Aging

 This week we talked about aging and the various events that occur in our lives during this process.

You are probably wondering why I have all of these pictures on my blog, well these are my cute grandparents. Papa Neto died in 2007 from stomach cancer and Mama Lota died in 2009 from a stroke. Lastly, we have my amazing Mami!

While in class someone made the comment about not allowing their in laws to move in with them when they got older. I was completely shocked when majority of the class agreed. I felt so sad because in my culture it such an honor and responsibility to take care of your family when they get older, there is no question about it that is an unwritten rule in the Latino culture.

Unfortunately, Mami and I couldn't have my grandparents move in with us when they were ill because they lived in Guatemala. But my Tia Carlota took care of both of them  until they passed away. She mentioned it was difficult but it was worth it because her relationship with then was strengthen. I saw the same thing happen when I went to Guatemala for a month to take care of them. I even had the blessing of teaching Papaneto the gospel and sharing my testimony with him.

I don't think I could ever allow my mother or any of my in-laws to be placed in a retirement home and not having their family when they needed them the most. I know that a family's system will change and that difficulties may arise. But I honestly believe that Heavenly Father allows us to grow and be charitable by serving the elderly.

I believe that it is a way to say thank you to my Mami for everything she did for me and for taking care of me when I was younger. Likewise, I believe that it is a way of saying thank you to Heavenly Father for giving me such a great mother and show him my appreciation for allowing me to be her daughter by taking care of her an an elderly.