We have an elderly cousin who lives in Canada, and she is a computer whiz-kid (or whatever the equivalent is for someone over 80). Over the years we have had a stream of musical e-mails, often humorous, very folksy in an American sort of way; always positive. Although her latest, like many others, is sentimental, I thought it might interest you. It’s called ‘A Parents Wish’ and is addressed ‘to our dear child’ and here are some extracts from the text.

If when we speak to you, we repeat the same things over and over again, do not interrupt us…listen to us. When you were small, we read the same story a thousand times until you went to sleep.

When we do not want to have a shower, neither shame nor scold us. Remember when we had to chase you with your thousand excuses to get you to shower.

When you see our ignorance of new technologies, help us to navigate our way through the worldwide web.

When at some moments we lose the memory or the thread of our conversation, let us have the necessary time to remember – and if we cannot, do not become nervous.

The most important thing is not our conversation but surely to be with you.

When our tired legs give way and do not allow us to walk without a cane, lend us your hand, the same way we did when you tried your first faltering steps.

You mustn’t feel sad, angry or ashamed for having us near you. Instead try to understand us and help us like we did when you were young.

And when some day we say to you that we do not want to live anymore, that we want to die, do not get angry. Someday you will understand.

Help us to live the rest of our life with love and dignity. We will pay you with a smile and the immense love we have always had for you in our hearts.

We love you, child. Mom and Dad.

(You can have the advantage of music and moving images on the original website http://parents/wish.

com)

B.R.