs, if that means I bathe them,
I cook meals for them, I help them shop or make calls. Sometimes it is
just to go into their home and talk with them. They are all such
wonderful human beings and they deserve our respect and love. When I
go to their homes and for years I see no one visit them it makes my
heart ache. Yes they have family, the typical excuse, their busy. it
angers me to know their own children are to busy to place a ten minute
call or make a half hour stop to say hello. Thank you for this page, I
can only hope it hits one person in the heart and they go and see
their parents today."
"God bless you! A
wonderful way to explain getting older to our adult kids and looking
lovingly at our aging parents."
November 28,
2007
"My mamma is
DEFINITELY in this presentation's category. I bawled and bawled just
now viewing it. It takes someone like you and me to truly
'appreciate' this - someone who has (had) been blessed from our
Father God to have wonderful parents. Thank you - and God bless you."
"I think this is the
most moving thing I have ever seen on the internet. I sent it to my
son and daughter. This is the email I got back from my daughter:
'Well, Thanks for making me cry in the middle of the day, but I can
see the point. I do have to say that I will be there for you but rest
assured it will be a few years yet before you need me!!' My
husband said he was waiting for the funny punch line and didn’t get it
at all. Maybe it’s a girl thing. No response from my son, so far. But
I thought it was amazing. I was my mother’s primary care during her
last years. As a single parent, she made it possible for me to go to
teacher’s training college and provide for my children. It was hard
work and I didn’t do it because I expected any return from my
children. I did it for love of my mum and what she had done for me and
my kids. I don’t expect my children to make great sacrifices for me as
I grow old, but I would like them to understand what happens to us in
our advancing years. I hope I have set a good example. This has
unloaded an enormous 'guilt trip' for me. Thank you…it’s
beautiful!"
"Just wonderful!!
Couldn't have come at a better time!"
"I don't want to
guilt my children into taking care of me, or listening to my stories
over and again, or being patience with me. I know they will do all of
that because of the love I gave them and taught them love and caring
all the time they were growing up. So don't send this to your children
and make them feel sad and crying for guilt. They will do this and
know this because of your Love for them. Maybe you will have to send
this if you were an awful parent. I hope you weren't, even if you have
memories of difficult times with them as teenagers, I'm sure they
understand by now and don't hold it against you. Your Love over the
years will carry you thru. Please don't guilt them into this if they
already know how to treat you and love you and take care of you thru
your Love for them."
"WOW!! Powerful!! Is
this available to show to a group? I teach a PCA & CNA class, would
love to share."
"I am the director of
social services at an assisted living facility and was emailed a link
to your presentation. It touched me very much and I want to share it
with my peers."
"I really love the
Parents' Wish slideshow which was send to me by a friend. Please
let me know when you are producing the slideshow into a CD that I can
order from you. Thank you for sharing this beautiful slideshow with
Josh Goban’s song! I would like to give a copy each to my children
when I grow old."
"Received this from
my uncle Bill. I am taking care of my mom, age 90 and it is becoming
harder everyday for her. This touched my heart and opened my eyes at
the same time. God Bless you for making it available."
November 27,
2007
"My mom just sent me
the Parent's Wish video. I am 19, and I already feel like I
should be giving back to my parents. As sad as I know the future might
be, I am looking forward to taking care of them like they took care of
my younger brother and I. -Judy"
"It was wonderful,
tears came to my eyes. I have lost both my parents and grandparents.
It reminded me so much of the things I used to do for them. Heaven
sent."
November 26,
2007
"Nice utopian
wish for all parents and children but in today's world with so many
single parents and absent mothers or fathers I can understand why the
younger generation can give a hoot what happens to their parents or
elders. They weren't given the love and care your video indicates and
in fact with 70% of all marriage in America ending in divorce, broken
homes and children separated by 2nd, 3rd or 4th marriages with a pile
of step parents. I do not really like the video as it attempts
to guilt trip children into some kind of sick twisted parental revenge
for their ignoring you like you did them when they were young. You
only have yourself to blame as a parent, if your children ignore you.
Parents you give and care for your children as a gift granted by God.
You should never expect them to repay you but to pay the debt to their
own children. If you want them to repay you otherwise then your just a
revengeful, selfish, twisted, bitter person and maybe that selfish
parent who caused it all in the first place. A loving family always
makes sure the elderly are included until the end. They did not just
do it, they learned it from their parents and grandparents. We must
all also ask ourselves what example did I give to my children when I
was called upon to care for my parents. How did you measure up,
children learn by example of their parents!"
"Absolutely
Breathtaking !!!! Tears are literally flowing from my eyes. Just an
absolutely beautiful understanding of a Parent's undying Love for
their Children and wanting the absolute best for them. Many Blessings.
Bonnie (Mother of 3 Daughters)"
"Our family is in the
middle of all that this has reminded us. Alzheimers has taken our
mother and the role reversal earlier than all of us expected. I have
sent this to my siblings to remind us what our parents have done for
us and to share with their children and all our friends that have
supported us thru our mother’s disease. This has hit home in so many
ways and a wake up call for every second we nurture our children and
care for our parents. PATIENCE and LOVE are so important."
"I am so thankful for
Parents' Wish. I have experienced and have had the
opportunity and blessings of being connected to wonderful, wise, and
loving parents, friends, and others who deserve to be understood and
to be allowed dignity they have so earned. Thank you my wonderful best
friend, Emily...you are one-of-a-kind!-- with love and respect, PA"
"It is very touching
to me as I lost my husband 'hero' [Yonkers, New York
firefighter]six months ago to cancer which was due to smoke . He had
sent away for Josh Groban CD with that song on it and I listen to it
every day and cry as it is very emotional, the video with the song is
very emotional too as we were married for 46 years. While my husband
was having treatment for cancer in Mississippi, our children were
there so we were not alone. They took turns coming and staying a week
at a time. So I can say we raised great caring children. Our
granddaughters whom were little when that song came out loved it and
could sing it right to the last word. They are now 10 and 12 years
old. I will send Parents' Wish on to all of our friends whom
have children. Thanks and God bless. Mrs. Carmine [Pat] Viggiano"
"This is he most
beautiful message I have ever read."
"I cannot fight my
tears flowing whenever I see this video. There are times that we tend
to forget how to be patient with our parents. I’d lost my dad to
cancer in 2001, and still, though I can conceal it to the world, the
pain of loss is still great in my heart. Thank you so much for coming
up with this – the words and song are perfect….the message – profound!
I just hope each and every one of us remembers the sacrifices our
parents had done for us."
November 25,
2007
"If only it could be
edited for the single surviving parent!"
"Thank you for having
put so much thought into this beautiful presentation. It is one email
that I intend to keep."
"This is the most
beautiful email I have ever received. My brother sent it to me and I
sent it to our 2 wonderful sons, one just turned 40 and the other one
is 43. They are the most patient children parents could ever have.
They do so much for their Dad and me. They are a blessing and always
have been, even when they did stuff they shouldn't. I have friends
that have said we spoil them and my reply to that was we tried to be
good parents and the only thing we would do different is do a better
job. Thanks for the video. It is awesome. It was difficult to see my
computer screen for the tears, but it was worth it. lol. I feel I
never did enough for my parents but if they could speak right now they
would say different. God bless you for creating this video.....:O)"
"This is the most
beautiful thing I have ever received. I forwarded it on to my two
children, who I hope will get the message. They are almost in their
30's, and do not have the patience for me, nor bother to understand or
make time for me. I hope this gets through to them and helps them to
be more understanding of my 'getting on' in age and not being
able to do the things I once was able to. Thank you for such a
beautiful thing....EM"
"Thank you for your
BEAUTIFUL presentation, Parents' Wish. I still cry everyday for
my parents who have been gone some years, now. Daddy, 12 years ago at
the age of 80 and Mom, 3 years at the age of 91. I took care of Mom
those last years but I'll never feel I did enough. Mom's hearing was
bad even with hearing aids and the TV sound drove me nuts but I would
give anything to have the chance to help her again. Mom and Daddy were
the most loving, kind, honest and gentle people I've even known. God
truly blessed me to have the most wonderful parents. I miss them SO
very much and I don't think that's ever going to change. I look
forward to the day I'll see them waiting on the other side with their
arms open wide for me."
"This video brought
me to massive tears!!! What a wonderful message!!! God bless you :)"
November 24,
2007
"This is by far the
most beautiful e-mail I have ever received. All the verses touched me
(since I'm getting older I see myself over and over) and of course I
did cry. I'd like to find a way to save it. I've sent it on and hope
they all do the same....MJ"
"This is very
beautiful and deeply touching."
"I am a director of
an assisted living. I was so touched by 'Parents Wish'. It
really hits home what we try to provide here in our community every
day."
"This is the most
beautiful site I have EVER seen since I owned a computer and my first
computer was a Tandy Radio Shack. Please let me know if this becomes
available on DVD and/or CD. The graphics and song are made for each
other. Thank you."
November 23,
2007
"Magnificent! I
forwarded this on to my 3 sons, and many friends. My Mother passed
away almost 3 years ago and what a pleasure it was to help her in any
way I could. I'll never forget all she did for me for 55 years! My
oldest son is suffering from severe alcoholism. He 'raised me up'
many times when he was just a little boy by his never ending joyful
personality. Now I'm trying to be there for him in his darkest hours.
My sons lived in a home where dad was an alcoholic and they saw abuse.
I forwarded this beautiful email to them when I read the line that
talks about, 'despite the mistakes I made (by staying in the
marriage too long) I always wanted the very best for them'. Lynda"
"I thank you so much
for posting this touching video clips that made me cry. I received it
from a friend of mine and I forwarded it to many of my friends who
also been touched and cried by the slides. The slides is a wake up
call to all of us who often forget to take turn to take care of their
parents when they are old the same way they care good care of us when
we were young. To those who thinks that their old and fragile parents
are a burden for them, now is the time to think otherwise. God bless
all parents and those children who takes care of their parents with
full love, respect, and understanding."
"I know several
people who need to see this who have no computer. Would love to have
CD so I can convert to DVD for them."
"My Dad has
Parkinson's disease so I was deeply moved by the video."
"Love, Love, Love the
music. Of course the words were very difficult to read through the
tears. Both of my parents have been gone for some time now, and I
could see them in each of the words. I loved the words, I think that
they are just telling us not to let all their wisdom and love, and
dignity, their hard times, all they went through for their children,
don't let a moment go by without either calling them on a regular
basis, have a meal with them, offer to take them somewhere without
them having to ask us to. Quite a message for us in those words. With
one of my ministries being in a nursing home, I can see this every
day, as many don't have any visitors. This is sad. And for just a kind
word, a prayer a smile you will feel like the most important person in
the world. God will bless you for all you do for your parents, and if
they are no longer around, there must be some elderly people who live
nearby, or visit a nursing home and just see how you will make their
faces light up. Thank you so very much for this great slideshow, and
the song was perfect, one of my favorites. Joan Y."
November 22,
2007
"Have just watched
this for the second time. The first time I cried so much I
couldn't.... We lost our mom in July to Alzheimers and our Dad is now
alone. They celebrated 55 years of true love in January, and I am so
proud to be one of their children. I will keep the lesson in my heart
forever, our family raised her up. She so loved life, was a true
survivor. Blessing to you on this Thanksgiving night. Patti H"
"I just came back
from having shared Thanksgiving with my mom and several other
residents and family members at her nursing home, and had to view this
beautiful message once again. The first time my friend sent it to me,
I cried for hours thinking about my late father, but then I remembered
I still had a mother. I visit her just about every day and there are
times I am certain she doesn't recognize me as her daughter but still
I struggle to get there every evening. This tribute helped to put
things a little more in perspective for me...perhaps she can no-longer
communicate with me in a normal fashion and is just a fragment of who
she once was, but I'm certain that some-where she sees me. Thank
you...Grace"
"My wife and I not
only appreciate the very good voice of 'Josh Groban' as well as the
thoughts and the importance of our parent's through out our lives.
Thanks."
"This is beautiful."
"I've just finished
watching this beautiful video and I'm writing this with tears in my
eyes. My father passed away 2 1/2 years ago with Dementia and my
mother is suffering from Alzheimers right now. Today would have been
their 69th wedding anniversary and nothing could have reminded me more
of my love for them then this video. Thanks for a job well done and I
totally agree that all high school kids should have to view this
video. Christine"
November 21,
2007
"First, Josh Groban’s
song is an incredibly beautiful one, perfect for the message, and
viewing the message from a child’s perspective gives one great
inspiration. However, as a mother and grandmother who is seeing this
for the first time (long after our own parents are gone), I could only
think as I was reading it that I could NEVER forward this message to
my children, as it has a scolding tone to it if actually coming from a
parent, with an added layer of guilt: 'Be sure to take care of us;
remember we took very good care of you for a long time!' The
message is ultimately a good one—that we become the children as we age
and may need a whole new level of understanding; but I wish the tone
had been much softer. Once again: If you view the message as the
child, reflecting on the message in regard to your own parents, the
perspective is inspiring; but viewing it once more as the parent and
considering how the message would impact your children if YOU were to
send it to THEM, you’ll have an entirely different feeling about it. I
believe my adult children would be insulted if WE were to send this to
them, and I wouldn’t blame them."
November 20,
2007
"A thousand thanks
for you and your helper's efforts for the beautiful rendition of a
Parent's Wish! I am typing this with tears in my eyes for the lovely
thoughts and one of my favorite singers and song, You Raise Me Up.
Have often wondered what the inspiration was for the song, but yes,
this does fit the message very well, maybe I will learn original
later. You are probably familiar with the Olympic Women's Skate winner
(Japanese, Susuki) in 2006 who skated to 'You Raise Me Up'. It
was a an awesome, perfect performance for skater, singer and song
also. It will be wonderful to share it with others."
"When I see the
Slideshow, it touched my heart, I'm crying."
"This email arrived
today which happens to be my 81st birthday. I took it as an
opportunity to tell my two daughters how they have already fulfilled
all all these wishes and how much I love them. Thank you for putting
my feelings into words and beautiful music. From a gratefful mom."
"This is the most
beautiful and touching. It brought piece it bought tears to me. I
can’t say enough about this. This is so truce. Please make this
available to every one. Thank you. Joanne"
November 19,
2007
"Thank you so much
for this beautiful video to remind us all of life as a blessing. I
just lost my grandpa 11/16/07. My grandma is still living and this
Friday would have been their 65th wedding anniversary. A friend sent
me this video several months ago, which I saved in my archive mail.
Tonight was grandpas' viewing, I just got home and could think of
nothing else but finding and replaying this video. My mother, grandma
and myself were all caretakers for grandpa. I could never imagine not
taking care of any of them the way they have always taken care of me.
I am 41 and my parents and grandparents have always taken care of me
and I will do the same for them until their dying days. It is not
something that is owed, rather something that any child should have
room in their hearts to do and to do it never with regret, but with
love and thankfulness for all that was given to them. Any of us that
still have parents and grandparents left.....never miss the
opportunity to tell them how much you love them, and to thank them for
everything they have done for you, because tomorrow might be too late.
Thank you again for such an amazing song choice and video...Jennifer"
"This is a beautiful
video! It's so ironic that when we were young what's happening to our
old folks wont happen to us in the future. We forgot the things they
experience with us when we were young. Welcome to the the club."
"AMEN to this advise.
It should be read and listened to with the heart, by grandparents,
parents, children and the grandchildren. Often we forget those older
than us have walk in our shoes and we need to remember patience and
understanding with the age group that will be you one day."
"I thought it was
beautiful and that everyone should see it."
"I am a 46 year old
male whose father just recently became ill. He has had two heart
attacks in the past that were both very mild. He sometimes repeats
himself or forgets what he called to tell me. I usually find myself
very short or curt with him and rushed to get off the phone. After
viewing this video I promised myself I will be more patient and
understanding with him. For that I say 'THANK YOU'. Life really
is too short. Alan"
"What a beautiful
story this tell. At 73 years of age it means more to me than I could
ever say, it holds great truth. You sure do know how to bring a tear
to the eye of a old man. Thank you."
November 18,
2007
"This is very lovely
in song A beautiful message BUT the printed content is too much about
guilt and not enough about love and caring and just plain
responsibility. I could never send this to my sons and make them feel
guilty. They watched me and my sisters take turns caring for my
parents until they were 90 and when the time came lovingly put them
both in a nursing home. My mother and dad never told me 'I did it
for you so you owe me and should do it for me.' If anything they
asked to be independent and so much appreciated the help we gave to
keep them that way. It is all about loving and caring and Family. PS
BTW I had a horrible childhood and I forgave them. It was the best
thing I ever did for myself. When they passed 2 months apart. I was
peaceful."
"Wonderful
perspective. This should be required viewing for every high school
student. Thank you."
"I truly think this
is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!!"
"Thank You for making
me take the time to remember! How soon we tend to forget the really
important things in life. Thanks Again for your time and Effort. Mark"
November 17,
2007
"This video really
touches my heart. We have one son and he has one child who is 3 year
old. 3-26 our son is going to be 35. My husband is 69 and has had
cancel twice and just finished with Kemo treatments and has other
health problems. I am 63 and also have health problems. I am having
back surgery 3-27-07 and I listened and read the video and it was so
true to life. Would you prey for me, my husband and son that we will
be good after surgery. I know God will be with me and family. Jane "
"How appropriate a
friend sent this to me. I have to tell my sons I have cancer. Thank
you."
"I love it, it's
BEAUTIFUL."
"Thank you for
sharing this beautiful writing! Tressa"
"WOW. Awesome. I am
65 and have a 12 year old grandaughter who has a beautiful voice. For
my husbands 67th birthday last year, I had her professionally record
this song for him. As you might imagine, he was in tears, then and
again now in viewing this presentation. Judie"
"I work in a long
term care facility and this would be a great asset to have played at
work for the care workers."
"My papa sends this
to me every year. It is a great movie and makes me cry every time I
see it. My nana has a type of MS and has for over three years, so this
compels me to try to spend more time with her and my papa THANK YOU
FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO!!"
"This is one of the
very best videos I have ever seen! It touched my heart. It has such
stirring messages, which are so true. I love the elderly and was a
hospice volunteer for almost 10 years. I am 60 years old now and I
hope my two sons will abide by my wishes if I live long enough to be
in the position that the video is talking about. I will print the
words and keep them in my Bible. Thank you so very much for all of
your work in getting this great video on the Internet! God Bless You!"
November 16,
2007
"Absolutely
beautiful! My mom died 4 years ago, and I was her caregiver during her
last year. This reflects everything I tried to do for her—give her the
love, dignity and respect she so deserved during the most difficult
last year of her life, when she could no longer communicate well but
would still smile and her eyes would still sparkle. It was a difficult
last year, but well worth every sacrifice I had to make to do it. I
have no regrets--I know I did all I knew to do for her, and she knew
how much I loved her because of it. More people need to see this video
and understand that it becomes our turn to give back to them after all
they did for us. Thank you for such a beautiful expression of love!"
"Thank you for this
wonderful piece. Should help our families understand us oldies. The
music and vocal with it are well suited. Just lovely thank you. Ruth
R"
"I just viewed the
email of a Parents' Wish and it was so beautiful and true it made me
cry. I just love it and keep playing it over and over but soon it will
be gone off my PC and I love it so I want my own CD. Thank You and God
Bless"
"My mother passed
away Nov 7, 2006 and this is what I did for her. I was by her side the
entire time taking care of her. I would not let go into a home just
because she was sick with caner, she did take care of me when I was
sick and so this was a great way to say thank you. I love you very
much and will always miss you, you were my best friend and my mother.
MKC"
"I loved this so
much. It made me cry and you picked the perfect song to go with it.
Thanks so much for doing this. Tonya"
"This is absolutely
the best, my mother has passed on and I miss her tremendously. My
father is still living but his health is waning. He is very
independent and at times in my mind I think of my daughter who also is
very independent, looking at me and saying 'Me do it!' So I
give him the independence that he longs for when possible. I do have
some issues concerning things that may or may not have happened
between my parents. My father has unresolved issues with my mother
that are making him very bitter. They were unresolved because of her
health and caused me to be unsympathetic, angry and impatient with my
father. This video reminds me of the trials he went through in helping
to raise me. Thanks for the reminder that his world isn't always
easier than mine and he deserves the time and patience to grow at his
own speed and that I need to show the tolerance and patience they gave
me when I was learning about life in general. This is much
appreciated, once again, thank you. This is the best."
"The tears just
wouldn't stop flowing. My parents were married for 67 yrs. and on July
2, 2006, died within hours of each other. They were both ill and their
love for us kids was very strong, but their love for each other was
even stronger as if there was only 'one' heart between them.
This is the most beautiful email I've ever received."
"I too have been
deeply moved!! It tore my heart out and touched me all at the same
time. I had a good cry."
"Thank you so much
for sharing this beautiful message. My daughter forwarded it to me and
it is exactly how I feel about life. I also sent it to many on my list
and one was my niece that has just lost her mother, her comment:
'Aunt Ruth, What a tear jerker! I will quit crying maybe in 2010! I
miss mom sooooooooooo much. Love ya, Janet.' Again thank you for
sharing."
November 15,
2007
"As I sat here
watching this video, all I could think of were the many patients I see
who just want some respect and dignity. So many of them are being
cared for by their children like they are a burden. I literally cried
watching this. I wish I could have been home to take care of my mother
when she was dying now I hope that my father will ask for help when he
needs it. Thank you"
"Thank you, thank
you, thank you. Having been a caregiver for my father for 14 months,
so many memories came flooding back and huge tears with them.... so
much hit so close to home and it gave me the outlet to have a
much-needed cry that has been building up out of guilt as to whether I
did enough or understood enough or had patience enough. I think I did
most of what had been asked and have been blessed to be a caregiver
AND to receive this wonderful expression of love."
"Thank you for a most
beautiful email for us to share with our children and grandchildren. I
am sure they will also share our memories and tears as they read/and
listen to it. Thanks again for one of the most beautiful emails I have
read and will be sharing."
"Your PARENTS' WISH
presentation deeply cut a heavy wound in my heart. It's really true
and struck me right on my head. My parents died 15 years ago. This
will be as bright as the sun eye- opener to those people who still
have the opportunity to be with their old parents and give them time
to listen and take time to understand them while there is still time.
Thank you and God bless."
"So inspiring!!!!"
"This video really
brought memories. My dad battled Alzheimers/dementia for 6 years, 5
were spent in a nursing facility. I was so moved that I emailed this
to the nursing home, suggesting they make it part of their training
program. Maybe their staff might have more patience with the elderly."
"The message is so
true for all children toward their parents. We should all show our
love and understanding or lest we forget that we all will also be
there soon."
"I just happened to
get this today, 2 years since my father passed away and it was very
moving to say the least. I work with senior citizens and in many types
of places, so this once again reminded me to be patient and
understanding. However, more so the challenge lies with my mother, who
is aging, mourning, and trying to find her way through life without my
dad. It is HOME that I have to go and remember the messages and
preciousness of life. I thank God every day I have her in my life
despite the mother and daughter ups and downs. As an only child with
few relatives, the family is getting smaller, but my reaching out and
love must expand, since every day is a gift. Focus on Life."
November 14,
2007
"It brought tears to
my eyes! So Powerful! I would love to be able to show this at the
Nursing Home I work at! Thank you for telling this through the eyes of
the ederly!"
"Oh my God. This has
touched me more than any other e-mail, I have seen in my life. …a nd
I’m one who has to be strong for everyone else so I show very little
emotions. Today, I’m in tears."
November 13,
2007
"Thank you. My mom
passed away suddenly on September 25th and I am here with my dad. It
brought tears to my eyes. It gave me strength. Thank you."
"My dad (who is only
64) sent this to me and my siblings. I could do without the
synthesized music and bad vocal, but the message brought tears to my
eyes. I wish that we all had the same love and patience for our
elderly that we typically have for our wee ones."
"Thank you, great
video..."
"I am 73 years old
and your video really hit home. It expressed all the feelings I have
for my two sons and caused some unexpected tears. My wife of 42 years
is deceased, but it expressed her feelings too because she was such a
wonderful mother. Thank you for presenting these thoughts so
beautifully and so inspiringly. I am forwarding this to my sons. JDG"
"Guess the universal
response is tears of emotion. I too had to wipe my eyes. I've seen
this several times before and never responded but lately there have
been several new babies born to our family and the teaching is
ongoing. The tolerance is ongoing. It has been seven years since we
laid our mom to rest after Alzheimer's but still seems like yesterday.
My husband and I are both retired now and there have been several
discussions about the 'getting older' business. Not looking
forward to it after seeing our parents go through it. I will be saving
this link for future to remind the younger family members how it was
when they were being taught and when much tolerance was needed for
them. It would be more helpful to have it as a Power Point file to
share via e-mail in case the internet is not available."
"This is so
precious--- so beautiful! Please help me. I saved and when I clicked
on to www.ParentsWish.com. I get nothing. I want so to be able to
replay this until a CD is made. From an 80 year old with not too much
smarts. Thank you!"
[Webmaster's note: I am sorry
but due to copyright restrictions on the background music, it is not
possible to save the presentation to your local drive.]
"What an incredible
email, so powerful, so moving, so true. Thank you!"
November 12,
2007
"Thank you. This
touched my heart. Rhonda"
"I was sent this by
an older friend and was so emotionally moved I just had to write. I
forwarded it to my children and parents. We are currently raising
another family- our grand boys ages 2 and 3 and it just hit home hard.
Thank You and God Bless. ch"
"I too... am sitting
and crying.. I am... HOWEVER.... a single woman with two grown
children.. we have little or no contact with the dad part of 'mom
and dad' at the end.. and the 'we' through the song...
therefore... I will be unable to send it to my children..... wish I
could..... it IS beautiful... I wish the pictures and the end 'love
mom and dad' were not 'one size fits all' that is not how
society is....... maybe it can be re done?"
"It's so beautiful.
Thank you."
"The Parents' Wish
is beautiful. I have watched it several times and cried each time. My
husband and I have cared for my 93 year old Mother for the past 11
years. Your video expresses all the sorrow we feel when we see our
mother or father age so quickly before my eyes; And all the joy we
receive when there is a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eye."
"Now that my eyes
have dried enough to see again... I just have to thank you for such a
beautiful piece. I hope that all people that see it will not only
think of their parents, but all people..... friends, neighbors,
strangers on the street. Would help make the world a better place."
"It truly is a
beautiful presentation, and is so very touching. EVERYONE to whom I've
spoken said they were in tears when seeing it - as indeed I was also."
"Very nice and it
certainly hits home, but the single mom version should have had all
pictures of mothers, not fathers."
"My mother-in-law is
stricken with the unwished Alzheimer's disease. This video will touch
many, as it had moved me. Thanks for this wonderful video. My God use
this to move others. Thanks again."
November 11,
2007
"Very gut
wrenching - I bawled my eyes out."
"Indeed your message
- with Josh Groban's singing - is breathtakingly beautiful.
HOWEVER!!!!! As a MOTHER - I wish that 99% of the photographs had not
been of fathers. We mothers, too, had a great deal to do with the love
and nurturing of our child/children, yet, if you look once more at
your 'message' you will see mothers represented by only ONE
photo - all the rest are of elderly MEN, not women. As my daughter
looked at the message I forwarded to her, she said how moving and
magnificent it is - but, I wonder if she, too, noticed all the 'fathers'
and only one 'mother'. Not only did we give birth to our
children, but we too sacrificed for them and love them with every
fiber of our being. I wish mothers had been more a 'part' of
your message. Cordially, Joyce Rondeau (Mrs. James E.)"
[Webmaster's note: please read
item 15 of our FAQ]
"Since I am a mother
and grandmother, that video was awesome. I also had the task of taking
care of my parents when they became ill. I would not have given up
that right for anything. Yes it was hard at times, with work and
taking care of a home, but the memories made up for all of that. I
love this video. Nina Pierce"
"What a maudlin
video. It didn't garner any sappy feelings on my part. My parents
should have known they would never need to say any of these things to
me. It makes me wonder if they know me at all. Bennett Rose Payne"
"How lovely this is.
I did not expect the tears that flowed. I will save this and view it
often to remind myself in the midst of caring for my elderly parents,
what a precious gift from GOD that they are to me, and that I wish to
always be a precious gift to them. To honor our parents is a deep
privilege no matter what the circumstances of life. Jeanne"
November 10,
2007
"This is the most
beautiful video I've received on my e-mail. 'Anyone' who
'has', is 'currently' or will be going through something
like this in the future will get so much insight from this video. Our
mom is '86' years young and going through about everything in
this video and, although I cried all the way through the piece, it
really helped us with our current situation. Thank you very much.
Connie Kinsey New Philadelphia, Ohio"
November 9,
2007
"I've never seen
anything so inspirational as this is. I've played it every day since
it was sent to me."
"Video was very cool,
Everyone old was once young a lot of young folks seem to not
understand this, Many where also very cool, many made it possible fro
the young to have all the freedoms they have now. Respect all people,
and be extra tolerant of the Aging, many things they can't do is
because of what time has done to them not their choice, The same can
happen to everyone in time. We are all HUMAN first, not male, female,
religion, color etc. Say Hello to Old folks, and be kind, to everyone
too."
"I received this
'forward', not knowing what to expect. All I can say is, it made
me cry with lonesomeness for my loving, deceased parents. In my eyes
as a child, they were never to become old. Time stands still for no
man, and as I became older, so did they. My dear old Italian
grandmother once told me, years ago, as she sat in her rocking chair,
that 'Old age is a brute.' It meant nothing to me then. The
message you have presented brings it all home to me now. 'Youth is
wasted on the young' so the story goes. We didn't understand then,
what they were trying to convey to us. I hope in God's great wisdom,
he will allow our dear parents to look down on us and smile with
gratification that we finally understand."
"Received this from a
friend in an E-mail and it is by far the most beautiful E-mail I have
ever received. It's a definite keeper. Thank you. Thank you. Thank
you."
"Thank you for
putting this together. Marilyn Cannefax"
"I LOVE your site.
Very inspirational. I come back many times just to feel my hearts true
feeling. I'd like to know if you have one for a Granddaughter and
Grandson. I'd love to pass that on to all of them. I did for my
children."
[Webmaster's note: I'm sorry
but we do not have a separate version for grandparents]
"My mom died this
past April of Alzheimer’s and as I listened and read I remembered. I
thank God that I had the honor to be there for her and to help her
find her way back home."
"Thanks you so very
much for this touching presentation. It truly is a 'Parent's Wish'.
I took care of both of my parents until their deaths. This is such a
fitting wish for all parents. I tried my best to always let my parents
know I loved them, and I am Thankful to GOD that I was able to care
for each of them. I'm also thankful for having loved ones to share
this with also. God Bless You in your efforts to touch so many with
this one! You are blessed and have blessed me with this loving piece.
Gail in West Virginia."
November 8,
2007
"I really loved a
Parents Wish. My husband and I have two children. He and his first
wife adopted two girls and we adopted a boy. Our son is 26 and his
daughter is 38. They do not call nor do they visit very much. They are
ashamed of us. His daughter's in-law's have money and can give her
things. We are on disability and can not. I sent the beautiful
Parent's Wish to both of them. I just hope that they read and listen
to it instead of delete it. Thank you for such a beautiful story. GOD
BLESS YOU."
"God knows what a
fearful thing it is for parent's ...'baby boomers'...to face
the years ahead. In a world that seems so different from our years
growing up, we fear for our own children and we fear what we ourselves
will face. I am thankful that both my parents went ahead quickly and
peacefully but realize that is not a choice, but a gift that is given.
Independence and dignity can be taken in a moments time and one can
only pray that loved ones will be there to care and comfort. Thank you
for reminding me today of the ones that have lead the way and of where
I myself am marching toward. God Bless You."
"I am most touched by
the video. It helps me check myself when I feel impatient and tired of
taking my mom who will be turning 90. Thank you so much!".
"Sent to me by my
brother and just a note to say that this is beautiful and so very
touching."
"Thank you for
putting together this touching presentation. My aged parents and I are
estranged as I am unwilling to submit to further abuse from them. My
aged mom-in-law and I, however, enjoy each other's company. She has
been a blessing to me. She is a blessing to her grandchildren as well
as her great-grandchildren. She is loved by us all because she loves.
We are truly blessed to have her in our lives. Sue from Pittsburgh,
PA"
"I was very touched
by this video. Under your FAQ #8 and #9 I understood exactly the
message you were putting across in the video. This video has affected
me more than other people possibly because I don't have any children
to be there for me in the future. Unfortunately, a doctor took that
gift away from me at an early age of 30. Being a very compassionate
person, I will be there for my parents especially since they are aging
right now. Darlene M. Allia, E.A."
"I can't begin to
express how touched I was by this presentation. Thank you for sharing
with the world!"
"I am 29 years old
and I'm working in a long term care facility specially for the
Alzheimer people. This message really touches my heart and makes
me sad also because most of my residents' family hardly visit them. It
makes me feel worry and sad. I can't take care my own parents because
I'm too far away from them. I'm here in the U.S. and they are over
there in the Philippines. Although I support them financially, its
totally different if your parents stay close with you. I miss them so
much. Its been 4 years that I haven't seen them. Thank you for the
message."
"I watched the
Parent's Wish feedback twice and couldn't help but to shed tears. Its
so touching. I sent this to my daughter. This story is so true. Very
well done."
"This was so needed.
My mother would not let us take care of her. She recently was admitted
to a nursing care facility. Of course she is angry. My sisters and I
tried get her to let us help her or have someone come in to care for
her. She refused and the last time she went to the doctor it was
decided that she could not care for herself anymore. I wish with all
my heart that she would thought the way the words in this beautifully
written piece. I will send this to everyone I know that has aging
parents. My father will let me care for him and thank you for
producing such a beautiful piece. "
November 7,
2007
"We have shared many
of these things between ourselves. Now that you have so wonderfully
put them all together with music, we will just pass this on to our
three children. Much love and many thanks. NES and SJS."
"My father has the
first stages of Parkinsons. This was very touching and a perfect way
to put the we need to take care of our parents when it comes time to
do so."
"I think it is
wonderful and God Bless you for making it."
November 6,
2007
"I am the only
caregiver of my 85 year old mother. She doesn't want to be a burden
and I have tried and tried to tell her she isn't. It is an honor to be
able to give back to her, she who gave me my morals and values. It's
the least I can do for her. I cried through this entire video. What an
awesome reminder to have patience and love for those that gave us
life. Thank you."
November 5,
2007
"WTG! I take care of
my 83 year old mom and needed to see that. I feel like my friend was
God's messenger for me with this. Tytytytytyty."
"Someone forwarded
your website to me. All I can say is that it surely touches so many
people. But for some of us, it serves only as a painful reminder of
how other parents raised THEIR children with love. Some of us were
raised in environments of absolute intolerance, violence and neglect.
But as you suggest, we still hope do the same for some of our parents
as they did for us. In fact, I look forward to getting my revenge.
Your site disgusts me."
"I love the video
Parents' Wish, but what about my dear friend who has Alzheimers and
Dementia, and others like him without family or children? How can we
rephrase Parents Wish and be able to send a similar message to
everyone?"
"VERY beautiful.
Thank you. My mom just passed in Hospice in 9 days beautifully and
peacefully. Her work was done and she was 'right' with God and
her family and ready to go for years. I would also like to compliment
you on a beautiful message that ALL faiths can appreciate. I was
prepared to be disappointed, I was not. Great job, don't stop. Bill
Faust, Illinois."
"My dear Dad is
approaching the end of his life at this time. Naturally, I was deeply
moved by this insightful poem about the elderly. Our country, in
general, doesn't always show well deserved respect to seniors. I
pray that I have been a good daughter to each of my parents,
especially now when they need me . I do remember that they have always
been there for me, and it does my heart good to have the opportunity
to lovingly give back. Thank you for presenting such a fine tribute.
Vicki in Baltimore"
November 4,
2007
"Thank you for the
reminder that 'aging' parents are STILL our parents! They, and
their age, are not the enemy......just a reversal of roles! They did
everything they could to make me the person I am today - and, did
pretty well, even listening to Dr. Spock! I'll remember this email the
next time I hear the 'story' for the 15th time - just like I
was read 'Green Eggs and Ham' at least a hundred times and read
the same to my own kids over and over!"
"Oh, wow. this is so
great. I am 67 years. I have 4 kids. I would like them to understand
what its like when you get old. You did it. I will send this to all of
them kids can not see us old but we are. Thank you and God bless you."
November 3,
2007
"Beautifully done - I
hope every parent and child have an opportunity to see this. Thank
you. Paul Cavolt, Grover Beach, CA"
"This is the best and
most meaningful video I have seen. I work in a nursing home and plan
on showing it on large screen. Thank you!"
"My father passed
away one short month ago at the young age of 71 from lung cancer. As a
family, we experienced the journey that is depicted in the slide show.
My heartfelt message to anyone dealing with an aging parent is to love
them for who they are and cherish every moment that you have with them
- even those that are difficult. You can never go back and capture a
missed opportunity to hold their hand, help them do something that
they use to be able to do easily, or to tell them how very much they
are loved. Cheri Sweeney"
"Parent's Wish
is a heart stirring and realistic presentation. In my younger years I
have worked as a professional with aging and dying people. I know so
well what getting old means and is. Often I have substituted my role
as professional to that of a child of the patient to fill the gap. Now
I have landed in that category myself, being great grand-mother. Thank
you so much for bringing this to the WWW. Regards, Dr. Trudy Veerman"
"I lost my Mom 3
years ago to a stroke. This is the most beautiful thing I have ever
read. I miss her everyday of my life. I remember taking care of her
for the last 4 years of her life. I don't regret doing anything I have
done for her. She was the most outstanding Mother there was. She
raised 5 kids on her own (do to a motorcycle accident that took my Dad
at the young age of 36). She made each and everyone of us a stronger
and better person. I cherish the memories I have and hope and pray I
could be just half as strong as she was. I pray that I have put value
in my own son like she has put in me. Thank you for such a beautiful
reminder. P. Jaruszewicz"
November 2,
2007
"That's the way it
is! Who ever wrote this is right!"
"I applaud your
efforts in this short video! AAAmen!!! I am an administrator of a
nonprofit nursing home, working on culture change in Long Term Care.
This would be an excellent training tool for my staff and family
members!"
"I work for a Hospice
agency in Boise, ID. After watching this beautiful video and being
touched so deeply, it is something that I would love to share with
co-workers and families."
"My wife and I are
both 68 years young and raised two children of our own. I also taught
Special Education and Coached for over 30 years. I consider all my
former students as part of our family. When I watch and listen to this
presentation, my eyes and heart well up with tears of joy and pride.
Thank you for such a beautiful way to remember our past lives. I now
have, 'hundreds', of individual memories. Thank You So Much,
Thomas Stewart"
"I never heard
anything music or otherwise. However, I did think the presentation was
beautiful. God Bless you for sharing your talents."
November 1,
2007
"I am sending this to
my sister. To her my mom can do nothing right. She wants to control
100% of my mother's life. When it is convenient for her then she
socializes with her. When it isn't, then our mother is a burden. There
were many times when mom gave her money, help, guidance and chances to
go places and do things that she never would have done if it wasn't
for mom. She forgets these things. Maybe it will help remind her that
mom made a lot of sacrifices for her. Thanks for reminding me too! One
day she will be gone and it will be too late to give her that love."
"This is something
our new generation needs to hear and see. The message is basic to all
cultures and in the so called progress of time this blessing in
disguise has been by-passed only to repeat its self with each new
generation unless they change course and return to this Biblical
command by God: Honor your Father and your Mother. My Dad died
at the age of 100 years and 8 months and we took care of him till
then. My Mom died at the age of 101 years and she was not the easiest
to care for but we stuck together. My brothers and sisters and took
care of her until she also passed away. Thanks for this beautiful
writing. Carlos Camarena"
"Thank
You......................"
"A dear friend just
sent me the slide show. I sat by my mother's bed in St. Lukes Hospital
in Houston and viewed it. Right now my mother is so full of
painkillers that she barely knows me, the oldest daughter she has
cared for nearly 43 years. I didn't think I would cry but the tears
were a sudden onslaught. I'm there already. Mom's tired, frail, and
she fell in the bathroom here in the hospital this morning and I am
doing all I can to hold it together and be patient with my 67 year old
father who tries too hard and drives us both crazy. Thank you for such
a wonderful reminder. I thank God that I try to do all the wishes
already. I thank God I still have my parents to listen to their
stories again and again, to help get dressed, to cook for and to love
as they have always loved me. N. Skinner Houston, Texas"
"I am a 60 year old
male who has MS. I sent this to both my son (34) and my daughter (29).
This wish was very moving for me. I remembered the many times I did
things for my children that they now have to do for me because of my
disability. The Parents Wish is wonderful and it really hit home for
me. It is very powerful and hard not to have tears well up in your
eyes as you listen to it. Thanks for this Tribute. It really forces
you to put things in proper perspective. Thanks :: Ken"
"The slideshow was
very touching. I cried when I saw it. It reminds of how much our
parents really did for us. That someday in return, we will do the same
for them. There are times when I get concerned for my parents because
they are getting older, I tend to worry about them a little more each
day. May God bless you all!!"
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