After the passing of his father, a son made the difficult decision to bring his mother to a senior residence. He visited her from time to time, balancing his own life’s commitments with the care she required.

One day, he received a call from the home. The message was urgent—his mother was gravely ill, and he was urged to visit immediately.

The son hurried to the care facility, his heart heavy with worry. As he arrived, he found his mother on her deathbed. Seeing her so frail and weak, he felt a pang of guilt and sorrow.

“Mom,” he asked gently, “what can I do for you in your time of need?”

With a soft but determined voice, she said, “Please, my son, install some fans in this home. There isn’t a single one here. And if possible, add a fridge to improve the food quality. Many nights, I have gone to bed on an empty stomach.”

Her words stunned him. “Mother,” he replied, puzzled, “you never spoke of these things before. Now, with only a few hours left, why are you telling me this?”

She looked at him with a knowing gaze and revealed her true concern. Her desire to better the home wasn’t for her own comfort anymore but out of love and foresight. “I never complained,” she explained, “because as a mother, I could endure anything. But my true worry is for you and the next generations.”

She wanted the old age home to be improved not for her own sake, but because she feared her children might one day bring her grandchildren to the same place. She wished for them to find it welcoming and comfortable if ever needed.

Her last compassionate words lingered in the room, “Always remember, life is a circle. What you give is what you eventually receive.”

This poignant realization struck the son deeply, reminding him of the age-old wisdom and the cycle of life and love that binds families together. It’s a simple story, yet powerful in its message about the love and respect we ought to give to our parents.