OPINION: Nature Nurtures, So Why Can’t We?

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. — Jane Howard

Have you ever thought of who was there with you when you opened your eyes for the first time in this world?

The one who is your truest friend, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends only stay till the sun shines and leave you with dawn; when trouble surrounds us, still those two person clings to us and endeavor by their beautiful kind behavior and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness and the only cause which returns peace to our soul.

If you guessed your parents then yes, nobody other than your two protectors.

There is sacredness in their tears. When they cry for you, it’s not the sign of their weakness but it is their sign of unconditional and irrevocable love for you. They never mention it but they are the ones who care for you more than you do for yourself.

From elephants to tiny humming birds, most creatures take care of their young ones, though obviously not in similar ways.

Let’s take an example of one of the most ferocious land animals, the cheetah. The cheetah is one such animal that nurtures her young, hunts for food and defends the little ones against predators, not only this, but she also teaches her cubs the skills needed for survival in the wild.

Now let’s take the example of the largest land living carnivore, the polar bear. The polar bear is an affectionate mother and is known for her aggressive behavior when it comes to the protection of her young.

Coming over to elephants, the young calves are not only tended by their mother but by other mothers of the herd too.

Heart warming and affectionate emotional bonds between an animal and her offspring often bring the thoughts of motherly love to our mind.

All creatures, no matter how big or small, endure various hardships, overcome difficulties just to protect and nurture their young.

Many of you must be wondering why I am talking about such a common thing. Why am I talking about motherly love.

Well, the reason is, surprisingly, this affection that we find in animals, lacks when it comes to human.

Our parents raised us with countless difficulties. They preferred to go hungry in order to feed us.

Like animals, humans also give birth to a new life and love them unconditionally, feed them properly, protect them etc. But there is one thing humans do which is far more superior to what animals do.

Unlike animals our parents don’t leave us alone when we learn to fly. They continue to shower their love and blessings upon us all their life, no matter how much we grow up. We always remain their small delicate prince or princess.

The love they posses for us is never ending.

But what do many of us do when we finally learn to stand on our feet? We leave them behind shamelessly; leave them to roam here and there for shelter, for just one bite of food, for livelihood.

And many of us, who are society conscious, send their parents to old age homes.

I mean seriously, think about it this way: two adults, center their lives around one little baby, try to build a comfortable and beautiful home for that one little baby; and then what happens when that baby grows up?

That little baby, after he or she grows into an adult, doesn’t even think twice before kicking his or her parents out of their own house. They say, “aapne kia hi kya hai hamare liye, bas har maa-baap ki tarah apna farz hi toh pura kia hai.”

If our parents want to, they can kick us out saying that it’s their house and not ours. But they don’t and leave with broken hearts and still pray for our happiness.

My question: why is there a need for old age homes? Why can’t we keep those with us who gave us life?

The Quran in several of its verses has advised people to treat their parents with respect and kindness.

In chapter 31, verse 14, Allah says: “And we have enjoined man in respect of his parents– his mother bears him with fainting upon fainting and his weaning takes two years – saying: be grateful to me and to both your parents; to me is the eventual coming.”

Just think about it, how would you feel if your children were to kick you out from, not only their lives, but from your house too? Won’t you be broken? Will it not tear you apart?

That is how every parent feels when their own child leaves them behind. All they need is little care, love and warmth. And I think there is no harm in returning what is theirs, because every one of us needs love and care at the end of the day.