My mother passed away when I was in high school. My dad passed away when I was 22 years old. Needless to say, I was not able to enjoy my parents for most of my life. I didn’t get to know them as an adult and my children did not know them at all. Many of Kingston’s residents are moms and dads, grandparents and great grandparents. My guess is that their children and grandchildren are the most important people in their lives.
What I’d like to stress with this article is for children and grandchildren to honor their parents and grand-parents. Since my parents are deceased, I don’t have the opportunity to be with them. There’s an old saying that goes, “you don’t know what you have until you don’t have it anymore.” If your parents or grandparents are living, please take the time and effort to honor them. You may not know what to say or do, but if you think about it long enough, you will find the words or actions. Your love, time and attention are what parents desire most from their children. Mom and dad might be elderly and not as sharp or energetic as they used to be, but they are still your parents.
When I see children or grandchildren honoring their parent(s) it’s a wonderful thing. I can understand a little about why it’s so important and pleasing to the Lord that children honor their parents. Here is a Bible verse about parents and children: “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3. To the moms and dads who have children and grandchildren who honor them, you are truly a blessed person, and you need to let your family know that. To the moms and dads who do not have children who honor them, forgive them and don’t hold it against them. The person who is hurt the most is you by holding on to unforgiveness. The Lord puts a very high value on children honoring their parents. Children should also put a high value on honoring parents as well. Here are a few ways to honor your elderly parents. Simply just call them to say hi, share some details about your life and listen to them. Send a card not just for their birthday or Christmas but send a random card that just expresses your love and appreciation for them. Make a video of yourself and family to show them on their TV. With todays smart phones, its very easy to do. Our desire at Kingston is to honor all residents. Let us know if we can help you in honoring your loved one. It would be our pleasure
Bob Goyer, Community Relations Director
