When I turn old .... 当我老了

Recently, I had an encounter with a nun, who gave me snippets of advice. I was stunned about some things she told me about myself.

She told me to curb my temper at times, so that I would be more receptive to others' opinions and assistance. I need to overcome my little stubborn character and to take heed not to be too fussy about some things in life, but I have a kind heart. She said I am a very hardworking person but need to watch my spending. If I were to be more receptive, open up my mind, the good things would come to me naturally. Otherwise if I were to remain status quo, I would be unhappy deep inside. Actually I have already started trying to change for the better. She happened to be a guardian angel who appeared to remind me again. She asked me to continue chanting "om mani padme hum" (Guan Yin's mantra).

She also gave me this chinese article to read. I found the english translation too although I preferred the chinese version. It brought tears to my eyes and I am deeply touched (感动). Hope it motivates you too. May we continue to love our parents more, as well as loving your loved ones and friends.

当我老了，不再是原来的我。
请理解我，对我有一点耐心。

当我把菜汤洒到自己衣服上时，当我忘记怎样系鞋带时，
请想一想当初我是如何手把手地教你。

当我一遍又一遍地重复你早已听腻的话语，请耐心地听我说，不要打断我。

你小的时候，我不得不重复那个讲过千百遍的故事，直到你进入梦乡。

当我需要你帮我洗澡时，请不要责备我。

还记得小时候我千方百计哄你洗澡的情形吗？

当我对新科技和新事物不知所措时，请不要嘲笑我。

想一想当初我怎样耐心地回答你的每一个“为什么”。

当我由于双腿疲劳而无法行走时，请伸出你年轻有力的手搀扶我。

就像你小时候学习走路时，我扶你那样。

当我忽然忘记我们谈话的主题，请给我一些时间让我回想。

其实对我来说，谈论什么并不重要，只要你能在一旁听我说，我就很满足。

当你看着老去的我，请不要悲伤。

理解我，支持我，就像你刚开始学习如何生活时我对你那样。

当初我引导你走上人生路，如今请陪伴我走完最后的路。

给我你的爱和耐心，我会报以感激的微笑，

这微笑中凝结着我对你无限的爱。

◆When I turn old, I am not the original me: Please understand me and have patience with me.

◆When I drip gravy all over my clothes, when I forget to tie my shoelaces: Please remember how I taught you what not to do, and how to do many things by hand.

◆When I repeatedly tell you things that you’re tired of hearing: please be patient and listen to me. Please don’t interrupt me. When you were young, I told you the same story over and over again until you were sound asleep.

◆When I need you to help me bathe: Please don’t scold me. Do you still remember how when you were small I had to coax you to have a bath?

◆When I don’t understand new technology: Please don’t laugh at me or mock me.

Please think how I used to be so patient with you to answer your every “why.”

◆When my two legs are tired and I cannot walk anymore: Please stretch out your powerful hands to lend me a hand, just like when you were a baby learning to walk I held both your hands.

◆When I suddenly forget what subject we are discussing: Please give me a little time to recollect. Actually, it does not matter what we are talk about; as long as you are by my side, I am so contented and happy already.

◆When you see the old me, please don’t be sad: Please understand me and support me, just like how I was with you when you were young and were just learning to face life.

At the beginning, I guided you to the path of life. Now I ask you to keep me company to finish this last leg of my life. Give me your love and patience, I will give you a grateful smile, and crystallized in this smile is my endless love for you.