Lately, human life expectancy has been lengthened and we may think that any illness can be overcome. In fact, some physical infirmities, though difficult to accept, are still understandable; while in the era of efficiency, push buttons and advanced technology, a parent whose mind is no longer clear-headed (Alzheimer’s disease), who no longer recognizes you, who doesn’t remember the names of his grandchildren, is particularly humiliating.
A real family tragedy! Yet, we are called to honor our parents, who have lived out their lives for us, even when their image crumbles before our eyes. Drawing on the wisdom of the Gospel, we can go against a social organization that only considers the efficiency of its members. “Indeed, the apparently weaker members of the body are the most necessary, and those parts of the body that we feel less honorable are surrounded with greater respect” (1 Cor 12: 22-23).
Our society needs a stronger internal cohesion to continue enveloping handicapped grandparents with affection and care, knocking down the walls of indifference that sometimes surround us. As Pope Francis reminds us, we have to renew the awareness that “the elderly men and women, fathers and mothers before us have lived along the same path in our homes in our daily struggle for a worthy life” (Amoris Laetitia 191). The care of our own roots will help develop young shoots. Let us integrate diversity!
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