A Tough Decision

A tough decision:    Work commitment or family responsibilities?

It was a usual Monday morning.The household chores on Sunday made Priya more tired and she closed her eyes for a short nap. There were more than 52 unread e-mails over the weekend which she had to attend in office. The pending files at her office desk were giving her nightmares. Priya would be travelling to New York next week, for the second time in this year to attend a training programme. 

It was then she received a phone call from her father in India. He had called to inform that her mother was unwell and she was hospitalised since last week. Her mother did not want to tell this to her as she knew that her daughter was already preoccupied with family and work responsibilities. But today she wanted to speak to her daughter as she was quite unwell and sad. 

Priya informed her father that she will call them in the evening and that she will be travelling soon for a training programme. Though she wanted to see her mother, Priya could make it possible only after a month. She informed him that she would transfer $5,000 to his account that evening to bear the expenses. Priya advised her father to appoint a full time maid and that she would bear the expenses. She told him to text her or call her in case of any emergencies and that her mobile would be reachable.

Priya returned from New York after a week and she could not attend any calls owing to her tight schedules and travel commitments. As usual, she logged on to her PC and she saw an e-mail from her mother which read as follows:

"Dear Daughter, 
By the time you receive this e-mail I will no longer be in this world as I have informed your father to send this mail after my departure. I know how much you love your mother and I surely understand your commitments. We have always taught you from childhood to be responsible towards your duty and we are happy that you have reached great heights in your career.

I have already deposited a good sum of money in an old age home for your father as he has to spend the rest of his life alone. They have agreed to take good care of him and his health. So please don't worry about him. Convey my special love and regards to my son-in-law and grand children. Also take care of your health. Do eat food on time.

With blessings and love, 
Your loving Mom."

Was Priya at a fault? She could not travel owing to her work commitments and family responsibilities. She could never foresee that such a mishap was lying ahead of her. Either could she postpone her work commitments and travel to India leaving her family and work. While children should be aware of their responsibilities towards their parents, parents should be reasonable in their expectations. It's a tough choice indeed...


source:TIO-Thursday Magazine