For those of you who read my blog, you know that I, fortunately, come from a very close and loving family. My Mom and Dad grew up in the same neighborhood, married at a young age (when my dad returned home from WWII), owned businesses in town, and became very well-known and respected in our community.

Over the years, many friends of my brother and I considered our parents their second parents. Often, friends would come to our home, knowing we weren’t there, just to visit them.

My brother and I always knew we were lucky to have such wonderful parents – and having our friends constantly reminding us of that certainly made us even more aware of how lucky we were. 

My parents were always there for us – and for that, we will be forever grateful. 

I tell you all this to remind my younger readers that life is cyclical and goes by far quicker than you realize. When your parents’ golden years are upon them, be sure that you’re there for them, as they have (hopefully) been there for you over the years.

As the saying goes, your parents take care of you for your first 20-years…and you help care for them their last 20-years. And while you won’t want to be a burden on your children, you’ll be grateful for them being there for you when your golden years arrive. 

The best decision I made in my life was moving back home from California in the early 1990s, after my father suffered his second heart attack. I got to spend my dad’s final 5-years with him – and, to this day, I cherish that time we had together. And little did I know back then that my mom would pass away only 3-years later. Fortunately, and proudly, I was able to help care for her after my dad passed-away and, especially, in her final months with us.

So, why do I write about this? I feel many people in our great country are losing their family values.

As the late, great UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden stated, “The most important thing in the world is family and love.”  I wish we would all heed his belief.

No one likes to think about mortality, but death is a certainty in life. As we grow older (and believe me, the years fly by, especially after one hits 50), be sure to stay close to your family.  If not, I guarantee you will regret not doing so…when it’s too late.

Again, the most important thing in life is your family. Cherish them.

by Gil Vieira | September 28, 2022

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