As I write this blog, it is Thanksgiving Day and my heart bleeds from some of the stories I’ve heard as it relates to the treatment of our elderly relatives.

You would think that it would be strangers that our elderly should be most fearful of; yet unfortunately it is usually their loved ones that hurt them the most. I’ve heard stories of how the children, siblings, cousins, grandchildren and any other combinations thereof have used their elderly relatives as the local ATM, only visiting when they want something from them. These so-called relatives are not only satisfied to take the little their elderly relatives have, but have also used their cognitive decline to have them sign over properties and bank accounts they still have to take them through their remaining years; leaving them alone, desolate, hungry, and heart-broken.

Many relatives visit only to take what they can get; they do not visit to help clean their elderly’s homes – something that the elderly find more and more difficult to do as their health declines. They visit and take what they can, leaving their elderly loved ones in a pile of mess, without food, or even caring if they were able to bathe themselves.

I know a beautiful woman of 86 years whose niece told her she wants the jewelry she was wearing when she dies. Another elderly man was telling his relatives that he had to sell some of his properties when a niece enquired, “But Uncle, you won’t have anything left to give us  when you’re dead if you sell everything.”

Pardon my french, but, WTF? These people are standing right in front of you. They are still ALIVE and you’re enquiring and demanding what you want left to you when they’re dead? I don’t even have words to continue about those comments.

THIS IS WRONG ON SO MANY LEVELS!

These are our parents who held us and cared for us while we were young and helpless. These are our Aunts and Uncles who took us to buy ice cream or played catch with us. These are men and women who build a legacy for us to enjoy. These are individuals who suffered prejudice and poverty to make life better for us that the life they experienced. These individuals worked hard for what they have, and now in their most vulnerable years – it is these same relatives that they sacrificed for that is now making their lives a living hell!

This is not true for everyone. On the other hand I’ve seen wonderful sons and daughters who visit their elderly loved ones regularly and do what is necessary to make them live out the rest of their lives in a way that keeps their pride and dignity intact. Sadly, these are the exception – rather than the rule, as I’ve noticed that most siblings will leave this responsibility to one person, while they are always ready and willing to just take, take take.

I want those of us guilty of this to remember one thing. If we are blessed to live a long life where we need the help of others to survive – then remember this one thing – KARMA is a bitch! And she will ALWAYS repay.