In my Old Age

In my old age, I ask for your understanding and patience. If I break a plate or spill my soup on the floor because of my failing eyesight, do not scold me. Old people are sensitive, you know. I indulge in self-pity every time you yell at me. If my hearing is weak and I can't understand what you said, please don't call me "deaf!" to my face. Just repeat what you have said, or better yet, write it down. Have patience, my child, I am now old.

When my knees are weak, please do not tire of giving me a hand, just like I never grew tired of helping you when you were learning to walk.
Please be patient whenever I get too annoying and repeat what I say like a broken record. I only ask that you lend me your ears. Please don't laugh at me or grow tired of listening. Remember when you were young? When you wanted a balloon, you were just as annoying, as persistent until you got what you want from me. And I was just as patient with you.

Please excuse me and the smell of old age. Or is it the smell of death? And please don't force me to bathe, as I get sick easily when it's too cold. And please don't treat me like I'm filth. Remember when you were young? I never got tired of chasing after you when you refused to take a bath.
Please be patient with me when I get cranky a lot; it's just my old age. When you grow old, you'll understand.
If you have a little free time, please talk to me, even for just a while. I get bored in the house since I have no one to talk to all the time. I know you are busy with work, but I want you to know I look forward to our rare conversations, even if you're not interested in talking to me anymore. Remember when you were young? I took pains to listen and understand your sketchy, incoherent stories about your teddy bear.
And when the time comes when I lie in my sickbed, I hope you will never tire of taking care of me. Please excuse me if I ever relieve myself in my bed. I hope you will continue to care for me until the end of my life.
And when my time finally comes, please hold my hand and give me strength to face death.
Don't worry, my child. When I face my Creator, I will put in a good word for you so He may bless you, because you have been a loving child to your parents…