'Time is money''......is it really ?

Have you ever tried to give your time to anyone ??? Well, what kind of a question is this , you may ask. Let me be more specific, how much time do you spend with your mother or father ? Iam not talking to children here, Iam targetting anyone who has crossed the teenage years. Well, most of us would happily spend hours idling in pubs and lounges, spend more hours at work to show visibility since its very important to be seen at the right place at the right time, but only a few will willingly spend those hours with old parents or siblings, listening to their stories repeatedly, day in and day out. When someone asks me how do I spend my time as a homemaker, I cannot describe a typical day, because each day is different. To a working person all days seem almost similar but to homemakers each day is so fresh like a white canvas , you can colour it the way you like. I feel blessed to be home because not only can I look after my home, I can listen to music, paint, read, meet friends and most important for me, look after old parents who need an outlet for their feelings. I can sit for hours listening to their life stories everyday. I can now also predict the expressions, twitch of an eyebrow and choice of words for each episode. I never feel that Iam wasting my time because the excitement of narrating stories, expressing emotions and have someone listening is an assurance for them that, ''I am alive'' and when you see that reassuring smile on wrinkled faces , your eyes become moist with joy. The satisfaction you get is unmatched. I will not trade it for a million bucks.
The message I want to spread is that ''time is money'' but what will you do with money when you won't have those hands to bless you ? Parents do not need money, nor any materialistic comforts, all they need is ''your time'' and understanding . I have closely observed and learnt a lot from them. They want empathy not sympathy, they love to interact with anyone who is positive towards life because it gives them a feeling that ''all eeez well'' :-) I have never regretted my decision to quit work due to family commitments since my easy accessibility has brought me closer to them.
Another thing I have never been able to understand is that people can go to any extent to look after a dog, keep it in an airconditioned room, consult the best doctor, spend hours talking to the dog, buy the best food for the ''poor thing'' because ''you know a dog gives you unconditional love''....I want to ask these people one question, ''Don't parents also give unconditional love ?'' then why don't you spend time with them ??? I know the answer too......animals cannot speak out their mind in words whereas human beings can and who wants to listen ? Sad state of affairs ! Charity begins at home, so before you join any old people's home, look at your parents if they need any help. Old age homes are creation of those children who have no time for their parents. They forget that they too will become old one day, what then ?
To give your time to someone is the most difficult thing to do, are you ready for the challenge ? Which category would you rather belong to,'' I wish I had spent time with....'' or '' Iam glad I spent time with....'' the choice is yours !!!