Do you know your near and dear well enough? We often take for granted, the acts, sacrifices and gestures of our close relations as a part of normal day to day activity that we fail to notice the intent Love, Affection and Care that is behind such things. For eg: your wife neatly arranging the things that you have to carry with you to office, like your iPhone, Laptop, Spectacles, Purse and the inevitable Lunch Box containing fat free food! You always got your important message on time, you never missed your credit card payment, Your eye check up was not needed before a good three years gap, you could buy that gift for your boss on time and thank God your cholesterol and BP were under control, all thanks to this simple habit of hers which you never bothered even to acknowledge.

When you planned that trip to USA to meet your children, after your retirement, for a long Holiday, the arrangements your Son made to send a “Bouquet” through the Cab driver who came to fetch you and your wife from the Airport along with a Flask of homemade coffee, which he knew, you loved was not just an ordinary gesture. It shows the deep love and affection he had for you and his desire to ensure that you never missed your favourite drink. The extra length your son-in-law went to arrange a full fledged office room complete with PC, wireless Keyboard, Broadband and webcam etc. for you during your stay with them to ensure that you never felt bored and got your share of intellectual activity that you were used to, was no ordinary act. Remember, he knows how you miss that Exquisite Office of yours. The video clip, which your daughter sent from USA showing your 4 years old Grand Daughter singing "Happy Birthday" on your birthday with her inimitable American accent was not just an ordinary mail. It was meant to tempt you to make your trip earlier to see your Grand Daughter and give them the pleasure of your company.

There was this friend, who just happened to stay in the same neighbourhood with you, that volunteered to finance your son's foreign education efforts till you got your Bank Loan sanctioned, was not just an ordinary friend. His timely gesture, without any expectation from you, was pure act of friendship distilled and deserves your gratitude for life.

Fortunate are those who are blessed to have the company of their parents with them during their own old age! They can very well appreciate the feelings and desires of the poor old souls and would do well to take good care of them. You cannot forget how your Dad never wanted to buy a car because he wanted to finance your studies or the special food your Mom prepared for you to fortify your strength for withstanding the rigours of Competitive Academic pursuits! The least you could do is to keep them with you instead of sending them to the most advanced “Old-Age Home “. … Value your Relationships