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Here are the latest
feedbacks that we have received:
July 3, 2008
"I love this."
"After losing my
father on 10-16-06 my best friend sent this to me just a few weeks
ago. It helped me to understand so much and now I have sent it to my
sisters and brother. I also sent it to my mother. She was so touched
by the slide show and hopes all her children will honor her wishes
when she is ready to pass on and join my dad. I hope my sisters and
brother understand why it was sent to them and will feel what I feel
every time I watch. Thank you so much for giving me comfort. Tori
Rowell, Griffin, Georiga"
"I watched and
listened and cried to this beautiful video and song. It is everything
I wish I could say to my children. This is the second time I have seen
it and I love it more and more. I hope this finds it's way to all the
children who seem to have forgotten what their parents went through to
raise them and in spite of our mistakes they remember we love them."
"The slideshow is just
beautiful. It really touched my heart. Thank you for making the
slideshow available."
"Thank you for looking
into the depths of an aging person and putting it into words and
pictures. My heart has been read and put on the Internet . Nancy B."
July 2, 2008
"Oh dear how to go
from smiling to tears almost instantly. This is just beautiful. Every
one in the world should see this and read those beautiful words and
hear the magnificent words of the songs. Talk about tug at the hear
string, this has just about pulled them out, at a time when our
darling mother and mother in law is on her last few weeks of life in a
nursing home and the other three parents have already gone. Thanks so
much to who ever made this most precious film. Thank you again from
Eileen."
"A group of us have
put together a history of our hometown. In many ways, this short essay
of yours is in keeping with that which we've done. The sense of family
and community, of belonging and time are all here. When I viewed this,
it struck a chord that has brought me back to see it again several
times and forward it to everyone I know. For whatever personal reason
you've touched some golden strand in us as a string on a piano and it
would seem by the feedback I've read, we're all in tune. Dann Gravett"
"This is the most
beautiful and honest thing I have ever read. I will be sending it on
to my children and hope that they keep it in their hearts for the
future."
"I just viewed the
movie! Wow, that's all I can say. I am so touched by this, it's got to
be the most incredibly true and heart wrenching thing I have ever seen
on the Internet! My husband and I have my father living with us, he's
84 and in great health, but I find my patience level be tried daily!
This really puts things in great perspective for me!!! Thank you
sooooo much, Laurie Bailer, Dayton, Nevada"
"The video was really
inspiring. I've just been working for 2 months away from my family.
Watching the presentation made me realize how I miss my parents,
brother and sisters. Thanks to the video I am always reminded of the
main reason why I chose to live."
July 1, 2008
"What a beautiful and
heartwarming message. It made me cry...... and yes it is so true.:"
"It makes me cry and
cry. I am thinking why. I treat my mother, 84, very kind and patient.
I am treated very kind by my kids, 26 and 28, as well. It recalls all
my deeply buried memory that how hardly and heartly to have my kids
being brought up. A going to 60's mother/daughter"
"I as so many others,
find this so poignant and moving particularly now in my life since we
just buried both my in-laws (3 weeks apart) and more recently, my
mother. My father, who is the last of our parents, is now 90 and in
failing health. I would very much like to know when the CD becomes
available so that my children can have it. Thank You so very much."
"I work in aged care
and after seeing Parents' Wish which was sent to me by my
wonderful mum I called a staff meeting and made everyone watch, as it
says so much. I think a lot of people take their parents for granted
and they should not be in such a hurry to put their parents into care
facilities."
"Thank you very much
for this beautiful and meaningful presentation. I know the drill and
proud to say for it is an innate quality of our Filipino culture, that
our elders never have to fear for lack of love and care. But I have
seen it too often in my lifetime where an elder is relegated to
'assisted' living - - that is not living. I thank you again. David
Llorente. Santa Fe, Texas"
June 30, 2008
"Thanks to my cousin
Barbara for sending me this email. It says all the things I feel, but
would not be able to put into words. I will send this to both my
children. I visit nursing homes, and see so many there that have been
abandoned by their children. Their pain is my pain and it hurts. They
are the forgotten people in our country. I will keep this email in my
folder forever. Thank you. Irma Davis."
"What a
wonderful song and writing so moving and so true. It says it all. I
will forward it on for others to share. Just to remind us all that it
happens to every one of us at some time in our life. Thank you for the
reminder. Fran UK"
June 29, 2008
"What a beautiful
tribute to the 'seasons of life' and the love of a parents
children.... God is in this."
"Thanks for the
slideshow. I was touched with it (narration, music, etc.) hope to
receive more other touching, shall we say poetry. Thank you again."
"At 46 I think I'm
starting to really get 'it'. I'm an uncle, but raising parents
is a whole different ball game <g>. Amazing how between 30-45 one
matures at least 20 years. Those who don't, it's sad. As a gay Uncle,
I'm wishing for happiness, stability, harmony and prosperity. My
nephews are a couple of dynamite 18 and 17 year olds. I'm very proud
of all their accomplishments. TK"
June 27, 2008
"Right now I am
dealing with my mother and her dementia so this totally speaks to my
heart. Thank you."
"Thank you for this
incredible video. I lost my father on June 2, 2008 and my mother Oct
27, 2005. I miss them both terribly. I think back to when I tried to
make them eat, (they needed to get better), I wanted my dad to get in
the shower, (what did it really matter), I sometimes wanted the
conversation to hurry along (because I had heard it one too many
times). Now I would give anything to listen to that conversation
again. Josh Groban, thank you for your words and wisdom. Ann Jorgenson
in memory of my mom and dad. Gladys K Evenson (December 18, 1929 -
October 27, 2005) and Kenneth C. Evenson November 26, 1925 - June 2,
2008)"
"I too was moved to
tears over this. My Dad had a stroke at 57 and it left dependent on us
'girls' to watch this strong proud man struggle with his words
and actions. The day after this stroke my Dad lost his speech and he
just pulled me to him in the best hug I ever had. I remember the feel
of him to this day it was the last hug I ever got from him. This
horrible stroke took everything of my Dad and he was gone within the
month. The time we had with Dad I cherished every second of it, it was
hard on me for I was 7 month pregnant with our third son, but no
matter how tired I was, I was so lucky to spend those last days with
Dad. Please, tell your parents, spouses and children everyday how much
you love them you never know when you will get the chance again."
"This is beautiful
and so fitting for my life's work."
"Thank you for this
beautiful presentation. We are in our 70's."
June 24, 2008
"Like many others who
have viewed this, I too was moved to tears. The video was very moving
And yes his voice was perfect for the song. We will be forwarding this
slide show to as many people as possible. Thank you for bring us back
to what is truly important in our lives and reminding us that we too
will be there one day!"
"Each and every time
I watch this, the tears flow as it is so beautiful. I feel so guilty
as I was not as patient as I should have been when my 94 year old
Mother-In-Law was in the last stages of her life. I am so sorry
Minnie. If I could only go back! I am forwarding the Parents' Wish
to my children so they will understand the things I should have!
Carol--Minnesota"
June 23, 2008
"I want to thank you
all for the Parents' Wish poem. It is so to the point. I
am 68 years old and my husband is 71. I sure can see us knocking
at the door with one food in. Thank again. Martha A. Higdon:
"I cried through the
email! WOW!!! Everyone should listen to this."
"After viewing
Parents' Wish I again found myself turning back time 3 1/2 - 4
years ago when my parents died 4 months and 1 day apart. I again
realized just how much I still miss them and wish I had the
opportunity to spend some time with them again and say thanks to them
for making me the man I am today."
"I think this is just
beautiful and I sent it to everyone I could think of. No one could
tell it any better than it is said right here. Thanks for sharing.
Mary May"
"To say thanks for
your inspiration is not enough. I moved back from Brazil, South
America to help care for my parents. Mom has Alzheimer's. Dad's
difficulties are more physical. They are both in their late seventies
and needing constant care. My wife, children, and I care for them now
in our own home. My mother was one of the most innocent and sweetest
ladies ever on earth. Now she sometimes says and does things that can
be shocking. Dad often feels like he has lost her already, though he
still loves her. When I was a child they were always there for me! I
am so glad I can now be here for them. Several times I have expressed
my love to them and joy in being able to care for them. Mom doesn't
remember. Dad just seems embarrassed that he needs such care. However,
your video just reminded me again of how much I really love them! I
will strive to do even more to show them my love, respect and
appreciation, due to your touching, loving reminder. David"
June 22, 2008
"I love it. I love
it. I love it. D. Barkley. Penna"
"Thank you so much
for this beautiful e-mail. Being a Senior, who 6 months ago lost her
husband after 51½ years of marriage, this touched my heart and spirit
like nothing else has. Josh, you are truly blest with a voice from
heaven. May the Lord grant you many years to sing of the Lord's
presence and blessings to one another. In thankfulness and praise,
Muriel Ericksen"
June 21, 2008
"Wow! It was a
heart-moving piece. I never thought something so wonderful can really
make me realize what life was and will be. I'm a single dad of three
boys, who are all in their rebellious stage. I don't know how I'm
going to have them join me watch this beauty, but one thing I'm sure
about is I will try my best to have them do it with me and my mom, who
is also living with us. There will be three generations in my family
who will be benefited by this heart-warming video. I'm sure we can
easily come to realization on the beauty and importance of each
generation to one another. Let's make this a living legacy to all
generations. More power to all who participated in making this a
master-piece. May GOD bless you all and your hearts too."
"Best presentation, very
powerful wish. I could send it to the entire world. How do I get a
copy of the CD? Grace."
June 20, 2008
"Excellent!!!! Thank
you."
"This is truly the
most beautiful piece I have ever seen. This really hits home with me.
My wife and I are currently providing care for my 93 year old Mother.
She moved in with us five months ago, and there have been numerous
times when I have let my patience grow very thin. Wow, this piece
really drives home how wrong I have been. I knew it each time I grew
frustrated with my Mom however, this is a real eye-opener and so very
true. Thank you so very much for putting everything in perspective."
June 19, 2008
"The slide show was
awesome. I'm only 9, but I've been mad at my mom lately and this made
me realize how much she does for me and how we love and always will
love each other. Thank you, Abby"
"What a beautiful
tribute. I also cried all the way thru, Josh has lent his beautiful
voice again to feelings we all have but, find hard to express. Thank
you and God bless."
"What a beautiful
slideshow presentation. We are a long term nursing facility. We all
just huddled around the computer watching and listening, agreeing how
neat it was. We would like to make it part of our orientation or
yearly in services. Everyone needs to view this, it has such a
powerful message. We would be interested in the CD form. Thank you so
much. Rowley Memorial Masonic Home, Perry, Iowa"
June 18, 2008
"Thank you so much
for creating this beautiful slideshow!! I cried through the entire
thing. I have a mother who is now 72 and she is starting to show signs
of her age. I try to be as patient with her as possible when she
repeats herself or does not understand things about the world today
like technology. But, there is not one thing that I wouldn't do for
her, because she has always been there for me! Every child and parent
needs to view this beautiful presentation. Again, thank you!
Michelle"
"Thank you for
creating this. I am dealing with an elderly Father with Cancer,
Alzheimers and Dementia and it was a wake up call to read this. From
my heart, Thank You."
June 17, 2008
"It is very touching
and have cried from heart. Today, at 58, I am lucky that somebody have
made me ashamed of not being a son to my mom. Truly today I am craving
for the same love and affection which was not given to my mom. It is
horrible and am cursing myself for that. Please let me cry for my
sins, yes, let me cry! Thanks and regards, Prakashv"
June 15, 2008
"Both my wife and
myself have been involved in healthcare for the past 30 -38 years.
Specifically my wife, who more so deals with the elderly. Now, we have
her mother living with us (85 years old) who has trouble seeing,
hearing and basically no memory. Your presentation drives home exactly
what we are dealing with. An elderly loving parent who now depends on
us. Your presentation has really awakened me to the way she must be
feeling and the way I (we ) must help AND UNDERSTAND HER. I've read
the other notes from the 'feedback' and all this has given me
so much of a better empathy of how we must take care of her at home.
I've also worked with the elderly for 13 years and taken many
education courses about the elderly but your presentation really
drives it home in a tremendously human fashion in a nut shell.
Thanks."
June 14, 2008
"This is so
beautiful. I am a nurse and I think all new recruits should see this
and it should be a part of any one's orientation when working in the
medical field especially if in long term care. Just wonderful. Thanks
so much for sharing. Margie Powell"
June 12, 2008
"This was a wonderful
presentation that is so appropriate for all us 'old folk' to
forward to our children."
"It made me think of
my Mom, who passed away almost 2 years ago. So much of the wording
reminded me of things she said. My friend was right when she said in
her email to grab the Kleenex. I started crying immediately because I
loved my Mama so much and it hurt so bad to see her suffer the way she
did for so many years."
"Everyone should view
this! I thank God for my parents, my children and grandchildren! I
hope I will have their love and respect, ALWAYS! May I please always
remember to treat everyone I meet with dignity, respect, and LOVE!"
"I replayed the video
a half dozen times, though blurred by tears. It's message is so very
important; that time with our parents so precious! As the eldest of my
siblings and unmarried, I became the caregiver through my Dad's
illness, and then my mom's companion and caregiver after he passed on.
I never would have thought it would mean putting my own life and
dreams on hold for ten years, but I would not take back a second of
the time I spent with them. It was a special grace to be with them,
caring and loving, at their end. Grief is something we all come to
terms with, but guilt over things unsaid or undone eats your soul.
Love them, sit with them, hold them...while you can. Do it for
yourself as much as them! Bless you for an amazing message, and an
amazing song to accompany it!"
June 11, 2008
"I think this is one
of the most beautiful, meaningful and heartwarming slide shows I have
ever seen. I have it in my favorite places and just emailed it to a
nurse in a nursing home. There are many young and middle aged people
there visiting and sometimes they don't really understand the feelings
of older people, especially older sick people, ones you may lose
shortly. I hope she can pass this on to parents siblings That it will
help them understand and prepare for the losses that will occur, and
just how lucky they are to have parents. My mother is 93 and having a
bad time right now. Someone told me this evening that she said she
wants to die. I hope with all my heart that she recovers, however, if
she doesn't, that we love her so much that we know she is not being
selfish; just tired. May the Lord Bless and Keep You All. Josh Groban
is just the right person to do the background music with this
presentation. His voice is truly a gift and he uses it well. E. Toth,
Reading, PA"
"I moved in with my
mother after I had gone through a bad divorce and she had a mild
stroke. I live in a small town (but growing rapidly) people like to 'talk'
they would ask me why I moved in with her. I would answer, 'She
spent her life raising me and NOW it is my turn to help her'. All
of the things the show touched on, can and will happen. I was lucky if
you call it that (she passed while starting to slip in to dementia).
Being there was always the most important to her. Don’t ever forget
that sometimes presence brings simple joy! I wish I’d have seen this
while she was still here. Many thanks. A Loving Son"
"My Mom 'was'
the smartest, most well-read person I know with a flair for fashion
beyond belief. The most gentle, intelligent woman I have ever known.
Today, she has Alzheimers, it is 6 years now and I lost the Mom I knew
6 years ago. She does not care about hygiene and reads but does not
retain anything. Yet, she is still my hero and your poem Parents'
Wish really helped me. I am often too critical of her, I want to
understand, but it is hard. My Dad is the caretaker and he has become
so depressed and a 6'4 man is so little now due to Mom's condition.
Thank you for your words, they really meant a lot to me and helped me
to face reality, however harsh it may be. I enjoy their company so
much and your words show me that they are still my loving, beautiful
parents, no matter what the present-day circumstances may be."
"Wow! This is so true
and so beautiful. We will all come to that point in our lives. May we
never forget this beautiful email."
"I love Josh Groban
and thought the music went very well with the slide show."
"This was fantastic.
We all need to realize that parents get old and they have given us
many things and revert back to where we all started. I had the
privilege of taking care of my grandfather in his final days and
seeing him revert to his childhood and I would not have changed that
for the world. We popped balloons together, pushed them back and forth
like children, let him do and eat anything he wanted. He was so
appreciative. I cherish those memories with him. Thank you for putting
this all in a slideshow."
"I wanted to
congratulate you on a job well done. This tops the list."
"This was the most
touching piece I've ever seen. Thanks!"
"A bit of advice. For
those of you who still are blessed to have their parents around,
remember that life changes....as we get older, our roles as children
change....we begin to switch places with our parents, and in doing so
we become the sole providers and care takers of these wonderful
people. Enjoy it...every last bit of it. Even if you're up to your
elbows in dirty sheets and heaven forbid dirty diapers. Be thankful
that you can help them, just as much as they helped you when you were
starting out in this world. Tell them every DAY! that you LOVE THEM
and that they do make a difference in this place.. if you don't tell
them, they sometimes lose their way and don't remember that they are
needed, they don't remember that their smile makes all the difference
to SOMEONE around them. Be glad for the time you are given with them,
because when they are gone there is no getting them back. Regret is an
awful thing... so don't' forget to take care of what you have now, so
when they are gone you can look back and smile and say 'They knew
how much I loved them' . This WONDERFUL slideshow hits home, no
matter who you are. Who ever created it, this was a work of art for
sure. Thanks for the wonderful blessing of this slideshow and for
allowing viewers to post their personal experiences! Brandy Griffis,
Jacksonville FL"
"My Auntie Kay just
had to be put in a locked Alzheimer’s ward for her own safety. It was
the hardest thing my family has done. My uncle is building an
apartment for my grandmother to live in. In my family, we care for one
another, especially our parents. I had a stroke four years ago at only
32 and my mother didn’t hesitate to have me move back home with her.
Unfortunately, I’ll never be able to solely support her in her old
age, but I will do my best! This slideshow just reinforces the way we
all need to help our ageing 'Baby Boom' parents in an extended
family unit, the way families used to be, not the isolated nuclear
family unit we have become! I will pass this on because a tearful
reminder is always a good thing! Shawna Clawson"
June 10, 2008
"Congratulations! You
should have them in French, Spanish and German and .... Excellent
idea! Merci mille fois."
"I receive many
e-mails each day and sometimes I have to delete some of them because I
try to manage my time... but for some reason I opened this one and I
know things happen for a reason. My Mother is battling Lung Cancer
since October 2006. She is a strong women and has been through a lot
of Hospital Stays, Doctors visits, Lab tests, Surgeries and Chemo
Treatments. Another health problem has kept her down in the past few
months with a Back Fracture. She went thru her Surgery and Therapy and
now seems to be on the mend to her old self. She just turned 80 in
April and still thinks she's 60! Along the way through her illness she
has her moments...but she has kept up her positive attitude and with
thoughts and prayers from her family and friends I hope she is around
for many years to come! This message is so true and close to my heart
since my father passed away my Mom is all we have left. I honored my
father by building a family tree and would like to honor my Mother
with a special gift at her next birthday! Your video has given me some
ideas for a slide show. Thanks for the encouragement. God bless our
Fathers and Mothers and the US troops!"
"That was beautiful,
all I could do is cry. I hope everyone watches this. It's more
important than you think. Carol Reynolds, Estacada, Oregon"
"What a wonderful
presentation, my wife and I were each moved to tears. We each lost our
dad some years ago and look after our mums as best we can on a regular
basis. Our mums our elderly ( 70's and 80's ) and can be 'trying'
on occasions. We love our mums and our resolve has never faltered,
should there ever be a risk of it doing so we will sit and watch 'Parents'
Wish' again - I will never delete it, thank you so much."
"This is so beautiful
and so true. It's a shame we have to tell our children what they
should feel for their parents. But we are only human, and humans do
forget the important things in life. I am going to send this to my two
children and I do hope they will keep this and remember these things
when I get older. I lost my mom at the age of 7 and my dad died when I
was 32. I was robbed of my mother's love at a very young age and how I
longed for her when I became a mother myself. I was forced to
understand the way of life at a very young age. Experiencing death as
a child made me grow up too fast. Always felt alone even though I had
a sister that was 4 years older than myself. We lived in 2 separate
worlds. I just want my children to love me the way I love them. I do
love them more than life itself. They were the best joy that my life
has given to me. And now I have 2 grandchildren to give me more joy! I
just want to feel the love that I missed when I was a child growing
up. Hopefully I will. Thank you for putting my feelings is such a
beautiful presentation."
"A wonderful job it
is. And oh so very true."
June 9, 2008
"I have been
providing long term and end-of-life health care services to the
elderly for almost two decades. I found your message very powerful,
and a great reality check for why I do what I have been doing for so
long."
June 8, 2008
"No matter which one
one chooses, it’s the same, whether it’s Single mother or single
father. It’s emotional either way. THANK YOU."
"Thank you for the
beauty and the message. Groban’s beautiful full voice gives so much to
the presentation."
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