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FEEDBACKS - PART 17
October 4, 2008
"I just lost my Mom
a week ago and this song was played at her memorial. My brother and
I and my family cared for her at home until her last day, even
though she was very ill and needed around the clock care. We felt it
was right as she had cared for us always. Thank you for really
putting it in words. Many people need a reminder about their parents
wish's and what they mean. Carlene Betz"
"I sent this to one
of my five sons. Vince wrote back and told me how much he loved me
and feels that he never says it enough. What a blessing to hear this
each time. I am lucky if he comes in once a year, life is hectic and
busy and has family and grands of his own. Was a beautiful clip, we
all keep alive of our own parents and the love they gave to us.
Blessings from above whoever wrote this. Anne P"
October 3, 2008
"This is wonderful
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't have said it better."
October 2, 2008
"I am deeply
touched by this presentation. I cried for 3 times already after
viewing the presentation. It moved me a lot and made me realize and
act for whatever shortcomings I had with my parents."
September 30, 2008
"This is beyond
AWESOME! Surely inspired by Our Lord in Heaven! THANK YOU from my
heart!"
"Thank you so much
for this wonderful work that is so moving. I cannot hold tears every
time I view it while thinking of my Dad and Mom who are at their
seventies and live very far from me. The touching words are a
reminder for those who sometimes lose patience, some show ignorance…
toward Parents. Let’s show our loves, care, sympathy… to our beloved
Parents in any way possible because we will have no more chances to
do, one day… Let’s pray for that day taking long long long time to
come! Thank you very much indeed! Thuy Saigon, Vietnam"
September 29, 2008
"This is the most
touching slide show I have seen. Every parent hopes that their
children will be there for them as they were there for their
children. Instead, society these days stick their parents in a
nursing home leaving them there to live the rest of their lives
amongst strangers. We should take slide show as inspiration and show
how thankful we are to those who raised us to be strong responsible
men and women."
"As many have said
before. I now have a much better respect for the elderly and will
practice even more patience with them.. someday I will need that
same patience and tolerance. Thank you! Respectfully yours, Douglas
C. Woodward"
"Thank you ever so much."
September 27, 2008
"Beautiful
sentiment....outstanding Josh Groban...very heartwarming."
"Yes, so true,
respect aging parents, help them keep their dignity, even when they
act like children and they don't want to eat or eat healthy. On the
side of the care giver, we care for them so much and try so very
hard because we don't want them to get old and die. We want them to
be with us forever instead. So we try too hard. But it isn't going
to happen. Not Yet. So if our aging parents die because they didn't
listen to us or the doctor, we can truthfully say, they were not
forced, they died at a time they chose so therefore lived their way.
That is the dignity every human wants, needs and deserves as we
ourselves are aging and needing caretaking from our own children.
But never give up caring."
September 25, 2008
"A great video! My
Mom passed away from Alzheimer's in October of last year and I never
forgot what she did for me. Janet"
"This touched my
heart and soul as I could totally relate to every word...I lost my
mother this last February after watching her wither away in the past
year's with Alzheimer's...When we are brought into this world,
parent's are to teach the thing's we and they will need help with in
the future...Thank you for creating us all this inspiring lesson of
life.."
September
24, 2008
"This is so
beautiful. Many Blessings and Peace to you always. Donna"
"I was so moved. My
mother is 85 and it really reminded me of how much she loves me.
This is a great reminder for us to love all the Elderly Community.
Thank you for this one!"
"That was the most
beautiful E-mail I ever received and I am 63 years old. Thank you."
September
23, 2008
"Thank you, I love
my parents and they altho they are getting on in life now, I’m
hoping that I have the strength they had… so I can lift them up.
Thank you again, Josie."
"I’m still crying!!
That was absolutely beautiful."
September
21, 2008
"This song was
played at my 54 year old brothers funeral. He died of pancreatic
cancer, in 2004. (Mom wants this to also be played at hers- she is
84 years old.) My mother is now getting older and I sometimes get
impatient with her. I cried all the way thro and as I type this I'm
still crying, but I know I will always remember this song and the
pictures, and I know from now on I WILL have more patience and will
listen more closely to what she wants to say! Thank you so much,
Donna W-Iowa"
"Thank-you, how
beautiful. Vickie Hurlbut"
"Thank you for your
excellent film clip."
"Ya hit the nail
right on the head. I could not express it any better then you have.
God bless."
September
20, 2008
"I remember all of
the things that my mother did for me, and I remember at the times
when she got to the age, of forgetfulness, being less than
attentive, just all of those things in the parent's wish, and know
that I never lowered my love or respect for my mom. I miss her so
very much. She was the candle in my life."
"I cannot tell you
how wonderful this was to see. I made 4 copies. One for each of the
children. This is my second marriage as my children lost their dad
when he was just 42. Although my children have been wonderful to my
second husband, and sometimes I know they are busy but one little
phone call even just once a week would make wonders in our lives.
Thank you for reminding my husband and I the beautiful times that we
spent with our children. We are glad that we are again able to share
with our grandchildren and even great grandchildren, all the things
we shared with our children, and hopefully they will remember their
parents. "
"I sobbed through
the whole thing. I am a very lucky woman, both my parents are still
alive, they are in their 80's. I can still speak to them by phone
every day if I choose, and I choose to speak to them often. Thank
you is just not enough. H&D, I love you with all my heart. Ya"
September
19, 2008
"Thank you very
much. This was very touching."
"You made me cry
and I am going to call my mum now. Thanks. C"
"Thank you, thank
you, thank you!!! In one week I will be 74 years old. This gave me
an opportunity to tell my three children some of what I have been
feeling. As I am writing this, the tears are flowing. All three of
my children live a distance from me and when we do get together we
don’t discuss the future. This is one of the most beautiful forwards
I have ever received."
September
18, 2008
"I just loss my
Father in April and this is just beautiful. As he aged, this song
fit our relationship to the tee! I was excited and felt ever so
privileged to do for him all that I did. I would do it all over
again and even more. I can only pray that my own children realize
the same for me as the aging process takes its toll upon the body.
Josh has a beautiful voice and the pictures to the song are
wonderful. Mt. Washington, KY"
"How wonderful."
September
17, 2008
"This is so
beautiful. I played it more than once. Thank you so much. It
reminded me so much of my family as I forwarded it to all. Oh my it
is a blessing just to read it. It took a long time to read it as I
was crying so bad as I lost my mom and dad both in 1989. But not
before the whole family had a falling out over who was going to take
care of mom. My how we wish we had it to do over (what a change it
would be) but too late anyway. Thank you for giving me the chance to
read this. A friend sent it to me. Thank you . Richard Mary"
"This is
wonderful.. I love this song anyway but to have it with these
pictures is just a blessing.. you keep up the thoughts and feeling
of a lot of us.. God bless you"
"I never imagined
that opening an innocent email would send me into a flood of tears!
My mother, age 87, is declining super fast and the hardest thing has
been to stand by and watch, feeling helpless. Your slide show offers
a perspective that is very valuable. Although it is very obviously
different to watch a parent decline than it is to help a child, the
parallel is quite powerful. Kudos!!"
"I was at work this
morning when I received this e-mail. It touched my heart and my
soul. Thinking back, many years ago, I was the one (from eight
children) who never got married and looked after my parents. My dad
died 22 years ago and mom 5 years at the age of 70. Seeing
slideshows like this makes me feel so guilty and heartbroken,
because I didn’t really looked after my mother. I was cruel to her
in many ways. Although this slideshow came too late for me, I did
forward this to all my friends with parents and grand parents so
that they can learn from this. P – South Africa"
September 16, 2008
"Incredible, it
made me long for parents that I have no more, and make me cry for
the way that some of my children treat me. I salute you and wish I
could play this for my kids, maybe it will not be too late for an
attitude change. God Bless you all."
September 15, 2008
"I think it would
be excellent if there was also a 'Children's Wish'. Which
would be about how much the children LOVE the parent(s) for
everything they have done for them throughout the years."
"What a blessing
this was reading this today! I cried through it because this is just
what we are going through with my mother. She just had her 89th
birthday - she's been a widow since 1986 and I know sometimes she
just wonders why she's still here. I go to visit her at the ALF
where she lives; I just listen, even though she loses her
thoughts... but she loves to see me and thanks me so much for
coming. All they want is someone to notice them and spend time with
them. The music really made this presentation; I love Josh Groban's
voice. Thank you for putting into words what I feel......"
September 13, 2008
"This program was
the most beautiful and inspiring piece of work that I have ever
seen. I am 71 years young, and cried through all of it. I did pass
it along to my children and friends, and got so many thank you's
back. If ever you come up with another program like it please send
it to me. Thank you again for a wonderful piece of art. Marlene Krob"
"I have never seen
anything so beautiful. Thank you for your assistance. Hopefully it
will be available soon in CD/DVD."
"A friend forwarded
this to me and while watching I was really touched, tears difficult
to hold. I missed my parents who are living far and already in their
old age. I shared this to all my friends specially to my children
who are still young. Thank you very much for this very good
presentation. God bless to the people who made this wonderful work.
Ray Alps Palawan, Philippines"
September 11, 2008
"It is amazing."
"As a 71 year old I
find this to be the most moving slideshow I have ever seen. The
music is beautiful and o so fitting for the text. This brings out
emotions that haven't surfaced in a long time. Thank you very much
for making this available. Eugene Foley"
September 10, 2008
"Wow!!! Only one
thing I would say, Thank you Lord for using these beautiful hearts
to spread your will for us your sons and daughters. Thank you very
much guys for this very touching, very realistic poem. It made my
heart cry and it made me missed my parents. My family now is in a
big problem, daughter and parents relationship that once broke up
easily like a piece of paper. I don't know how can I bring it back
or even make it harmonious as before. But I believe God will do the
rest, all I can do for now is to keep them in touch everyday so that
they would feel there is somebody who listens, who is being sent by
God who hear their sides. I believe in God's time, He will fix my
family back in His loving arms. I hope, My God will use me to settle
my family again. And this is my inspiration in fixing my
family. pray for you guys. Thank you very much for making this
very beautiful, very realistic poem. Starting now. I want to shout
the whole world: "Mahal ko kayo Nanay and Tatay (I love you
Father and Mother)". Thank you very much guys, Thank you very
much people of God for this Godly deeds that can Move mountains.
Thank very much, from the very smallest part of my tissue. God
Bless you and Keep you safe in the Name of The Father and Of The Son
and Of The Holy Spirit... Jose "Tom" Baje, Philippines"
"Thank you, thank
you, thank you!!! In one week I will be 74 years old. This gave me
an opportunity to tell my three children some of what I have been
feeling. As I am writing this, the tears are flowing. All three of
my children live a distance from me and when we do get together we
don’t discuss the future. This is one of the most beautiful forwards
I have ever received."
September 8, 2008
"We are at this
stage. We live with our daughter. My son in law doesn't understand
anything. He's 63 I sent this to our 4 children Thank you. Mrs. Jean
Crouse. The Woodlands, Texas"
"Amazingly
beautiful and so moving. I will sent it on. Thank you."
September 7, 2008
"God Bless you on
all your efforts and may you obtain the copyright permission for the
background music soon. Thanks."
"My mother who is
now 88 years young has many of the, for lack of a better word,
things as the video talked about."
September 6, 2008
"It is an awesome
video. Thank you!"
"I am an RN who
teaches those who are preparing to care for the Elderly. This
Film/Music is as inspirational as they get and should be
incorporated into my curriculum."
"I lost my father
recently to cancer and my pops is now ailing with COPD and just
suffered from a heart attack. He is the inspiration to me as is my
ailing mother who suffers from congestive heart failure. I was sent
the poem from my aunt and I have to admit that I don't cry too often
but this certainly brought back some wonderful memories for me and I
cried like a baby. It was the most beautiful thing that I have ever
experienced on my computer system and I plan to save it for a very
very long time. I just love seeing very inspiring things like this
as it lifts me up and brings back so many wonderful times with my
parents. Thank you so very much for doing this and sharing it will
everyone--it really touched my heart. Forever grateful, Debbie Wade
(Illinois)"
"This was a
beautiful and well put together piece of work. I lost both of my
boys due to drugs but I recited many of the lines in that song to
them before either one passed away. I love Josh's work and this
brought me to tears thinking about my only two children and my Mom
and Dad. Thank you for work well done."
September 5, 2008
"As a singer of
sort's I love many other great singers - artists, and after losing a
former wife, with cancer that was not treatable, and seeing so many
with cancer over the last 30 years or so I shed a tear each time I
hear of a dear soul with cancer, because we all know, not many
survive unless it's diagnosed in the early stages, and the type
cancer of course. I pray that one day soon we can find some definite
ways to combat this dreaded disease, and we all need to pray to that
end. My thanks go to all who take the time to create such lovely
works of art as you've done, and to the great singer Josh. God
Bless, Coy"
September 3, 2008
"I had just had a
conversation with my mom. I'm 44 years and my mom is 64 and my
Grandmother is 91years. We are having problems with my Grandmother,
she wont listen and the family wants to send her to an Old Folks
home and My mother disagrees. I of course am with the family's
decision and told my mother, she better never put me thru what my
Grandmother is putting her thru. All this stubborness and child like
attitude, won't eat and always falling when she knows she can walk
right."
After viewing this Video , I think the Whole Complex heard me cry
, and I felt so ashamed of myself, and couldnt stop weeping. Thank
you for putting me in my place and I will share this with everyone
that needs to be put in there place.
Thanks Techeetah Taylor
"This is truly an
amazing video. I always said that it is now my time to take care of
my parents who are now 80 because they took such good care of me
growing up. My father is dying of emphysema and I am moving from San
Antonio to La to help mom take of him. She gets upset with his
demands. I sent this to her also. Maybe now she will understand.
Thanks so much for this. It was beautiful."
"I just watched the
Parents' Wish slideshow sent to me from someone very dear to
me. Needless to say it very deeply touched my heart as my beloved
father is dying of emphysema. I also want to show this to my mother
as she gets so upset with my dad for constantly repeating the same
stories over and over, not wanting to take a shower every night and
never listening to her. I live in San Antonio and am moving back to
La. to help her with my dad and be with him for the time God allows
us to have with him. Thank you so much for this. I also emailed it
to my 2 brothers.
"Parents' Wish'
came at the time our family needed a reality check. I say that
because my siblings really have no idea with what goes on with aging
parents. I'm sure after I send this to them that they'll show more
respect and understanding towards them. As I see it we will all be
in this situation sometime in our life. God Bless All. Shelynn,
Missouri"
"Loved it and it
didn't hurt that it was done by my favourite male singer either. It
brings back memories of advice and of course lectures my Mom and Dad
gave me while growing up. I wish I had seen this at the time that
each of my folks passed away. Very nice indeed."
September 1, 2008
"Having lost my Dad
in February this has truly been a source of tears and inspiration.
My Dad was not only Dad-- he was (and is) my best friend. We worked
together for many years and played golf together for more. I miss
him so much, but can find some comfort from this video. He didn't
have Alzheimers -- he had cancer and got very frail toward to end.
Thank you for this video--it makes me cry, but makes me
remember--not only the bad but all the good--and oh boy, how much
good there was. Thank you again and God Bless."
"I would love to
use this in my work. I work for a cemetery but do a lot of speaking
in the community on aging and preparing for the end of life. It is
beautiful. I hope Josh has enough other money that he will let this
happen."
"I lost my father
nearly two years ago but still think of him every morning, afternoon
and evening. He died a painful death due to cancer but I had the
honor, yes honor to help him do many of the things he could no
longer do for himself. God gave us a miracle drug the last year of
his life that enabled him to live one GOOD year longer and during
that year I grasped every moment I could. Although my father was
severely failing, that extra year spent with him was the most
rewarding of my life. I hope by the grace of God that I may be
rewarded with heaven so that I can share eternity with the man
'who raised me up'. I am nearly 50 years of age and will never
be the man that my father was... but I'll keep trying as long as I
am here and raising my own son."
August 31, 2008
"Thank you for
answering my first feedback and telling me about the single MOM
version. I think of many loved ones when I view your amazing
presentation, I see myself as being there one day and I sent it to
my daughter too and many of my friends. Bless you, Nancy"
August 30, 2008
"I really enjoyed
it, nice do it again. Brenda G.Lee"
August 29, 2008
"That is the most
beautiful thing I've hear and seen. Exactly how I feel about life.
Thank You."
"This was
beautiful!! It should be required in all medical and nursing schools
across our country. As a retired nurse, i have seen many people
forget that our elderly were once vibrant, giving, real people.
Thank you!"
August 28, 2008
"It was very
touching, it brought tears to me, my father passed away almost 6 yrs
ago, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about
something he has said or did. This song brought back a lot of
memories, thank you very much. God Bless You. Suzanne- Iowa"
"When I received
Parents' Wish I had just got off the phone with my 83 year old
mother. She is hard of hearing, repeats stories all the time, and is
becoming forgetful. The phone call was very stressful. While playing
Parents' Wish I cried so hard I could barely view the
slideshow. The next day I again watched the show with the same
reaction. I sent it to all my siblings and friends. Everything that
was mentioned was what I had been going through on a daily basis.
I'm again crying as I type this e-mail. Thank you to all involved in
the most beautiful thing I've ever seen or read on the net. It was
so powerful."
August 27, 2008
"Thank you for this
beautiful, inspiring and educating video. My sisters and I have been
partial caretakers of our mother (who has been fortunate to live in
Assisted Living Facilities for over 10 years) for many years. She is
now in the last stages of Alz. and we had to put her in a nursing
home just recently (we're all still raising children). We still see
her nearly everyday and feel like so many of our friends (and
especially our children) now have a better understanding of the
disease. I remember at first, many years ago, being embarrassed when
we didn't know why mom was behaving differently. But the knowledge
we gained from her geriatric doctor helped us to deal with each
stage and accept it for what it was. He included social workers to
help the family and the families needs along with the care of the
Alzheimer's patient which is something that has been invaluable to
our family. Yes, our mother cared for our every need and now, we
want to be there for her during these last months. We have always
been close and very blessed with the love we have for each other.
Thanks again for sharing such important info about our loved ones.
My sisters and I have been blessed to be able to help take care of
our mom. She is a lot like an infant now, which actually makes it
easy to love her (we sit holding hands, lots of kisses) even more,
but not so easy to care for her. Thanks again for such a touching
rendition of what it is like every day for these loved ones. Mary,
Tennessee"
August 26, 2008
"I was truly moved
by the Parents' Wish video."
"My husband and I
love this slideshow of a Parents' Wish. I have e-mailed
it to all my friends."
"What an awesome
tribute to Parents everywhere. Thank you very kindly! "
August 24, 2008
"Two words - simply
beautiful!"
"Next time you
listen to that song, think of the song: 'Danny Boy;, but it
is a great message."
"I have just
listened to your recording and watched your video through tears and
pain. It is truly beautiful and oh, so true! As I am also the
caregiver and daughter of a mother with Alzheimer's and have taken
her into our home. I, too, need the uplift and encouragement of your
wonderful presentation! I intend to send it on to all my friends and
children, and prayerfully hope they 'see and hear' the
message within. I've always loved Josh Groban's music so this was
just an added pleasure. Thank you again for your beautiful message
to us all. I pray this will help me in many ways with what years I
may have left with my dear, Godly, loving mother who is no longer in
'this world' but one of her own. Sincerely, DJ from Ala."
August 23, 2008
"I lost my husband
in April and so much of this made me think of him. His children and
grandchildren stayed away a lot during the last years of his life
because it was hard for them to see him suffer. I watched him weep
for them and it broke my heart. I wish they could have seen this
before his death. They said they wanted to remember him as a younger
more vibrant man so he and I endured the last 5 and 1/2 years with
the help of our youngest son that we had adopted. I feel bad for the
ones that stayed away because they missed some very dear times."
August 22, 2008
"I just received
this wonderful email from my sister and am sending it to my kids and
friends. I realized after my parents passed that it was the little
things that meant so much to each of us in their later years...even
though we didn't live near each other the pictures sent on a regular
basis kept them a part of my world, going for a ride to visit old
friends or for an ice cream cone at the shop we visited when I was a
kid that was amazingly still there. And most important, taking time
from our busy schedules to make sure we made that Friday night call,
no matter what we were doing. In this day and age families are
separated by many miles and the calls and pictures are more
important than ever. Take the time to keep your parents 'in the
loop'...a call, a visit, a picture feels like a thousand hugs.
Thanks so much for sharing this story with the rest of us."
August 21, 2008
"Thank you for
taking the time to remind us all that life is fleeting at best and
though the years come and go, at some point they will end. What a
wonderful way to encourage us all to stop long enough to think about
our lives as parents and children... the beginning of life and the
end are so closely linked. Preparing the way for our children...who
should help prepare the way for their parents. What a truly
magnificent journey our God has given us all. Love one another.
RhondaKay in GA"
"Here I am
listening and crying/singing to this song at 0200 in the morning. I
promptly phoned my mother in South Africa, to thank her for all she
has done for us as children (Daytime there). And then I will send
the email on to my own children. Thank you so much for this touching
song!! W from CA"
August 20, 2008
"My Father has
Alzheimers and this was so moving as all this is true. You have
captured my Parents Wishes ultimately and I thank you for publishing
this beautiful presentation.. I would also love to share this with
my brother as he is having a very difficult time dealing with our
Father's disease. Thank you again for this beautiful tribute to
Parents."
"I cried as I
watched and listened to this because it was so moving."
"I lost my mom and
when I heard this I wished I could have her here all over again and
not be impatient when she repeated or wanted me there when I was so
busy. For all who still have their aged parents and loved ones this
song with help you get thru it. Thank you."
August 19, 2008
"Actually one of
our officemate forwarded the website to all of us. And some of them
cried after viewing this great and nice message. I could not
actually describe the feeling while I'm viewing and reading this. It
reminds me of my Mom whose already getting old now. We always leave
her at home with my nephew, we don't have choice because all of us
should work and leave her at home. I know that someday I need to
take care of her and my goal is to give her happiness. Let's take
good care of our parents... and love them always."
"Such a wonderful
slide show, Thank you."
"I lost my Mom and
Dad during the month of June. They were both 90 years old and some
of the last words I shared with them both was that we had a
wonderful life and they were the best parents I could have ever had.
They had prepared for their home in heaven and they are both now
together. Thank you for sharing this beautiful message and music and
I will be passing it on to my daughter and to all my friends who are
still caring for their loved ones. Patsy in Memphis"
"I received this
email a few days ago. The first time I looked at it I, paid
attention to the words and pictures as I had heard the song on many
occasions. The second time, I pictured my parents saying this to me.
By the time it was finished, my eyes were full of tears! I spoke to
my parents the next day, they live in Trinidad, I played it and as I
was reading the words out loud to them over the telephone, I could
not say it all, as I became so emotional. They tried to console me
but I was determined to finish it. Whenever my parents come to visit
me, I will definitely play it for them. I sent the email to my
sisters and brothers with the hope that they will be touched as much
as I was. Thank you for a great presentation, even now when I play
it, it still brings tears to my eyes! Grace L...Orlando, FL"
"Absolutely
beautiful and very important to share. It's too bad that we have to
tell our children to make time for us, to listen to us and to be
kind. In another time we just knew how to be there for our parents.
Lee"
"I lecture
frequently to adult children of aging parents. This touched me to
the core as it is my message to the people I speak with. Thank you."
"Thanks for
spreading this great piece."
August 18, 2008
"I cried when I
watch the video. However, I cannot send it on. I am a 'Mom'
and Dad is no longer on this earth with me."
"This is the most
spectacular, meaningful, touching presentation that I have seen. So
true!!! I will share it with all my friends so that they may send it
to their children. I’m sending it to my boys.:
"Thank you for
sharing this touching slideshow. It truly speaks straight to the
heart!"
August 17, 2008
"I have loved Josh
Groban's music for many years but I have to tell you, this was the
most moving thing I have gotten on my computer since I started using
one. I forwarded it to everyone on my E-mail list and would
recommend that everyone who receives it does the same. IT WAS
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. It was the best E-mail I have ever received.
Thank you. djbnama"
"What a Joyous
Celebration of life. I just lost my mother in January and maybe this
is what I needed to see. Thank You! I am only 32 years old."
August 16, 2008
"It was
beautiful BUT My son did not have a father so as much as I would
love to send this to him I do not wish to make him feel worse, it is
beautiful VERY Much so, BUT I would have loved to send it had it
referred to a single parent thing, such as a mom or a dad instead of
both. Just a thought. It was beautiful though. Thanks. Love in
Christ, Joyce"
"I was greatly
reminded of my parents and now I am in those shoes, wanting the best
for my children - grand children and the 14 great grand children I
have been blessed with. Thank you so much for such a beautiful
presentation. I am honored to be able to forward it to each of my
five children. The story and music are very touching in the heart.
Thank you ever so much.... Katherine Rhodes"
"We have just
received this here in the UK. Its been a real pleasure to read and
even more a pleasure to pass on to my self indulgent money grabbing
son who resides in Nashville. Thank you for putting this together."
"Thank you for
making me think, and look deep into myself. Even though I am only 40
and my children are still very young my partner is quite a bit older
than me and one day I will need to be doing the one caring for him
not the other way round as it is now. Thank you again."
"Today was the
second time I have received Parents' Wish and, for the second
time, I enjoyed it very, very much. The message is so powerful and
Josh's song is one of my favorites. I have sent this to all of my
children and grandchildren hoping that they, too, will understand
the importance of what is being said. There is no way that I could
convey my feeling so well. Thank you."
August 15, 2008
"Although I am only
49 years old, I can relate to each slide in this presentation. I had
an accident October 22, 2003 which left me a paraplegic with intense
and constant pain. I was a very outgoing, energetic, and positive
thinking person, until then. Unfortunately, I am not the same person
today. Although I have wonderful children, they have expressed the
ideas that the narrator in the slides asks his children not to
indulge in. Over time, they have become more caring and
understanding. Still, the presentation has some timely reminders.
Thank you so much. Sincerely, Robert L"
"It was a truly
great piece that as a young person who has a parent with Dementia it
touch home and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for such a
touching letter and will cherish it and remember Parents' Wish.
Thank you for sharing it with me ."
"I have never been
more pleased to receive an email. Really wonderful and thought
provoking for all. From the feedbacks which I have also enjoyed
reading, this has come to me in Australia from a friend here, and I
expect it will be as warmly received on this side of the world too.
Thank you so much."
August 14, 2008
"As an aging
parent, this had special meaning for me... thank you very much. I
love Josh Groban. I have so many CD's of his and play them often.
Carol B. Layton Reading, PA"
"OH MY GOSH, My
Beautiful Daughter sent this to me, and I sat here and cried. You
see I lost my Mother about 14 years and it still feels like
yesterday, she died of Cancer and so did my Father. They were not in
their right minds either but it was from the pain killers. But I
knew they both still loved me. Thank You for sharing this with me."
August 13, 2008
"My Husband and I
are getting on in age and a dear friend sent me this. I am not
deleting it, I read it everyday and cry everytime because it is so
TRUE. I wish I had seen this many years ago before my own Mother
died.. just to have been more understanding. A wonderful message to
everyone, young and old. The song is perfect from Josh Groban."
"This is beautiful
and so true as to how older people feel. Love it. Wish I could get
the message part if nothing else. Yes I have one son and he will be
getting this. This can also apply to others who are not nice to
older people. Thanks so much. An older Person, Peg"
"It is so wonderful
and beautiful. This last 3 years my siblings and I cared for our
mother who is now gone and so often we discussed how we wanted to
care for her based upon the way in which she always cared for us. We
could never do her the same service, however we did our best and she
was a wonderful Mom and very sensitive woman who was gentle,
thoughtful and patient even with all of the children she brought
into this world."
"Thank you ...
Thank you .... Thank you. My Father passed away at Hospice March 18,
2008 and this made me feel like you were in the room with my Sister
and I when we thanked Dad for all the love and guidance he gave us
through the years. When it was time to execute his living will we
thanked him also for his decision not to leave the choice up to us
so neither Mom nor us would feel guilty. He shared the living will
contents with us years ago and it was a blessing to be able to do as
he wished without the added burden of wondering if we did the
'right thing' because it was all written up in his own words. He
was a World War II veteran and a great and gentle man who is missed
dearly."
"I love this and
want to use it when I do presentations. I go around two counties
lecturing on Elder Abuse and Elder Abuse prevention and this would
really set the mood."
"What a beautiful
piece! It brought back a flood of memories before I lost my mother
and all the things I did for her with out a second thought. I only
pray that my kids will do the same for me. Josh is one of my
favorites and his music added so much. Keep up the great work."
"Thank you note!"
August 12, 2008
"This was sent to
me by a good friend suffering from Fibromyalgia! I lost my mother to
age and diabetes 5 years ago and still have moments of nostalgia - a
beautiful, caring, compassionate and giving person. My children lost
a wonderful Nana. They have a caring, giving and thoughtful
personality and I am so thankful. I have sent them this Parents'
Wish and had a good cry while watching myself! Thank you for
such a thoughtful and immensely moving creation. The music is the
icing on the top! Christine."
August 11, 2008
"Thank You so
Much for your hard Work.!"
"I so enjoyed this
presentation."
"Thanks for
reminding me!"
"So beautiful!
Every child should read it and re-read! We recently lost our
youngest son (49) unexpectedly; the one we always thought would be
there for us if needed. God Bless You!"
"This was
wonderful. Please inform me when it is ready. Thank you! I cried
along with the song."
"It's a very
beautiful slide show. It was my classmate who send it to me. I
forwarded it also to my friends. The first time I played it, I
cried. I remember my mother. She died two years ago and tomorrow
August 12, 2008 is her 2nd year death anniversary. I miss her so
much."
August 9, 2008
"Parents' Wish
was sent to me from a very dear friend. I was the caregiver for my
Alzheimer's Mother for six years. It is a brutal disease and
continues to destroy the body parts until the kidney shuts down. My
Mother's last birthday was March 13, 2008 and Thirteen days after
The Lord called her home as she was in the last stages of Alzheimer.
There just are no words to explain how touched I was by the
Parents' Wish and how every word was so perfected to what I
would have liked to write to my Son and Daughter after going through
all I did with my Mother as I worked so hard on trying to understand
each phase and step one day at a time. God Blessed me and gave me
the strength and knowledge to realize what and how I must react to
the strange stages of a Mother who was once so healthy, caring,
giving and thoughtful of others. I am in total thankfulness for
Parents' Wish to be able to send to our Children. Would love to
have it on a CD if ever one is made. Above and beyond A Outstanding
Job. Thank You a Million and One. Roberta"
August 8, 2008
"This is absolutely
BEAUTIFUL. I cry every time I watch it and have forwarded to
everyone in my address book. You must be a wonderful person to have
put it together. Thank You"
"Truly a beautiful
and inspiring video! My Dear Mother is losing more of her memory
every day, and I am finding it very hard to accept. This made me
look at things from a different perspective. God Bless us all-
Parents and Children!"
"Wow, how amazing!!
People seem to forget what their parents did for them and how much
it means to them when they get older to have someone there to
comfort them and talk with them. My mother is disabled and counts on
everyone to help her in her daily life. This slide show has brought
tears to my eyes!! Be patient, be kind and most of all make them
smile. You never know when your going to lose them!! I work as PCA
with the elderly and disabled children. I couldn't think of a better
way to spend my time while my children are off learning and
preparing for adulthood. Love them while you can and cherish every
moment you have!! God Bless you all!!"
"It said everything
children should hear from their parents but is never said so I sent
it to both my sons. Really beautiful. Thank you for composing it.
Gloria Tanner"
"Both of my parents
died within one month of each other. This song and message made me
realize how much I miss them and the lost opportunities to tell them
how much I loved them. Simple patience, and understanding is all
they asked for...now it doesn't seem that much...but it's always too
late. Hopefully someone out there still has time to express their
love for their parents, and find the patience and love they so
desperately need."
August 7, 2008
"I care for my
mother who is 86, frail, and dementing. I cared for my Dad before
her. All the time I am here with them, I always told myself that
what I am doing for them is exactly what they did for me. It is my
duty for my mother, for my Dad it was a labour of love. I loved your
video, I loved the comments that I read even more. (I didn't read
too many, as I was crying too much.) My mum never wanted me,
but she kept me clean, fed me good food etc. I am returning her
favour, but it breaks my heart to see such a strong, dogmatic woman
now so pathetic. I owe her her dignity. I have forwarded this video
to my boss. (I work part time as a nurse for the elderly with any
kind of dementing illness.) My boss, well he called me at home
to say that it made him cry, and he is going to forward it to all
our staff. Wonderful work. God Bless you Dad... ....and to all you
carers who feel guilty because you occasionally lose patience - well
if you did not, you would not be normal, and your mom sure lost
patience with you at times! Don't worry, hang in there...they know
what you are doing and love you for it in the next life."
August 6, 2008
"I want my children
to read this. My husband and I just celebrated our 50th anniversary
at Christmas time and he has since died. I long for them to read
this before I reach the point where I am ready to 'cross over'.
This has touched me so deeply. Thanks."
"I am a grandmother
and I can see that in another 10 or 15 years I could be saying these
very words to my own children. Thank you, this is more meaningful
than I can say. L.S."
August 5, 2008
"I think this
is beautiful. I lost my mother 2 years ago to Alzheimers. That song
really hit the heart. I still miss her and feel like she's here with
me. At the end I had to put her in a home but I went daily to see
her that was the hardest thing I ever had to do but they were
wonderful and good to her and my family. Thank you for this song.
Linda"
"The first time my
parents sent me this slideshow, I was not expecting it to have such
a deep impact on me. I am an only child and my parents have been the
foundation of my world for longer than I can remember. By the end of
the slideshow I was crying so much that I immediately went to both
of them and gave them huge hugs. I can't think of anything you could
add to or take away from it. I didn't even notice the lack of photos
containing mothers. For me, it applied perfectly to the love and
guidance they've both shown me. (including grandparents). The
sentiment expressed expressed in this show....I could not have said
it better myself and I appreciate whoever put it together. It is a
masterpiece to me.... thank you very much!!!! Kelli in Georgia
"I loved the
slideshow, it makes me cry everytime."
"My mother has
Parkinson’s and I am 90% patient, every now and again I’m not, this
video not only made my cry but probably will make me 99% patient.
Thank you! Technical Machinery Sales, Terrill L. Denton"
"It's brilliant!"
August 4, 2008
"When I became a
Christian, The Lord Jesus blessed me with the gift of mercy. That
was over 30 years ago. As each door opened since that time for me to
work as a private caregiver to the elderly, I learned more and more
about the valuable life lessons that can be gleaned by having a
relationship with someone who has lived a long life. Some of my
clients were in the process of losing their memories, some were
sickly, and some were very lonely, but each one I spent time with (I
mean outside of the job responsibilities) affected me in a profound
way. I prayed with many, and they prayed for me. I gave some baths
and fed them meals, but they bathed me in their prospective of
history because they were there. And they never grew tired of my
company. Even those who had all but forgotten who they were would
still manage a smile. Their bodies and their minds might have been
failing, but there was nothing wrong with their spirits. I think we
have missed the boat when we accept the falacy that the aged have
nothing left to give. As I watched the video, I cried because of the
mentality our society has regarding the elderly. They belong with
the rest of society because they do have a place and a purpose, and
tremendous value. Thank you for getting the word out. Cathy Hicks"
"I see this
somewhat differently from apparently everyone else. I think it's
depressing as hell. I am 77, and I am fortunately in good health
and, I hope, a long way from the grave. This piece dwells too much
on the infirm, and hardly at all, on the good things in life. It is
sad. If you are going to address this subject, do so in a
light-hearted way. Why all the gloom and doom? I did not care fot
it.
"I cried when I saw
this, it was truly amazing. This was so beautiful, I lost my Mom
this Feb. 6th. and if I can go back in time I would have done some
things differently. I loved my Mom but I wish I could have taken
more time and learned much more with her, she was a truly amazing
woman. Every child should read this and keep this, for one day they
will get old too. This is a keeper!! Rosie"
"Dear Josh Groban:
I just want to say everytime I hear this song You Raise Me Up
I think back into my childhood when my parents were raising my
sisters and brothers up. They had nine children. Unfortunately we
don't have my parents now. They both died of cancer- my dad at age
59 and my mom at age 78. So when I hear this song or now that
I have it on my computer, I will remember my parents and how loving
they were to bring all of us into this world. Your songs are so
touching and I wish you would come in concert sometime soon in
Maine. Thank-you Brenda {Maine }"
August 3, 2008
"My parents
recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 26th. It
was a wonderful event that i will never forget. My father is 82 and
my mother is 76. My father was diagnosed with dementia and Lou
Gehrigs diease a few days after the celebration. Then my sister sent
me this poem. I cried and cried. It is so beautiful and I so much
want a copy of it. I have checked You Tube to see if maybe it was on
there. It was the same poem but different pictures and songs. It
just wasn't the same for me as this one. I would love to be notified
as soon as it is available on CD for I would like to purchase
several copies for family member."
August 1, 2008
"I enjoyed the
email of the Parents' Wish sent to me, very much and could
not see the screen for all the crying. Thank you."
July 31, 2008
"WOW... That really
caught my attention about the future. I hope and pray my girls will
take care of me when I am old. That message was very beautiful.
Thank-you for letting our children realize what we have done for
them in the past. This is definitely a message keeper.
Thanks-a-million... Tina, mother of two girls from PA"
"My dad passed away
on February 13th, 2008, he was 84 years old. As I was growing up, I
always thought of him as my hero. You see, even though he was not my
biological father, he was the only father I ever knew. He adopted me
when I was only 3 years old and always was there for me while I was
growing up. Any man can be a father, but it takes a special man to
be a dad. I miss him terribly, but he will always be with me, in my
heart and thoughts. I am so grateful too of the time I had with him.
I know he would have loved this since it described him so
beautifully. Dad, be sure to tell Denny and Grandma Jody I love
them. ~Brenda ~ Independence, MO"
"I am reading this
on my 80th birthday. My daughter is having a party for me later
today! I am legally blind, hard of hearing, etc. Love, RFE"
July 30, 2008
"My Mom died 17
months ago at 97. I had been the care giver for 5 years and when she
died, I did not take the time to mourn. In a way, I did not have the
time to mourn with the funeral and all the business things that had
to be finished. When I watched this video, the tears flowed and I
could let her go. Thank you."
"How true are the
words of this message. I think sometimes they forget we can still
think for ourselves and can make our own decisions. I will pass this
on to my friends, and my family."
"The slideshow is
just beautiful. It really touched my heart. I wish, if the author
can add one more page: 'Dear Children, please keep this
presentation safe to pass on to your Children at your old age.'
Thanks again, Kishore, Muscat"
July 29, 2008
"Thanks so much. I
am a caregiver for my mother who is wheelchair bound and has some
dementia. This helped me so much today because caregivng can be
draining. This help to remind me why I'm doing this... because I
love her. May God bless you."
"That was just the
most awesome thing I have read or heard in a long time. I cried. I
am sending it to all 5 of my children."
"I'm 14 years old,
and I've saved this presentation to my favorites online. I watch it
from time to time, and it makes me cry every single time I watch it.
It really makes me appreciate my parents and know that even when
they make mistakes, they're just trying to make my life better and
easier. This has an amazing message, and I'll always remember it.
-Shelby"
"I would really
like a copy of this video and CD. It is beautiful."
July 28, 2008
"We buried our Mom
Saturday, July 26, 2008. She was in her 98th year, and much of the
text in 'Parents' Wish' applied to her. She lived to
give, putting the needs of others before hers. I wish we had thought
to get permission to use this A/V as part of her memorial - it would
have helped the younger mourners to understand that, if we live long
enough, the odds are that their parents will need the care and
understanding described here. Here's to you, Mom - you [and Dad] did
raise us up to stand on mountains. Jim, Steve and Jane. P.S. - Tell
Dad and Tom that we'll see y'all later."
"I have saved this
beautiful and touching presentation, and sent it to everyone I know.
I cry each and every time I watch it. My husband and I are both 63
now, with a great-grandson of 1 year. This is truly a wonderful
message to all. Vicky ~ Parker, CO"
"This was sent to
me by a friend, but ultimately it is an answer to prayer. I have
been on a spiritual roller coaster since my Mom moved in to our
home. At 88 she is in really good health, and the struggles are
quite honestly mostly selfishness on my part. Truly, the sin of
self! Although my husband and I had planned for one or both of our
mothers to move in with us, when it actually happened, we weren’t as
prepared as we thought. We liked our 'empty nest' and having
Mom has meant giving that up. This video has been such a powerful
reminder of the gift and privilege of caring for my mother that God
has given to us and I thank Him for this. To all who struggle as I
have been, I share this quote from the classic book, 'Adam Bede',
'When death, the great Reconciler, has come, it is never our
tenderness that we repent of, but our severity.' May God forgive
me for my times of severity! GG"
"Cried all the way
through. Sent it to every one I know who would appreciate it. It has
given me an new perspective on being a care taker not to my parents
but my older brother. Thanks for the inspiring site. Love,
Norma"
"I cannot believe
how well you captured my thoughts, my heart and my purpose. I am
caring for my mother who is 88 years old. She has severe senile
dementia. It has been so hard to watch her decline. I was not
prepared for this. You always know that your parents will die and
leave you one day, but you don't expect that they will lose their
minds before they go. I try to look at the funny things they say and
treasure them but sometimes it's hard to think of those things when
they soil themselves and don't even realize it, or when you find
maggots in the kitchen because they haven't put food away or washed
dishes. Just knowing that you could eat off of their floors when you
were young because the house was so clean and now is in such
disarray is enough to bring tears to your eyes. Sometimes they know
who you are and sometimes you can tell that they don't, even though
they are carrying on a conversation with you. You wonder, where has
my mother gone, what is it like for HER to not remember what she
went inside for or what she did 2 minutes ago. This situation has
been the most rewarding and at the same time, the most depressing
and stressful of my life, but, I rise to the challenge because of
the very things your video demonstrates. This video should be
submitted to some sort of award competition. It should be turned
into a commercial on TV for the elderly. Too few people will see it
on the internet. And it needs to be seen by everyone. It is
frightening to me to know that most likely I will follow in her
footsteps. I only hope that someone will care enough to visit me,
tolerate my babbling and encourage me to bathe. In the beginning, my
mother knew she was becoming forgetful and she had a long talk with
me. She requested that I let her stay in her own home until she
became combative and didn't recognize me. Against doctors advise, I
have tried to honor her wishes, when it would be so much easier to
put her in a home and leave her care to others. I've been criticized
for my decision, but honoring her wish is important to me. Thank you
for your video. Through my tears, I found much comfort in it. You
could not have picked a more appropriate sound track than Josh Groban."
July 27, 2008
"What a different
perspective as an adult child with aging parents. Very well done."
"I am 76 years old
and this song and words are the most emotional piece I ever seen or
heard. I have nine children and I sent this to everyone of them and
also to my friends. I have loved Josh Groban's music ever since he
came on the scene. It is too bad that we don't know the author of
the words."
"At a time when I
am considering having my 87 year old mother with beginning stages of
Alzheimer's go to an assisted living facility because of a drain on
my energy taking care of her, this video said to me keep taking care
of her...you will not regret it."
July 24, 2008
"This is the most
beautiful, emotional video I have seen in a long time and want to
have it to share with our Sunday morning fellowship 'Senior'
group.
"I cried almost at
the moment I started to watch this beautiful video. It is the most
extraordinary piece I have seen. This is a perfect time for my 'empty
nest' and you can believe that I will send it not only to my 3
children but to as many people I can think of. Thank you for you
wonderful work of art. You are surely blessed."
"This is the most
beautiful and inspiring pieces I have ever seen. Some day, God
willing, we will all get there. We must remember that how we treat
our parents as they age will teach our own children about our own
aging process. Thank you for the time you spent putting this piece
together. I will keep this and look at it often. "
"I work in a
retirement and Alzheimer's center and think this should be shown to
everyone who enters, parents and children alike. Sometimes all we
have to give is a smile, and that can be the biggest gift we can
give to someone, be it a parent or their child of any age. That
smile speaks a thousand words if we just take the time to listen.
This video is one of the best ones I have seen and so appropriate to
our lives. At some point, the message here will pertain to each and
everyone of us. Please, if you have this available on a CD I would
love to purchase a copy for my home and also for work. Very well
done. Thank you"
July 23, 2008
"Beautiful and so
true. E. H. Weldon, Texas"
July 22, 2008
"I'm writing this
through my tears. My wife just left to look after her father while
her mother goes out to take care of some important paperwork. He has
Alzheimer and Parkinsons Disease. My parents have long since passed
away and in one sense I have 'adopted' my wife's parents. The
link to Parents' Wish was sent to me two days ago by a friend
that doesn't know this. Five years ago, on the night before our
wedding, Dad fell and broke a hip. He was rushed to the hospital for
surgery. Consequently my wife's parents were not at our wedding, and
the family reception was move from their home to an Uncles home
overnight. We spent the daylight hours of our honeymoon in the
hospital looking after Dad's needs allowing Mom precious hours to go
home to clean up and rest herself. They have seen a video of the
ceremony though, and all the pictures at the small family reception.
I've spent the past five years helping to look after Dad, and Mon
for that matter. It's been a long hard struggle, but one worth every
step of the way. I wish there were word to express just how deeply
this has touched me. A Parents' Wish is without a doubt the
single most beautiful thing I have read on the net, and in my
opinion, justifies the nets existence. From the bottom of my
heart, I thank you for sharing it with us. May God, as you
understand him/her, bless and keep you."
"I do trainings
with elderly and kids. This would be a great ending to a
presentation."
"I am a Mother of a
daughter who is fighting for her life with Cancer. I hope that when
I reach an age where she will need to take care of me she is there.
Thank you for allowing me to send this to her I am sure she will
love it as much as I have. Thank you for this beautiful message to
my child of how much it means to watch your parents grow old
especially when there are so many that never have that opportunity
to have their parents grow to a wonderful ripe old age. I wish my
Dad was here to read, see and listen to this beautiful message. I
would have loved to have watched my Dad grow old."
July 21, 2008
"This was so
beautiful. My parents, mom is still alive and my dad died in 99.
This brought tears to my eyes, not only because of the beauty and
truth in this, but also my own guilt. My mom is forgetful and at
times I get very angry at her, for some of the things that I just
got slapped in the face with and trust me when I say a slap- one I
very much deserve and needed. This has taught me that mom will not
always be mom and I guess, I just don't want to see that. Without
her, my brothers and sister would not be the people we are. All I
can say about this video, is 'THANK YOU' for making me
see that mom is changing, not because she wants to but because God
has chosen this for her. I sent this to my children, so they will
hopefully see before my time comes for God's changes that their mom
will probably be the same as their grandmother and I hope that mom
will forgive me for losing my patience with her and I will talk to
her and explain to her, what woke me up. I have hurt my mom's
feelings which is the biggest hurt a person can do to an other. This
message was a wake up call for me. Thank you again for making this
especially for people who do not understand or want to accept that
their parents are dying in more ways than one. Patti"
July 20, 2008
"I think this
presentation is so beautiful. I work in a nursing home and I feel
this would be a wonderful slide to show. This truly explains aging
and I think it would be appropriate for my in service."
July 19, 2008
"I cried as I
watched the words and pictures and listened to the song. My mother
suffered a series of strokes in October, 2001. Although she
initially had no physical aftereffects, she did suffer from
dementia. She came home from rehab on Veteran’s Day and passed away
just 6 months later a few days after Mother’s Day. In that short
span of time, we went through all of those emotions and more. Both
my husband and I are convinced to this day that she made a conscious
choice for a quality of life, not a quantity of life, and that’s why
she passed away so quickly. I miss her every day, and even more now
as we plan for my son’s Bar Mitzvah."
"Thank you, for I
am caring for my 83 year old mother and 80 year old aunt. I needed
to be reminded of the loving care I received as a child. I pray a
lot! Deletha"
"Oh my God! This is
one of the most touching things I have ever watched. Perfect touch
with 'You Raise Me Up' by Josh Groban! Gets you at the
heart!"
July 18, 2008
"I was sent this in
March by a friend. I lost my mom on Easter Monday, 2008. Many times
I would visit and many times she would say, 'One of these days
you will understand', ... she told my daughters several times
that she did not know why she was still here. We celebrated her 90th
birthday in February and people came from all over, Alaska, Florida,
Texas, Indiana we had over 200 Birthday Cards from all over the
world. She will be missed. I keep this on my home computer and my
work computer and I play it often. This piece is wonderful."
"Very true and
teary. God Bless all."
"The effect of this
slide was very powerful and brought tears to my eyes. My father died
in 1995. I was raised by my mother and my stepfather. My mother who
is 82, is now in a nursing home with Alzheimer's. My mother
especially was a great help in babysitting our daughters. My husband
and I are active 64 year olds and returning the gift by babysitting
our grandchildren. I constantly hope and pray that we will be around
long enough to see our children and even possibly our grandchildren
become established along life's way. Thank you. M.R."
"This was my
mother's song for me and mine for her. She raised me up!!!"
"Thanks so much for
this beautiful work of art!"
"I’m speechless!
How beautiful this presentation is, and how enormously important! We
lost our gentle, loving father in August, 2008, after a totally
unexpected bout of illness. From October, 2007 until he passed away
in August, 2008, we had to watch in horror and sadness as this
always strong, independent, God-loving father of ours withered away.
When his heart attack first hit and we were all called to get to the
hospital immediately if we wanted to see him before he died, I
literally hit the floor on my face and told God 'You can’t take
him now, please, please. There is so much we need to learn from him'.
We need to know about how he’d been caring for our ill mother, how
to administer her medication, who her doctors were, what are the
bills he pays every month…all the stuff he’d been doing almost
totally alone, even at age 85. God honored our prayers and we were
given ten more months with him, to learn from him, to cherish and
honor him, and to let him know daily how much we loved him and how
thankful we were for how he’d sacrificed his entire life for all of
us. And, very importantly, how proud we were of the man he was. Now
that he’s gone, we four siblings are trying to care for our ill
mother. She’s been in and out of the hospital with diabetes,
double-pneumonia, congestive heart failure and so many other
illnesses since 2000. We’ve been finding it hard to be patient with
her because our father had totally spoiled her… he worshipped the
ground she walked on and his last audible words were 'Honey, are
you OK?' But, this special message has brought back to the
forefront of my mind how important it is to show our mother our
love, support, and desire to care for her as long as she needs us,
just as she cared so lovingly for each of us. God bless those who
put this piece together. It is an important piece of art and should
be viewed by all. Fran – Austin, TX."
"Thank you for
providing such a beautiful tribute to our parents and to all the
generations that precede us in life."
July 17, 2008
"If this
presentation is on a CD I would gladly purchase it and watch over
and over. It applies as I am 80 years old."
July 16, 2008
"WOW!! I was so
inspired by your presentation!! I have been a nurse in long term
care in Texas for 26 years. I have had a dream to have a small
facility where everyone could have there own room-(not a semi
private one) and where it was small enough that all staff would have
time to 'take the time' to hold hands with the residents and
let them know we loved them. The families would have their 'own'
space to visit with their family-in their rooms. This slide
presentation only made me more determined to reach out and obtain
that dream. Our elder deserve more--when they need us--we need to be
there for them--to lift them up as they have us. Thanks
again.Valerie"
"I viewed 'Parents'
Wish' today for the first time. Oh how I was touched. I lost my
mother about 5 weeks ago. As I watched this video I recalled the
many times of being with my mother on her journey through
Alzheimer’s that I had said the very same things that this video
says. And I realized through this journey how very important it was
to my Mother that I had the patience and understanding to travel
with her through those difficult moments. This video says it all. My
mother was there for me as I spent all my life growing up. And I was
there for her in her last years of difficult moments. Thank you for
such a wonderful message. It is tremendous and I hope all children
(and we are all children) will see this."
July 15, 2008
"This was one of
the most heart stopping e-mails I have ever received. My Mom is in a
nursing home right now, and even though I need to see her more, we
all as humans find some sort of excuse to do other things. THEY
raised us the best they knew how, and we owe it to them to give them
some time back that they gave us as parents.!!!!!! This is truly a
MASTERPIECE!!!! M.O. Kentucky"
"I agree that the
song is beautiful - it is one of my favorites. But your choice of
words, explanations being addressed to the young by us older
generation is so profound, I cry every time I read this. I am part
of the 'Sandwich' generation - the one that has helped my
younger children with their education problems, marriage upsets,
grandchildren raising assistance, and at the same time was there for
the elder generation, the parents who needed us for transportation,
house cleaning, doctor appointments, hospital visits, nursing home
care, and patience. I am sending this to my own grown children, who
occasionally demonstrate a bit of impatience with me when they have
to repeat something. They haven't a clue yet. I am so glad I was
patient with my elder ones (although, not always as much as I should
have been either). But the comparison to what we did for our Young
Ones in their little lives is a perfect illustration of what they
need to prepare for in assistance and love toward us, their parents.
It is a fact: we all grow old some day. Thank you for this beautiful
message!"
"I first heard this
song while driving home, after sending my son off for his first
stint in the army. I cried! He's home now, unscathed and no longer
in the army. Every time I hear this song now, my son brings me good
news! I still cry when I hear it! Thank-you for such a powerful
message. B Sibbett"
"This is the most
beautiful thing I have ever read. Thank You Very Much. Lynda Mendez"
July 14, 2008
"I would love to
have a copy of this, it made me cry."
"Thank You. For the
memories it brought and the chance to forward the message to my son.
Debbi"
"I can relate fully
to the words and images. Especially the one about letting me die. My
father died in April 2008, his wish was to go home and die, I
carried out his wish. My mother died in March 1999, she was frail
had poor quality of life. I miss them both so much, and even more
because I recently became engaged to my wonderful beau. I love you
mom and dad."
"Very intense and
deep. Brought a lot to mind that we always move forward even with
age we never go back. Live life to the fullest and like its your
last."
July 13, 2008
"Thanks for a good
and timely product. As an experienced minister, I see the need for
this reflective message every day in family after family."
"Oh!!!!! woww!!!!!
HEART touching words. Really it made me feel very much. I always
thank GOD for blessing me with such a beautiful PARENTS. Really
amazing slide. Hearty wishes to the one who created this. May GOD
bless thee."
July 12, 2008
"This is absolutely
beautiful. I lost my parents 2½ years ago. They passed away 3 months
apart. The Josh Groban song 'You Raise Me Up' was my mother's
favorite song. We had someone sing it at her funeral mass. The
message is one that everyone should read and keep close to their
heart."
"Thanks for the
reminder and inspiration for tolerance, understanding and compassion
for those whose time on this earth is nearing its end."
"Beautiful and
right on. I have an aging mother and sometimes I have to curb my
impatience... once their gone, it's too late to say 'I
wished I'd done or hadn't done'. The saying 'you don't know
'til you've walked in their shoes' is so true. Thanks for
putting this together... and Josh Groban's accompaniment is hand in
glove with your message."
"Thank you for what
you did! It is a most moving presentation and such a good message!
Mary"
"Truly
inspirational. Thank you to whoever thought of this video. I can
only hope that my children will appreciate this as much as I have."
"I lost my father
four years ago after caring for him for so long. It still hurts
today like it just happened. I got grief from some for caring for
him, but I would not change a moment of the time I had with him,
even in the end when I lost him. This is a true tribute to my
Father, and I thank you for creating it. People need to realize how
important family is."
"A friend forwarded
this to me. We had just had lunch together that day and she went
home to find this sent to her. Knowing that I am taking care of my
parents, (my father had dementia and my mother is legally blind.
while working full time and finding time for my own family she
thought it would be perfect for me. It was such an inspiring
message. I have always said, even though sometimes I get overwhelmed
with things, i am blessed to have my parents and wouldn't have done
things differently. I wasn't able to hear the music, not sure why
but I'm sure my daughter will tell me :) by the way I forwarded it
to both my daughters. Thanks so much for such an inspirational
message."
July 11, 2008
"My Daddy went to
be with our Lord and Savior on April 13th, 2008. My daughter-in-law
sent me this link and I can’t believe how touching and beautiful it
is. I still get very emotional when reading it, especially about the
shower and the food. We kept trying to get Daddy to eat and take
showers in his last week and now it seems that it was such a trivial
thing to be concerned about. Now I talk with my Mother a couple of
hours every day, I visit when I can and she calls me her memory. I
am enjoying every minute that I am blessed to spend with her. I want
these wonderful memories to last forever. Thank you so much for
sharing this beautiful writing and Josh Groban’s music. Blessings,
Carlene"
"As I near the
golden years of my life I can see how important it is for everyone
to listen and respect those who have gone before us. We always must
remember that we start off in this world unable to take care of
ourselves and our parents were there guiding us along, teaching us
and making us strong. Now we need to become the parent and support
our Mothers and Fathers as they grow old and need our assistance.
Spending a few minutes with them either in person or on the phone
completes their day. This way they know that they are not alone."
"I wanted to say
Thank you very much. There are no words to describe how grateful me
& my husband for so true & meaningful slides. Tears flowed and we
hope that our children learn from this 'Parent's Wish'. Thank you
again."
July 10, 2008
"The music and
message of Parent's Wish is truly inspiring! I have been a
volunteer advocate for the elderly and disabled for almost 30 years
and have listened to many stories like the words of your message.
Thank you."
"This is the most
glorious e-mail I have EVER received. I view it often and tears roll
down my face each time. It says what I can't say to my kids. Thank
you!"
July 9, 2008
"What a beautiful
page! This page was sent to me by my mom, who became a widow just last
year, and it hit home! The last page made me come back to reality
because it said 'we love you, child. Mom and Dad'. It was then
that it hit me that this page would be perfect if the sender was able
to add their own child's name and the titles that the child calls
them...(i.e. Mom and Daddy). Anyway, this made me cry and thanx for
the beautiful tribute and very fitting song."
"That poem is so
beautiful. It made me feel so guilty, I suppose, for rushing
through life and leaving my parents behind. I love them dearly and
will always make sure they know exactly how I feel- Life is too short
not to."
July 8, 2008
"I have always
enjoyed this song. I had lost my father on December 23,2006 and my
mother in law on December 18, 2006. My husband and I left for 2 weeks
in the Dominican Republic just to get away from it all and relax.
During a performance at the resort, this song was played. I hadn't
cried all that much prior to leaving, but I sure cried that night. My
father lived with my husband and I after my mother passed away in
2003. He was a very sick man and was expected to pass away long before
my mother did. But for some reason, God decided he needed to be here.
With all of his health problems he still managed to to be cheerful and
always tried to stay upbeat. Until he was placed in the hospital in
August of 2006 for surgery that was not done properly, we knew deep
down that he would not be coming home again. He missed my mother
dearly and told us many times that he talked to her more and more
everyday, only one of my 3 sisters and 2 brothers, was ever there with
our dad and I. We both were there everyday for over 4 months. Our dad
would ask us, why would we do this and not be home with our husbands
(two of the best in the world). And I finally asked him, would you
leave me or any of us alone for days at a time, or would you be there
for us everyday. Of course his answer was everyday. That is why we did
it. He would have done the same for us, as would our mother had she
survived. I miss them both more than words can describe and talk to
them all the time. I write letters to them in my journal and always
feel that they are as close to me as they can possibly be. So yes I
have sent this on to other people. As we have no children of our own.
I have also sent it on to my nieces and nephew, with the hope that
they will look after their parents as well as I did mine. Rest in
peace mom and dad... Kim Crosby"
July 7, 2008
"I would just like to
say how very true and moving it is. I don't think anyone could watch,
read and listen to this without weeping. I'm sure it will make a
difference to many elderly peoples lives, when read by their children.
To you and everyone who helped you in the making of this,
'Congratulations' you have done an excellent job."
"This is just the
MOST beautiful song I have ever heard.....I have used a box of
tissues......"
"Thank you for giving
me a way to tell my son how much I love him. And, that I hope that
when I reach the winter of my life, he will still love me for who I
am. With Grateful Thanks, Karin Lanning"
"The music and words
should be separated. You can't pay attention to the words and listen
to the spoken words at the same time. Both are beautiful in their own
right."
"Thank you for a
beautiful presentation. We only have one parent left, but am sending
this to our daughter and hope it will help her to understand better
the aging process. Even though she is a wonderful daughter, I am sure
it is hard for her to see the progress of this process. Thank you
again--Jan"
"I wept like a baby
all through this touching movie. My dad is 90 and has advanced stage
Alzheimer's, my mom is 86 and in reasonably good health but gets
really down because of the condition my dad is in. They are in an
assisted care facility, my mom in her own apartment and my dad in the
Alzheimer's unit. They have always been Godly parents, not only
teaching my (deceased) brother and me what is important in this life,
but also living it every day. We have been truly blessed to have them
both as parents. They always taught us how much God loves us and
watches over us, whatever the circumstance. My prayer for both of them
is that they too can always remember and see and feel God's hand and
love in their lives now. I guess it's my job now to always remind them
of this just like they never failed to remind me throughout all the
years of the ups and downs of growing up and starting a family of my
own. And certainly it is my job to never forget to remind my own son.
Thank you for this touching movie."
July 6, 2008
"I could not keep the
tears from flowing while viewing the Parent's Wish. I sent it
to our children since I am on age that I have so many of the problems
listed. Many, many, many thanks."
"This is so
meaningful for me and helps me remember when Mama said she did not
want to live any more. She left us for heaven nearly 3 years ago and
now I truly understand. Love you always Mama and I'll see you soon.
Leatrice"
"My father is
reaching the point of needing someone to check on him frequently. I
live several hours away and can only see him a few times a year, so it
falls to my siblings to do what needs to be done. I cried through the
entire presentation and will be sure to forward this to my siblings to
keep these things in mind when they get frustrated with my father.
Thank you for putting things in perspective."
July 5, 2008
"This is very moving.
Every child who has a parent who is in the fall and winter of their
life needs to see this to help them understand what is going on in
their parents lives. My husband and I are at this point in time.
Although we are not as bad as some there were many things that hit
home. Thank you for putting this on the web. I know whoever put this
on the web did not write it but I wish they had put something about
having to push the parents around in a wheel chair. Children are also
leary and sometimes hateful about doing that. Sincerely, Jake"
July 3, 2008
"I love this."
"After losing my
father on 10-16-06 my best friend sent this to me just a few weeks
ago. It helped me to understand so much and now I have sent it to my
sisters and brother. I also sent it to my mother. She was so touched
by the slide show and hopes all her children will honor her wishes
when she is ready to pass on and join my dad. I hope my sisters and
brother understand why it was sent to them and will feel what I feel
every time I watch. Thank you so much for giving me comfort. Tori
Rowell, Griffin, Georiga"
"I watched and
listened and cried to this beautiful video and song. It is everything
I wish I could say to my children. This is the second time I have seen
it and I love it more and more. I hope this finds it's way to all the
children who seem to have forgotten what their parents went through to
raise them and in spite of our mistakes they remember we love them."
"The slideshow is just
beautiful. It really touched my heart. Thank you for making the
slideshow available."
"Thank you for looking
into the depths of an aging person and putting it into words and
pictures. My heart has been read and put on the Internet . Nancy B."
July 2, 2008
"Oh dear how to go
from smiling to tears almost instantly. This is just beautiful. Every
one in the world should see this and read those beautiful words and
hear the magnificent words of the songs. Talk about tug at the hear
string, this has just about pulled them out, at a time when our
darling mother and mother in law is on her last few weeks of life in a
nursing home and the other three parents have already gone. Thanks so
much to who ever made this most precious film. Thank you again from
Eileen."
"A group of us have
put together a history of our hometown. In many ways, this short essay
of yours is in keeping with that which we've done. The sense of family
and community, of belonging and time are all here. When I viewed this,
it struck a chord that has brought me back to see it again several
times and forward it to everyone I know. For whatever personal reason
you've touched some golden strand in us as a string on a piano and it
would seem by the feedback I've read, we're all in tune. Dann Gravett"
"This is the most
beautiful and honest thing I have ever read. I will be sending it on
to my children and hope that they keep it in their hearts for the
future."
"I just viewed the
movie! Wow, that's all I can say. I am so touched by this, it's got to
be the most incredibly true and heart wrenching thing I have ever seen
on the Internet! My husband and I have my father living with us, he's
84 and in great health, but I find my patience level be tried daily!
This really puts things in great perspective for me!!! Thank you
sooooo much, Laurie Bailer, Dayton, Nevada"
"The video was really
inspiring. I've just been working for 2 months away from my family.
Watching the presentation made me realize how I miss my parents,
brother and sisters. Thanks to the video I am always reminded of the
main reason why I chose to live."
July 1, 2008
"What a beautiful and
heartwarming message. It made me cry...... and yes it is so true.:"
"It makes me cry and
cry. I am thinking why. I treat my mother, 84, very kind and patient.
I am treated very kind by my kids, 26 and 28, as well. It recalls all
my deeply buried memory that how hardly and heartly to have my kids
being brought up. A going to 60's mother/daughter"
"I as so many others,
find this so poignant and moving particularly now in my life since we
just buried both my in-laws (3 weeks apart) and more recently, my
mother. My father, who is the last of our parents, is now 90 and in
failing health. I would very much like to know when the CD becomes
available so that my children can have it. Thank You so very much."
"I work in aged care
and after seeing Parents' Wish which was sent to me by my
wonderful mum I called a staff meeting and made everyone watch, as it
says so much. I think a lot of people take their parents for granted
and they should not be in such a hurry to put their parents into care
facilities."
"Thank you very much
for this beautiful and meaningful presentation. I know the drill and
proud to say for it is an innate quality of our Filipino culture, that
our elders never have to fear for lack of love and care. But I have
seen it too often in my lifetime where an elder is relegated to
'assisted' living - - that is not living. I thank you again. David
Llorente. Santa Fe, Texas"
June 30, 2008
"Thanks to my cousin
Barbara for sending me this email. It says all the things I feel, but
would not be able to put into words. I will send this to both my
children. I visit nursing homes, and see so many there that have been
abandoned by their children. Their pain is my pain and it hurts. They
are the forgotten people in our country. I will keep this email in my
folder forever. Thank you. Irma Davis."
"What a
wonderful song and writing so moving and so true. It says it all. I
will forward it on for others to share. Just to remind us all that it
happens to every one of us at some time in our life. Thank you for the
reminder. Fran UK"
June 29, 2008
"What a beautiful
tribute to the 'seasons of life' and the love of a parents
children.... God is in this."
"Thanks for the
slideshow. I was touched with it (narration, music, etc.) hope to
receive more other touching, shall we say poetry. Thank you again."
"At 46 I think I'm
starting to really get 'it'. I'm an uncle, but raising parents
is a whole different ball game <g>. Amazing how between 30-45 one
matures at least 20 years. Those who don't, it's sad. As a gay Uncle,
I'm wishing for happiness, stability, harmony and prosperity. My
nephews are a couple of dynamite 18 and 17 year olds. I'm very proud
of all their accomplishments. TK"
June 27, 2008
"Right now I am
dealing with my mother and her dementia so this totally speaks to my
heart. Thank you."
"Thank you for this
incredible video. I lost my father on June 2, 2008 and my mother Oct
27, 2005. I miss them both terribly. I think back to when I tried to
make them eat, (they needed to get better), I wanted my dad to get in
the shower, (what did it really matter), I sometimes wanted the
conversation to hurry along (because I had heard it one too many
times). Now I would give anything to listen to that conversation
again. Josh Groban, thank you for your words and wisdom. Ann Jorgenson
in memory of my mom and dad. Gladys K Evenson (December 18, 1929 -
October 27, 2005) and Kenneth C. Evenson November 26, 1925 - June 2,
2008)"
"I too was moved to
tears over this. My Dad had a stroke at 57 and it left dependent on us
'girls' to watch this strong proud man struggle with his words
and actions. The day after this stroke my Dad lost his speech and he
just pulled me to him in the best hug I ever had. I remember the feel
of him to this day it was the last hug I ever got from him. This
horrible stroke took everything of my Dad and he was gone within the
month. The time we had with Dad I cherished every second of it, it was
hard on me for I was 7 month pregnant with our third son, but no
matter how tired I was, I was so lucky to spend those last days with
Dad. Please, tell your parents, spouses and children everyday how much
you love them you never know when you will get the chance again."
"This is beautiful
and so fitting for my life's work."
"Thank you for this
beautiful presentation. We are in our 70's."
June 24, 2008
"Like many others who
have viewed this, I too was moved to tears. The video was very moving
And yes his voice was perfect for the song. We will be forwarding this
slide show to as many people as possible. Thank you for bring us back
to what is truly important in our lives and reminding us that we too
will be there one day!"
"Each and every time
I watch this, the tears flow as it is so beautiful. I feel so guilty
as I was not as patient as I should have been when my 94 year old
Mother-In-Law was in the last stages of her life. I am so sorry
Minnie. If I could only go back! I am forwarding the Parents' Wish
to my children so they will understand the things I should have!
Carol--Minnesota"
June 23, 2008
"I want to thank you
all for the Parents' Wish poem. It is so to the point. I
am 68 years old and my husband is 71. I sure can see us knocking
at the door with one food in. Thank again. Martha A. Higdon:
"I cried through the
email! WOW!!! Everyone should listen to this."
"After viewing
Parents' Wish I again found myself turning back time 3 1/2 - 4
years ago when my parents died 4 months and 1 day apart. I again
realized just how much I still miss them and wish I had the
opportunity to spend some time with them again and say thanks to them
for making me the man I am today."
"I think this is just
beautiful and I sent it to everyone I could think of. No one could
tell it any better than it is said right here. Thanks for sharing.
Mary May"
"To say thanks for
your inspiration is not enough. I moved back from Brazil, South
America to help care for my parents. Mom has Alzheimer's. Dad's
difficulties are more physical. They are both in their late seventies
and needing constant care. My wife, children, and I care for them now
in our own home. My mother was one of the most innocent and sweetest
ladies ever on earth. Now she sometimes says and does things that can
be shocking. Dad often feels like he has lost her already, though he
still loves her. When I was a child they were always there for me! I
am so glad I can now be here for them. Several times I have expressed
my love to them and joy in being able to care for them. Mom doesn't
remember. Dad just seems embarrassed that he needs such care. However,
your video just reminded me again of how much I really love them! I
will strive to do even more to show them my love, respect and
appreciation, due to your touching, loving reminder. David"
June 22, 2008
"I love it. I love
it. I love it. D. Barkley. Penna"
"Thank you so much
for this beautiful e-mail. Being a Senior, who 6 months ago lost her
husband after 51½ years of marriage, this touched my heart and spirit
like nothing else has. Josh, you are truly blest with a voice from
heaven. May the Lord grant you many years to sing of the Lord's
presence and blessings to one another. In thankfulness and praise,
Muriel Ericksen"
June 21, 2008
"Wow! It was a
heart-moving piece. I never thought something so wonderful can really
make me realize what life was and will be. I'm a single dad of three
boys, who are all in their rebellious stage. I don't know how I'm
going to have them join me watch this beauty, but one thing I'm sure
about is I will try my best to have them do it with me and my mom, who
is also living with us. There will be three generations in my family
who will be benefited by this heart-warming video. I'm sure we can
easily come to realization on the beauty and importance of each
generation to one another. Let's make this a living legacy to all
generations. More power to all who participated in making this a
master-piece. May GOD bless you all and your hearts too."
"Best presentation, very
powerful wish. I could send it to the entire world. How do I get a
copy of the CD? Grace."
June 20, 2008
"Excellent!!!! Thank
you."
"This is truly the
most beautiful piece I have ever seen. This really hits home with me.
My wife and I are currently providing care for my 93 year old Mother.
She moved in with us five months ago, and there have been numerous
times when I have let my patience grow very thin. Wow, this piece
really drives home how wrong I have been. I knew it each time I grew
frustrated with my Mom however, this is a real eye-opener and so very
true. Thank you so very much for putting everything in perspective."
June 19, 2008
"The slide show was
awesome. I'm only 9, but I've been mad at my mom lately and this made
me realize how much she does for me and how we love and always will
love each other. Thank you, Abby"
"What a beautiful
tribute. I also cried all the way thru, Josh has lent his beautiful
voice again to feelings we all have but, find hard to express. Thank
you and God bless."
"What a beautiful
slideshow presentation. We are a long term nursing facility. We all
just huddled around the computer watching and listening, agreeing how
neat it was. We would like to make it part of our orientation or
yearly in services. Everyone needs to view this, it has such a
powerful message. We would be interested in the CD form. Thank you so
much. Rowley Memorial Masonic Home, Perry, Iowa"
June 18, 2008
"Thank you so much
for creating this beautiful slideshow!! I cried through the entire
thing. I have a mother who is now 72 and she is starting to show signs
of her age. I try to be as patient with her as possible when she
repeats herself or does not understand things about the world today
like technology. But, there is not one thing that I wouldn't do for
her, because she has always been there for me! Every child and parent
needs to view this beautiful presentation. Again, thank you!
Michelle"
"Thank you for
creating this. I am dealing with an elderly Father with Cancer,
Alzheimers and Dementia and it was a wake up call to read this. From
my heart, Thank You."
June 17, 2008
"It is very touching
and have cried from heart. Today, at 58, I am lucky that somebody have
made me ashamed of not being a son to my mom. Truly today I am craving
for the same love and affection which was not given to my mom. It is
horrible and am cursing myself for that. Please let me cry for my
sins, yes, let me cry! Thanks and regards, Prakashv"
June 15, 2008
"Both my wife and
myself have been involved in healthcare for the past 30 -38 years.
Specifically my wife, who more so deals with the elderly. Now, we have
her mother living with us (85 years old) who has trouble seeing,
hearing and basically no memory. Your presentation drives home exactly
what we are dealing with. An elderly loving parent who now depends on
us. Your presentation has really awakened me to the way she must be
feeling and the way I (we ) must help AND UNDERSTAND HER. I've read
the other notes from the 'feedback' and all this has given me
so much of a better empathy of how we must take care of her at home.
I've also worked with the elderly for 13 years and taken many
education courses about the elderly but your presentation really
drives it home in a tremendously human fashion in a nut shell.
Thanks."
June 14, 2008
"This is so
beautiful. I am a nurse and I think all new recruits should see this
and it should be a part of any one's orientation when working in the
medical field especially if in long term care. Just wonderful. Thanks
so much for sharing. Margie Powell"
June 12, 2008
"This was a wonderful
presentation that is so appropriate for all us 'old folk' to
forward to our children."
"It made me think of
my Mom, who passed away almost 2 years ago. So much of the wording
reminded me of things she said. My friend was right when she said in
her email to grab the Kleenex. I started crying immediately because I
loved my Mama so much and it hurt so bad to see her suffer the way she
did for so many years."
"Everyone should view
this! I thank God for my parents, my children and grandchildren! I
hope I will have their love and respect, ALWAYS! May I please always
remember to treat everyone I meet with dignity, respect, and LOVE!"
"I replayed the video
a half dozen times, though blurred by tears. It's message is so very
important; that time with our parents so precious! As the eldest of my
siblings and unmarried, I became the caregiver through my Dad's
illness, and then my mom's companion and caregiver after he passed on.
I never would have thought it would mean putting my own life and
dreams on hold for ten years, but I would not take back a second of
the time I spent with them. It was a special grace to be with them,
caring and loving, at their end. Grief is something we all come to
terms with, but guilt over things unsaid or undone eats your soul.
Love them, sit with them, hold them...while you can. Do it for
yourself as much as them! Bless you for an amazing message, and an
amazing song to accompany it!"
June 11, 2008
"I think this is one
of the most beautiful, meaningful and heartwarming slide shows I have
ever seen. I have it in my favorite places and just emailed it to a
nurse in a nursing home. There are many young and middle aged people
there visiting and sometimes they don't really understand the feelings
of older people, especially older sick people, ones you may lose
shortly. I hope she can pass this on to parents siblings That it will
help them understand and prepare for the losses that will occur, and
just how lucky they are to have parents. My mother is 93 and having a
bad time right now. Someone told me this evening that she said she
wants to die. I hope with all my heart that she recovers, however, if
she doesn't, that we love her so much that we know she is not being
selfish; just tired. May the Lord Bless and Keep You All. Josh Groban
is just the right person to do the background music with this
presentation. His voice is truly a gift and he uses it well. E. Toth,
Reading, PA"
"I moved in with my
mother after I had gone through a bad divorce and she had a mild
stroke. I live in a small town (but growing rapidly) people like to 'talk'
they would ask me why I moved in with her. I would answer, 'She
spent her life raising me and NOW it is my turn to help her'. All
of the things the show touched on, can and will happen. I was lucky if
you call it that (she passed while starting to slip in to dementia).
Being there was always the most important to her. Don’t ever forget
that sometimes presence brings simple joy! I wish I’d have seen this
while she was still here. Many thanks. A Loving Son"
"My Mom 'was'
the smartest, most well-read person I know with a flair for fashion
beyond belief. The most gentle, intelligent woman I have ever known.
Today, she has Alzheimers, it is 6 years now and I lost the Mom I knew
6 years ago. She does not care about hygiene and reads but does not
retain anything. Yet, she is still my hero and your poem Parents'
Wish really helped me. I am often too critical of her, I want to
understand, but it is hard. My Dad is the caretaker and he has become
so depressed and a 6'4 man is so little now due to Mom's condition.
Thank you for your words, they really meant a lot to me and helped me
to face reality, however harsh it may be. I enjoy their company so
much and your words show me that they are still my loving, beautiful
parents, no matter what the present-day circumstances may be."
"Wow! This is so true
and so beautiful. We will all come to that point in our lives. May we
never forget this beautiful email."
"I love Josh Groban
and thought the music went very well with the slide show."
"This was fantastic.
We all need to realize that parents get old and they have given us
many things and revert back to where we all started. I had the
privilege of taking care of my grandfather in his final days and
seeing him revert to his childhood and I would not have changed that
for the world. We popped balloons together, pushed them back and forth
like children, let him do and eat anything he wanted. He was so
appreciative. I cherish those memories with him. Thank you for putting
this all in a slideshow."
"I wanted to
congratulate you on a job well done. This tops the list."
"This was the most
touching piece I've ever seen. Thanks!"
"A bit of advice. For
those of you who still are blessed to have their parents around,
remember that life changes....as we get older, our roles as children
change....we begin to switch places with our parents, and in doing so
we become the sole providers and care takers of these wonderful
people. Enjoy it...every last bit of it. Even if you're up to your
elbows in dirty sheets and heaven forbid dirty diapers. Be thankful
that you can help them, just as much as they helped you when you were
starting out in this world. Tell them every DAY! that you LOVE THEM
and that they do make a difference in this place.. if you don't tell
them, they sometimes lose their way and don't remember that they are
needed, they don't remember that their smile makes all the difference
to SOMEONE around them. Be glad for the time you are given with them,
because when they are gone there is no getting them back. Regret is an
awful thing... so don't' forget to take care of what you have now, so
when they are gone you can look back and smile and say 'They knew
how much I loved them' . This WONDERFUL slideshow hits home, no
matter who you are. Who ever created it, this was a work of art for
sure. Thanks for the wonderful blessing of this slideshow and for
allowing viewers to post their personal experiences! Brandy Griffis,
Jacksonville FL"
"My Auntie Kay just
had to be put in a locked Alzheimer’s ward for her own safety. It was
the hardest thing my family has done. My uncle is building an
apartment for my grandmother to live in. In my family, we care for one
another, especially our parents. I had a stroke four years ago at only
32 and my mother didn’t hesitate to have me move back home with her.
Unfortunately, I’ll never be able to solely support her in her old
age, but I will do my best! This slideshow just reinforces the way we
all need to help our ageing 'Baby Boom' parents in an extended
family unit, the way families used to be, not the isolated nuclear
family unit we have become! I will pass this on because a tearful
reminder is always a good thing! Shawna Clawson"
June 10, 2008
"Congratulations! You
should have them in French, Spanish and German and .... Excellent
idea! Merci mille fois."
"I receive many
e-mails each day and sometimes I have to delete some of them because I
try to manage my time... but for some reason I opened this one and I
know things happen for a reason. My Mother is battling Lung Cancer
since October 2006. She is a strong women and has been through a lot
of Hospital Stays, Doctors visits, Lab tests, Surgeries and Chemo
Treatments. Another health problem has kept her down in the past few
months with a Back Fracture. She went thru her Surgery and Therapy and
now seems to be on the mend to her old self. She just turned 80 in
April and still thinks she's 60! Along the way through her illness she
has her moments...but she has kept up her positive attitude and with
thoughts and prayers from her family and friends I hope she is around
for many years to come! This message is so true and close to my heart
since my father passed away my Mom is all we have left. I honored my
father by building a family tree and would like to honor my Mother
with a special gift at her next birthday! Your video has given me some
ideas for a slide show. Thanks for the encouragement. God bless our
Fathers and Mothers and the US troops!"
"That was beautiful,
all I could do is cry. I hope everyone watches this. It's more
important than you think. Carol Reynolds, Estacada, Oregon"
"What a wonderful
presentation, my wife and I were each moved to tears. We each lost our
dad some years ago and look after our mums as best we can on a regular
basis. Our mums our elderly ( 70's and 80's ) and can be 'trying'
on occasions. We love our mums and our resolve has never faltered,
should there ever be a risk of it doing so we will sit and watch 'Parents'
Wish' again - I will never delete it, thank you so much."
"This is so beautiful
and so true. It's a shame we have to tell our children what they
should feel for their parents. But we are only human, and humans do
forget the important things in life. I am going to send this to my two
children and I do hope they will keep this and remember these things
when I get older. I lost my mom at the age of 7 and my dad died when I
was 32. I was robbed of my mother's love at a very young age and how I
longed for her when I became a mother myself. I was forced to
understand the way of life at a very young age. Experiencing death as
a child made me grow up too fast. Always felt alone even though I had
a sister that was 4 years older than myself. We lived in 2 separate
worlds. I just want my children to love me the way I love them. I do
love them more than life itself. They were the best joy that my life
has given to me. And now I have 2 grandchildren to give me more joy! I
just want to feel the love that I missed when I was a child growing
up. Hopefully I will. Thank you for putting my feelings is such a
beautiful presentation."
"A wonderful job it
is. And oh so very true."
June 9, 2008
"I have been
providing long term and end-of-life health care services to the
elderly for almost two decades. I found your message very powerful,
and a great reality check for why I do what I have been doing for so
long."
June 8, 2008
"No matter which one
one chooses, it’s the same, whether it’s Single mother or single
father. It’s emotional either way. THANK YOU."
"Thank you for the
beauty and the message. Groban’s beautiful full voice gives so much to
the presentation."
June 7, 2008
"My children are
young....I want them to have this when I am old."
"This is so
beautiful... I am still crying!"
"I cried. My
grandmother is alone in an old folks home. I thought of her with each
slide. What is wrong with our 'modern, western' society that
allows us to feel good about ourselves as we wheel our elderly into
lonely facilities for the aging? Thank you for sharing this with me."
"WOW! I just lost my
Mom to cancer April 3, 2008. I have no regrets, only that she could
see this and I could hug her and tell her I love her one more time.
Paul, Boaz, AL"
June 6, 2008
"Just wanted to say
thanks for the beautiful song and slideshow. Today would have been my
mother's 78th birthday. She died of cancer when she was 63. My father
died 3 years earlier at the age of 69 from emphysema. I was only 29 by
the time both of them died. As a single mother myself of a young
child; I hope she has me for many more years than I had my parents. My
parents didn't live long enough to be really old. I always try and
convince my friends that they're actually lucky to see their parents
live into their old age. Again, thank you. Have a great day."
"It has help me so
much with seeing my mother slowly slipping away.... Many thanks to you
for putting this on the net."
"I love the song! It
shows emotion. It almost made me cry!"
"Thank you for such
an inspirational presentation."
"Thank you so much.
This video made me cry. It saddened me because both of my parents are
gone. They were loved and they knew it. Daddy wanted to live on - Mom
wanted to die. Both in their late eighties. It is already happening,
my daughter gets impatient with me when I can't perform a function on
the computer, when I lose my keys or can't remember where I put
something. It also saddens me to think that there are seniors out
there that do not have anyone. Just beautiful!"
"What a wonderful
tribute to our aging parents! I have been going through these very
same things with my 86 year old mom, who is doing fairly well
physically, but is forgetful and suffers from depression. She remains
in bed most of the time and we 'children' and her geriatric
physician are trying very hard to motivate her to resume her favorite
activities. After reading the Parents' Wish email I am
resolving to be more patient and loving and accepting of her old age.
We cannot change her condition, but with this new insight into it we
can enjoy, with her, the remaining time we have together. Thank you
for such a beautiful tribute!"
June 5, 2008
"How precious this
is. Bob and I have been married 50 years. He has been confined to a
wheelchair since 1995. I am his caregiver. We also have a CP boy who
is 43, as well as having 5 other children with their families and
grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have their own lives. I
thank God for my husband of 50 years. We take care of one another."
"This is the music we
use many times in our worship services and the pictures and the words
in the pictures are absolutely heart touching. I hope that all will be
able to view this outstanding piece filled with such love and care for
one of the seasons that we will all walk in this life on earth until
we walk again into the arms of our Lord and Savior. In His Service of
Love, Pastors Rod and Marietta Cage"
"This was beautifully
done, loved the music and the presentation. I too like so many have
lost so many in my lifetime, both parents, a brother, a grandson, two
son in laws, cousins. It really represents all of us in life. I lived
with my mom for 10 years, we shared so much in our lives during that
time and since she passed away 7 years ago and my dad 26 years ago,
there is not a day I don't remember them and would give anything to
have them still here with us. I have told different ones when they
would question me about living with my mom and wasn't it hard at times
and I say yes it was hard but it was also hard for her and I would do
it again in a heartbeat. I will be 79 June 12th of this year, still
have a lot of living to do I hope, I always say it is my family that
keeps me going, I have five daughters, 15 grandchildren and 22 great
grandchildren and am sure there will be more of them down the road, we
are a very close knit family but there are times I wish my girls would
realize that they need to be more in touch with me than they are, it
seems as if they think I will always be there for them but I know down
deep in my heart that someday I may have crisis of some sort and not
be able to be there for them. I am sending this on to all of them plus
the other family members and friends, It is worth passing on. Thank
you again. Donna"
"How lovely. How
beautifully done!! It should make us slow down... even STOP, and
realize just how precious time really is. In this busy, fast,
materialistic life style that we have become accustom to; we need a
wake-up call like this to bring us back to reality. 'SAD to say but
TRUE'. Take a little of the precious time we have left to smell
the roses and enjoy our family while we can; after they're gone it's
too late. Thanks soooo much for the PARENTS' WISH!!! Don
Nicholson"
"I'm a father of 2
sons and a was very blessed today by playing your wonderful
PARENTS' WISH and I am forwarding it on to them as my Father's Day
special message in song and words! It depicts everything a father
wants for his children to pass on! I'm facing Chemo and maybe
radiation for my 3rd bout with the big C and this has lifted my
spirits and brought tears to my eyes! Johnny Miller Fort Myers, FL"
June 4, 2008
"How lovely.... Josh
Groban's music is so enhancing. My parents have been gone for years,
but I would hope my children/grandchildren will eventually see me in
the same light with which I recall my Dad and Mother."
"This is absolutely
beautiful with a lot of meaning in it."
June 3, 2008
"What a
wonderful job you did with this!! It almost knocked me out of my chair
when I read it!! A good friend from another state sent it to me, and I
am so so thankful she did!! I have sent it to everyone in my address
book!! It really shook me, even though, my parents have been gone for
years now. I just hope my son realizes that I am getting close (62
years) to those frames of mind. Most of all, I want to thank you so
much for putting this together. Thanks are so small, and words won't
express just how truly everyone I know has appreciated this. My sister
wanted to take a copy of this out to the hospital where she works. I
have no idea how to help her do that, but I sure will try to figure
out something!! Thank you so much for a marvelous job!! Linda-
Indiana"
"I just got your
video of a Parents' Wish today and could not stop the tears. I
lost my mother 5 years ago in July to lung cancer after having her
live with me for 11 years the last 6 months of her life was so very
hard. I had so much anger inside at the cancer and it forced me to
draw away from my mother because I did not want to lose her. If only I
would have seen your video 5 years ago. I hope this video helps others
who do not know how to deal with losing the most precious one of your
life. What I would give to have 5 minutes to hold her once again.
Jane"
"Thank you - that was
beautiful."
"This is a beautiful
wish."
"I just viewed your
Parents' Wish video and appreciate the work you have put in to
focus on a very important aspect of aging. I only wish that the same
amount of care that was put into the production and distribution of
the video and website was also put into the quality of the text. The
English used to caption the still photographs is awkward and full of
grammatical, although not spelling, errors. Your message would be much
more powerful if you could do some careful editing of the written
text. Good work!"
"I had received this
from a different friend years ago and it brought tears to my eyes
then. I'm now fast approaching 64 years old, have many aches and pains
but have many dreams for many things yet to do. This both gave me a
REALITY CHECK of what my parents must have felt as they approached the
end of their lives and also gave me an INSPIRATION TO PRESS ON AND
MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENTS ALMIGHTY GOD HAS GIVEN
ME. Thank YOU ever-so-much for not only producing and sharing this,
but working towards producing the CD. If I can further encourage you,
also produce a DVD for those of us who would like to share it in
church and other settings. May Almighty God richly bless you and give
you FAVOR as you pursue all the legal hurdles to complete your
production. Pastor Alexander Gordon, Pittsburgh PA"
"My parent's love
this and I want to keep it and read it as a tribute to them. Thank
you."
"Goooooooooseeeeeebumps....
indeeeeeeeed very touching..... i love u, mom and dad.... hoping its
not too late to say sorry. HARE KRSNA. Madonna Cadorna Stockli"
June 2, 2008
"This is the first
presentation of this kind I have ever seen. The old parents' topic is
usually left without attention. I love this movie! It's amazing,
beautiful and so much needed! Everybody should see it!"
"What a powerful
presentation! During the last few months of my mom's struggle with
ovarian cancer, we 6 siblings helped with her care so she could be at
home for as long as possible. It was so very painful to see Mom so
weak and helpless. She was a single mom who raised 7 children. (She
lost her oldest son, my brother when he was 22 years old.) Her
strength and faith in God were an incredible inspiration. When I took
my shift and had to deal with the bathing, toiletries and getting up
several times during the course of the night, I had to remind myself a
lot how much more Mom had done dealing with the 7 of us. What a small
price to pay back to her. I hope your video will continue to reach
those who need that reminder of all our parents have done for us.
THANK YOU! Michelle"
"My wonderful Mother
sent this to me. As the story unfolds I found myself asking 'Where's
the punchline?' My Father and Mother have both recently turned 65.
They tease and joke about their age and eventual decline / demise both
mentally and physically, (they are both probably healthier than I am
((I'm 40)). I know it will eventually happen, I'm sure it's the
Parent in them that says...listen up you little knucklehead! Thank
You for your efforts, Chris in Costa Rica"
June 1, 2008
"I don't have words
to express how I felt while seeing the slideshow, when my father got
ill I moved back home to take him to live with me and watching this is
step by step what my father and I went through it was like living it
all over again. I would, I Loved my father so much and would put my
life on hold again just to take care of him. Thank you so much for
this Parents' Wish. Maria Salazar
May 31, 2008
"This was very
touching. It made me cry. It also told me that I need to spend more
time with my father before he passes away."
"Thank you so so very
much for this web site. I love Josh Groban and the way the whole thing
was put together was very moving. I will send this to my children as I
am having some of the problems that are in this piece. I thank you so
much."
"Very nice. I'm only
78 and the day will come. Hope I will not be a problem to my three
children and wife. They will know when to pull the plug. ED CASTLE."
May 30, 2008
"This CD is BEAUTIFUL
and is so true."
May 29, 2008
"Wow...very touching.
My parents are taking care of my grandmother right now......and you
hit on everything they are dealing with. What an awesome reminder!!!
Goosebumps!"
"I sent this to all
in my address book and pray my two children watch it and listen to it
with their hearts. A very sobering piece . Thank you!"
"I received this
beautiful message from a friend today. Although I don't have children
myself, I must say it was thought provoking. I asked myself am I doing
all I could and should be doing for my much loved 86 year old mother?
I always cherish any time I am able to spend with her the thought of
losing her some day makes me very sad. Your presentation will make our
times together much more meaningful. I know it will remind me to be
more kind, patient and understanding. The music was so appropriate an
accompaniment, Josh Groban is an outstanding performer and this
particular song has long been one of my favorites. Parent's Wish
is absolutely beautiful and truly touching. Thank you for the
insight."
"A reality and beauty
of our life in relationships. All that our Creator has already told us
in so many ways. Salute to the people worked on it and hope for
considering to the people viewing / listening it. 'Mom & Dad! We
love you.'"
May 28, 2008
"I was very touched
by this video that a friend sent me. You did a great job putting it
together.
"It is a lovely
presentation."
"Well, this is just
where I find myself now. My parents, 84 and 85, are moving to an
independent/assisted living facility, my dad has lost his clarity to
Alzheimer's, and my mom, well, she carries on, leaning heavily on her
faith. While I do keep in mind all these things from the slides, it's
helpful to be reminded again, as my patience wears thin at times.
Thank you."
"Just viewed it -
sent from a very young friend and co-worker here. Thank you, it is
very, very nice. I will be sending it to my grandmother. May good
health and peace always be yours."
May 27, 2008
"I received the
Parents Wish from my in-laws. I don't have any children, but I
really enjoyed it. It brought back some memories from my earlier
years. Josh has a beautiful voice and really brought the slideshow to
life. The song was in fact a wonderful selection for the slideshow.
There are so many elders out there who has no one and they are
forgotten about and left in a nursing home to die. That is a
shame!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!! Respectfully yours, Dawn Hann"
May 26, 2008
"Thanks for a
beautiful message. I quit my job last year and moved back home to look
after my mum, who has advanced Alzheimers. Every time I bathe her,
brush her teeth, cut up her food and take her 'potty' I think
to myself that I am repaying a debt. I have never regretted my choice
to keep her home and thank God we are able to care for her ourselves
(my sister and myself)-- as I know others are not so lucky. I am also
very fortunate in that my mother gave me a fairy-tale childhood, so I
am happy to keep her as comfortable, healthy and happy as I possibly
can. This message re-enforces what every care-giver and every child
should never forget...help those who cannot help themselves. Thanks
again. Kelly"
"It's been a tough
Memorial Day weekend. My fiance is in prison for a crime he didn't
commit and I'm having a terrible time trying to get him out. (YES it
does happen!!!!!) My parents have both been gone a long time. I have a
32 year old son who is busy with his own life and my friends are often
busy with theirs so I occasionally get down and depressed. Your song
helped me today. Thank you. Barb"
May 24, 2008
"I just lost my
mother May 15, 2008 and got this emailed to me May 11, 2008 but did
not open it until May 16, 2008. Even as hard as it was to view this
and read the wonderful words it also inspired me and helped me get
through. The music was more than I could take. I have heard it many
times and loved it, however it will now mean much more to me. Had I
gotten this email two months ago it would have given me the courage to
let my mother go back in April. I only hope that this message will get
to people in time so that they can understand it and allow their
family member to leave them with dignity and all the love that one
person can have for another. Thank you so much for such a lovely and
beautiful creation!!!! Phil"
"Thank you so very
much for a wonderful site. I thought I had forgotten to cry. My life
is so busy and my job extremely stressful. I am employed in the law
enforcement field and encounter the ugliest parts and mannerisms of
people on a daily basis. This sight spoke to my heart and went right
to the soft spot I thought was all but buried. My mom is 79. I called
her this evening with more attentiveness, understanding and love.
Thank you for the wake up call."
May 23, 2008
"I just received this
link from a cousin back home in R.I. I am 750 miles away from her and
my parents. I just came back from visiting with them while Dad was in
the hospital. He has had congetive heart failure for many years now,
and is failing quickly after the last two heart attacks. He was just
moved today to a rehab unit since he can no longer eat solid food. The
words remind me of how my 90 year old Dad and 89 year old Mom cared
for me when I was young and very ill. As a Stephen Minister, I visit
the elderly and the sick. The words and the pictures are very moving,
and help me to listen to them and be patient. We tend to forget how
loving our parents are, and what a special gift from God they are. As
I listened to the site, I began crying, because I see Dad failing so
fast. I would love a copy of the CD when it comes out. Thank you for
making this for all of us. Ken"
"Beautiful; touching;
reality!!!"
May 22, 2008
"This is so sad! It
touched my heart and my feelings. I keep on crying whenever I play the
slide show. It reminds me of myself. My health is now deteriorating.
This is one my favorite songs too and favorite singer. I just hope our
children learn from this slide show. Thank you who ever created this.
Perfect score."
"I am a middle aged
man (48) with two wonderful parents whose company I am still blessed
to enjoy. I was made aware of your website and message thru an email,
and I just wanted to write and relate my feelings of gratitude for
such a wonderful message that brought tears to my eyes.
Sometimes I find myself losing a bit of patience with one or both of
my parents, even though they still have all their faculties about
them, age still tends to play tricks on their memories or disposition
from time to time, and I have occasionally lost patience with their
seeming inability to grasp what I am trying to say to one or the
other. As I watched this great message, I not only thought of my own
parents' voices saying these phrases to me, but I was also silently
saying these very things to my own children, one of whom is a new
mother herself, making me a very proud grandfather, and I am anxiously
waiting for the day I can share a lawnchair with my own wonderful
granddaughter!! Through this simple act of kindness, and a
desire to share something that touched your own heart, you have
succeeded in touching the heartstrings of thousands of worldwide
viewers, and I am honored to include myself as another of those people
who smiled, remembered, contemplated, and wept, as your wonderful
message with great meaning played on my screen. I hope that these few
words of mine can somehow convey to you my thanks for you having done
something truly great and worthy of going down in history, the
touching of another heart with an act of kindness and sharing. People
like you are what makes the world a wonderful place to live in!!"
"Beautifully done and
inspirational. I am forwarding it to our son as well as friends and
relatives. If this comes out on a CD/DVD, I would love it. Thank you
so much for this slide show. Mrs. B. Bolduc, Milford, CT.
"I cannot express it
any better than in this video except to say THANK YOU. I put
copies of this in files for my children so that they might get some
insight when I reach this age."
"Thank you so much
for A Parents Wish. We just lost our mother February 15, 2008
from Ovarian cancer. Josh Groban’s 'You Raised Me Up'
was the theme song for her service."
"God bless you for
this site! I glanced at some of the FAQ’s and was a bit disturbed by
some of the negativity of some of the questions – I’m sure the
author(s) had no intention of referring to assisted-suicide, starving,
etc. I have no doubt that this was developed out of love, deep love,
of a parent or parents for their children and the love, deep love, of
a child for those parents. I only wish that I could have seen this a
couple years ago when my Dad was dying of cancer. During the long,
restless and sleepless nights when I would then have to work all day
but no matter what I tried he couldn’t get comfortable in bed and my
patience would wear thin, I could have used this to remember and
to find the patience and understanding. Thou shalt honor thy father
and thy mother that all may be well with thee and thou mayest live
long upon the earth. Thank you for the visual reminder. I must be
honest and tell the truth that I printed the words for Mother’s Wish.
I intend to laminate it and affix it to my refrigerator, reduce it for
a copy in my purse, and to try and commit the message to memory for
those times in the future when I might forget. Time spent with our
parents is golden and when they are gone from this earth they are gone
and the time for showing our thanks for their sacrifices on our behalf
are times lost forever. Thank you, again, for these words of love. Kim
Shafer, Minneapolis, Kansas"
"My brother sent this
to me and I am so glad that he did. I have been taking care of my Mom
by myself for over a year now and it has been so hard with all of the
different ways things are for her from not being able to remember from
one minute to the next then she is so mean to me that I sit and cry a
lot of the time then the next day she doesn't remember that she did
the things she does or says. I will keep taking care of her no matter
what. This is the first time anyone has tried to help me. So maybe he
understands at last and that is why he sent me your poem. Thank You
for having this, it is wonderful. Sandy Meinel"
May 21, 2008
"What a wonderful
tribute! How very true the words are. I only hope this video keeps
circulating. We are all caught up in our overly busy lives, but please
do not forget the important things, parents and family. Stop and take
the time to be with them so one day you will not regret that you
didn't."
"This is absolutely
beautiful. God bless you."
"This is making me
cry as I write. I have been taking care of my Mom for almost two
years. Six months I spent living with her instead of my family. She
was in a nursing home for rehab. It was such a good facility she is
once again living on her own. Even with that I spend my free moments
taking her grocery shopping, make sure she eats well, take to her
doctors appointments so I know what is being told to her, etc. I need
a vacation, but I won't take one away from here in case she needs me.
But we made it so she could she her youngest granddaughter graduate
from college with honors. That meant a lot to my daughter since Mom is
the only grandparent left. My Mom and I helped I take care of my great
grandmother, my grandmother, my grandfather and my father with the
biggest burden on her. Now is my time to take care of her. IT ISN'T
EASY. I HAVE NO REGRETS DOING IT."
"One of my best
friends just sent me the parents wish email and I cried. Just like
everyone. My mom and dad taught me how to live, laugh and play.
But also how to respect and help other people. It is not only
important to live the life you want, but also to get old and die the
way you wish. With dignitary and honor and if at all possible, with as
many laughs and playful smiles as possible. I cried when I watched the
Parents Wish slide-show presentation. Every slide hit my heart. Giving
me reassurance that I have and will continue to make the right
decisions. Thanks for the support. I really needed it."
"I just received this
from a very nice friend and how moving. Totally awesome! This sure
hits home to me because I am now living with my parents and watching
them get older every day. Wow sure is true. I am so glad I took the
time to listen to it. Hope everyone will listen to it just one time.
It may help you understand more. Thanks to Josh Groban. Janie"
"My mom sent this to
my 3 brothers and I and what a wonderful vessel to help middle age
children understand the road parents are on. Although the thought of
ever losing my parents is very scary and sad, the life lessons our
parents have taught us will be with us forever. Thank you."
"Your Parents' Wish
is beautiful."
"Thank you ever so
much for this slide, it is what all children should keep in mind and I
am glad I have my mom close to me 24/7. F. Ali, London "
"I received this
slide show last August 2007. My mother had just been diagnosed with
stage four ovarian cancer. She had just turned 66 and was never sick.
She got ill quickly, was diagnosed and 8 weeks later passed away. When
I got this slide show, my family and myself were taking care of her at
home. We were trying to get her to eat and couldn't. We tried to get
her into the bath but we couldn't. She had been telling us stories
over and over. So this really hit me when I got it. I have it saved on
my computer. It makes me cry everytime I see it. BUT it reminds me of
her. Thank you. Terri"
May 20, 2008
"It is timely for me
as I am now entering this era of confusion, depression, and lack of
understanding. I am a war torn Marine during the Vietnam era. Only 2
weeks ago did my 30 year old son (a commercial pilot), made me aware of my diminished writing
capacities. He did so in a loving and thoughtful understated way. He
responded to a text mail while he was at the southern tip of South America
and I in North America: 'Dad, I know in your
heart, you honestly think you have forwarded electronic messages and
really believe all of the completed thoughts are in structured
sentences. But Dad, you have always written things in haste, perhaps
you need to be more careful and edit what you send. All my Love,
Ryan." In a subsequent e-mail, he wrote: 'We all love you
so much Dad. I can remember as a little boy, there were things I did
not like - that I saw. But, I would never tell you, because I thought
you may have invented them.' The most endearing statement on
his email says: 'Dad, if I stayed home and being there would help
you, I would hang up my wings tomorrow.' I say soar Son,
Soar On! Love, Dad. (All my three children are professionals: a
Broadway actress, college Councilor, and Lear Jet 45XR Captain). This
came to me and I sent it too them. Thank you, I maybe able to finish
the good life with company!"
"I wish to be added
to this list of grateful viewers. This single item said more to my
children, which I would have been able to share this late in life. I
maybe only 63, but through war, rode hard and put away wet. I was in
the Marine Corps qualified on 2 of their Aerial Assets. There has been
many miles put on my platform."
"I was moved to
tears. This is a very important and beautiful piece. I live in a
senior community and plan to share it with many friends. Thank you so
much."
"This made me weep.
My 92 year old Dad tells his same stories again and again. I try to
listen as if I were hearing them for the first time but it’s not easy.
Thank you so much for making this video. I save and play it again as a
reminder to be as caring and patient with my Dad as he was with me
growing up."
May 19, 2008
"It was a very
touching movie of child and parents. I enjoyed it immensely!"
"I lost my father 5
years ago and never realized what he must have been going through each
day as he continued to age. I never saw him in that light because he
was such a strong force in our family and the one we always leaned on.
I did notice how he started getting tired and napping more even though
he tried to hide it from time to time. Now I’m taking care of my
mother and each day I see her slip a little more. Although I truly
cherish every day I have her with me, I still need to be reminded the
same points so poignantly and beautifully expressed in this email. As
many of you know, being a caregiver while it can be rewarding can also
be trying and stressful especially if you are still working. I never
regret moving back because it gave me time with them together and now
very special times with my mom. We have become very close through this
journey. Words cannot express my thanks to those who created this and
to those who continue to share it with others like me. My tears were
gratefully shed."
May 18, 2008
"I was very touched
by the presentation."
"It's a beautiful
piece. Thank you for creating it and making it available. Would love
to have a CD of it when available."
"As a person who was
severely disabled by an uninsured drunk driver 17 years ago who then
was a single Mom with kids aged 5, 18 and 20 who has been virtually
ignored by these kids who are now married with families of their own,
I relate to your issue verrrrrrrry well. However I stress to my kids
that their own kids and mates are watching closely how they treat me
and these kids and mates may likely feel totally justified, and even
be determined, to treat them the very same way they are treating me
should they ever need help or when the get older. I think that might
make the children of your audience feel even more concerned about how
they treat their parents. Thank you for what you're doing."
"I received this
video a few years ago and it was somehow deleted. I was so happy to
get it again. It is so beautiful and well done. My mom had just
recently died when I originally saw it. It helped immensely to
understand a bit of what she was going through losing her independence
at the age of 90 1/2. She just gave up and wouldn't eat and eventually
went into Hospice and peacefully passed away. Very easy on her and so
hard on me - her only child. At the time her passing was somewhat of a
'release' but as the months and years go on I miss her even
more. If you have a parent alive, please treasure every minute with
them - you can't get them back. BJH"
"I thought it was
beautiful I sat there crying while I was it over and over. Just
beautiful and how very true."
May 17, 2008
"I just viewed this
and was touched by it."
May 16, 2008
"A friend forwarded
the link to me and it is so completely accurate as to the way I am
trying to treat my father now - he has always been there for me and I
hope that I can show half the patience and love to him that he has
shown me my entire life. thanks for putting it so eloquently -- Bob
Meyer"
"I teach nurses aide
classes at a nursing home and would like to include your wonderful CD
on graduation day. Yes, it will make them cry, but what a gift for all
of us to share. Thank you, Debbie"
"I just love Josh
Groban and the pairing of his song with the poignant words in the
video just made me cry. My dad died 2 years ago from Alzheimer's and
all of what was said just brought back his behavior during the years
before his death. This was a powerful video and I sent it to my entire
address book."
"I have experienced
care giving for both my parents, my in laws, all gone now. Tears
rolled down my cheeks. Several of my dear friends also have recently
had this experience."
"My mom was in the
hospital when my niece sent your movie to me. After crying my eyes out
and asking God for forgiveness, I went to the hospital and talked to
her about every situation mentioned in the film and how appreciative I
was for all she did for me and what an honor it was for me to have the
opportunity to help her. We talked about everything in this film which
led to other great topics of discussion and we both thoroughly enjoyed
reminiscing about our lives together and how God blessed us in so many
ways including the opportunity to talk about everything before either
of us were unable to have this kind of conversation. When her time
came to go to heaven (only a couple of weeks after we started our
initial conversation) we had had many beautiful, meaningful talks
guided by the ideas in your film. I feel we both knew how much we
loved one another and how thankful we were that God brought us
together as mother and son. Thank you for putting this together and
please let all involved in its creation know there are no words that
can express how grateful I am for what this film motivated me to do.
Steve Hadder"
"I heard you on Good
Morning America this morning( 5/16/08 ) and went back in my files and
brought up Parents Wish again. It is so touching and I have
sent it to all my children. Such a beautiful tribute and such a lovely
voice!! Thank you so much. I have this in my permanent files and play
it over and over and over!!"
May 15, 2008
"I have been
entertaining seniors for 11 years. My own mother is now 96. I do it as
a volunteer and enjoy every moment as I see the residents and their
children, grand children and great grandchildren faces. Your video
captures what I have seen and why I keep going back. There is so much
to be shared and understood. Keep up the good work. Tom Davis,
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada"
"Thanking you all for
such a lovely presentation on what everyone should feel and do for
their parents and loved ones. I presently take care of my father, an
uncle and my mother-in-law. I have had others criticize me for not
taking more time for myself, but I do this because I want to and
because I love them, not for personal gain. I gain for myself when I
see the love and gratitude being returned to me for taking the time to
care. I will be there someday myself and I hope there will be someone
else who cares to take their valuable time to be with me because they
care about me."
"I can’t put into all
the words what an amazing and inspirational message this is."
"Wish this wonderful
show could be seen by everyone having older parents or grandparents.
My Mother is 99 (will be 100 in December 2008)...my sister gets SO
upset with her, because she thinks Daddy (who died four years ago) is
visiting her in the Nursing Center. I received the Josh thing months
ago, and play it at least once a week...after visiting Mother. Thanks.
Nedra in Missouri."
"BEAUTIFUL, this was
sent to me by my father and how blessed I am to be able to say that. I
pray that I will always be able to remember the amazing love of my
parents especially when they need it most. Thank you for such a
wonderful video!"
May 14, 2008
"It is wonderful and
the message is out of this world I thank you so much God Bless you!!!"
May 13, 2008
"I was moved to tears
by this, and wanted to send it to my three children. The only thing
was, I reared my children alone and the message couldn’t have come
from Mom and Dad. I wish it could have been from us both but it
couldn’t be. It was really beautiful and said all the things I would
have liked to say to my children. I just wish I could have adjusted it
to say Love Mom. A Mom"
May 12, 2008
"I received an email
with the link to this and it was totally a tear jerker and eye opener.
While it is sad but true, it really is something that everyone should
view. I am passing this on to everyone I know. Thanks so much for
sharing this. Sincerely, Flo"
"I love this! I am a
Hospice volunteer and have tried to forward it to several people but
it keeps coming back!! Frustration! I know the E-mails are
correct-especially after trying several! Help- this needs to be passed
along. Thanks"
"I was moved to tears
with the beautiful song and poignant words. But though I clicked on
single mother, there were mostly pictures of old men and kids. If we
really tell the truth, it is mostly moms that are doing the work of
raising children; there were really not enough pictures of mothers.
Thank you for the inspirational piece."
"I was a stay home
mom, raised my three children and opened a daycare in my home to help
support my family. Twenty-six years later my children are grown,
educated and the daycare is still open. At times I hear comments from
them about my simple lifestyle. In hindsight I wished I had finished
my education since my future is bleak. My children are wonderful yet
have plenty to learn that raising children is not easy. You do your
best without a manual. Parents' Wish came at the right time for
me. Thank you."
May 11, 2008
"My thoughts are very
simple. I wish I had this two and 1/2 years ago so I understood my Dad
better. Now I will pass this to my son for him to think about as I age
up. Thank you for this very emotional note! Gene S"
"This was so
beautiful I loved it so much. I wish I could send it to all the world
to see and hear. Thank you so very much for the beautiful words and
pictures. May God Bless the person who did the work on this email."
"Before I have seen
this video clip, I read a write-up entitled 'A letter from Mom and
Dad', I was touched and cried, and after a few minutes I view this
clip that is similar to the write up, I cried so loud because I
remember my Aunt who is now bed ridden and I see myself and my auntie
in that situation, who take care of me when I was a child and now she
is in bed I see myself doing nothing to repay for her care that she
share when I was small, her patience and her love. With this video I
was deeply moved and realized that time is so short and I shall do
what she had done to me when I was a little child before its too late.
Thanks for this video clip. Jeanette"
May 10, 2008
"A friend just sent
me this. I am in tears as I type; every slide was spot-on. My father
is two months short of his 90th birthday. My mother will be 87 this
month, and has multi-infarct dementia which has left her with aphasia.
She is in a wheelchair. Since her health started to fail three years
ago, I have been flying home every 2-3 weeks during the school term (I
am a teacher) and spending summers and all academic holidays there,
trying to make sure that whatever time they both have left is filled
with love. I'm exhausted, but it is a tremendous blessing to have all
these grace-filled moments with them. Some people talk about this in
terms of an imposition, and tell me I must long to have my life back.
Well, this IS my life, and although I could wish they were young and
strong again, I don't regret a single second I spend with them now. We
hug each other more than we have ever done in my life, and we tell
each other how much we love each other every single day. I will hold
on to those moments for the rest of my life, when like your last
slide, I will only be able to look into the evening sky and remember."
May 9, 2008
"I am the
Recreational Therapist at a Nursing and Rehab. Center. We would like a
copy of the CD when it becomes available. It would be wonderful to
show it to our staff on annual basis."
"Oh My....This was so
touching. What a wonderful video. My husband and I just lost his mom
in January from Alzheimer's and I can relate to each sentence that was
displayed. It was so touching since this will be our first Mother's
Day without her and I miss her so much along with my mother who has
been gone for over 14 years now. I will send this on to my children to
view and I know it will touch them too. Thank you so much for sharing
this video with us. God Bless! Lois Smith, San Antonio, Texas."
"This is a great
show. Thank you so much! I really hope you can translate this into
Chinese.
May 8, 2008
"This was a tear
jerker for me. My Dad has Alzheimer and I saw him talking in this
video. It has made me be more aware of my attitude and actions with
him and I want to show my love for him in any and every way I can. I
see how much patience is needed to take care of him, but how much
patience he had with us when we were small. Thank you so much for this
beautiful video. I hope all who see it take it to heart and understand
how much our parents need us at this stage of their lives. Thank you
again for this valuable reminder. God bless you."
"Such a beautiful
message and I am going through this right now with my parents, I was
crying my eyes out while reading, until the part about 'when I want
to die' - it sounds like the message is coming that we should help
them to die!!!!!! You lost me there. We should help them to live with
dignity and love until their last breath, but that breath will come
when God calls them home. I will not be forwarding this to my children
fearing they will hear a message of euthanasia! The message could be
easily changed to be 100% positive and loving. Thanks for the rest of
the message. Beautiful music. - Patti Skinner"
"I helped take care
of my Grandmother until her passing on to see Jesus. This made me
think of her a lot. I also work for Mcdonalds and we have several
older people and sometimes they can not remember what they wanted. I
have learned that a little patience with them and they do finally
remember. Thanks for the site. I will be back and more than once."
"I just want to tell
you that is a beautiful song. I lost my Mom in November of 2007 and
miss her dearly. We were very close and I was at her bedside, at home,
when she passed. Even at 59 I turned into a real baby when I lost her,
still am. This song says a lot of what she said to me over her last
few months. I am glad somebody actually put her words into a song.
Thank you so much."
May 7, 2008
"Nice, but one
tiny flaw ... little kids don't have showers, they have baths."
"Sincerely Heart
wrenching. I cried and felt better. My husband has Alzheimers and
other major issues. This made me understand to have more patience and
give more Love. It is extremely difficult to be the caregiver but this
Parent's Wish is right to the point. We are lucky that we have a Son
home with us now to enjoy his father and help. He has given up his
life now to be with Dad and I. Dad is really enjoying his company and
he seems to be more alert. A month or so ago, I myself could not get
my socks on and son helped and said, 'That's why I am here. You
helped me with my socks so now it's my turn.' Isn't that a tie in
with this Wish! Gerry Smith"
"My mother has
Alzheimers and each time when I visit with her, which isn't often
enough, I cry as I leave because it feels like she is already gone. I
have received this link several times from various friends. Now I have
it on my desktop, so I can look at it to remember that even though her
mind is going, I still have her. Thanks for that. I just need to
remember to cherish what time I have with her. C. Boley Washington,
Utah"
"It is wonderful!
Thank you so much."
"I really enjoyed
this beautiful slide show with Josh Groban. I am a caregiver for
Dementia and Palliative Care. I truly see, live, and feel each day how
the body fails, but the mind does not. All people whether they can
speak or not, have feelings and emotions. Respect one another, give
hugs each day, and value the moments we have. As I like to say 'Life
should be measured by the moments that take our breath away, not by
how many breaths we take each moment'. Think of each person,
elderly or not, as if you were in their shoes - you will be that
person one day. Take care and make each moment count."
"This is so powerful
and I pray that it will never stop circulating. Everyone needs to see
it and, more importantly, remember the content. Thank you so very
much. P Evans"
"Just want to thank
you for making this video available. This is very helpful in the
healthcare field. Once again, MABuHAY ANG FILIPINO"
May 6, 2008
"Thank you for this
beautiful video!"
"My friend had sent
me the slide show and it immediately put me in tears. My parents live
1,300 miles from my family and my father has dementia. The slide show
has really hit home. Since it was sent to me, I have forwarded it to
25 other people who I know are going through tough times as well. All
at once, I had gotten 23 out of 25 phones of people who also were in
tears and said it is a great reminder on how not to be judgmental
about what our parents are going through. I worked at an Alzheimers
facility for several years. It was very challenging but also
rewarding. It makes you want to keep your family ever so much closer
because one day-that may be us. Thanks Again!! Stacy from Wisconsin."
"I received this
email in the fall of 2007 and have never deleted it. I was in school
last year studying to be a personal support worker and emailed this to
my teacher. She was very impressed and said it would be nice if we had
a computer to play it for the whole class. I play this many times even
if I myself am feeling down for some reason it is very inspiring to
me. Thanks for helping me understand many things I question once upon
a time. May there be more informative and inspiring videos like this
one. Sandy"
"I viewed the film
and it came at the most appropriate time. Today, I had to place my
mother in a hospice program so that I could continue to be a son who
loves and cares for his mother. The attempt to be a caregiver and son
is almost impossible. My mother and I had talked about quality of life
issues some time ago and the best way I can now honor her is to allow
professional to care for her during this period of her life. I
continue to see her everyday, but now I can focus on all the things
that the movie captivated and enjoy her remaining days with her. Thank
you for putting everything into perspective for me and hopefully other
children with aging parents. I always remind my four children that one
day I will be too old to take care of myself and I try to be an
example to them for the caring of parents. Again thank you for the
insight. John Harris"
"This is one of the
most moving articles I have seen. Please notify my when it becomes
available as a CD. My mom is 86 and I would like to send it to her and
keep one for my children."
"That was so lovely -
thank you!"
May 5, 2008
"My daughter sent me
this. My mom is almost 90 and waiting to die! I cried all the way
through. It's all so very true, I've been down that road. I'll soon be
60, I hope it touched my kids like it did me. Sandy"
"I was truly touched.
Both my parents are gone after long illnesses, and your words touched
me deeply for that was indeed the experience I had with them. They
were both loved dearly and were kept at home with their daughters
looking after their every need. Till the end when they no longer
wished to eat or drink anything. God bless you for this wonderful
Parents Wish. I only hope my children will remember to do
the same for us. Again, GOD BLESS YOU"
"It's been a long
time since I read/heard something this beautiful."
"Thank you. My
Grandmother is 94 years old. I am extremely close to my Grandmother
she has always been vibrant, active etc. Over the past 3 years
she has been a shadow of herself, dementia got the better of
her. My feeling is that God has taken a little bit of my Gran at a
time, knowing that had he taken her all at once we would be
devastated."
May 4, 2008
"This is so
beautiful. I lost my Mother about 4 years ago and she went through
such a bad time three years before she passed away, it brought that
back to me. I wish she was here now, you know you don't realize how
much you miss until they are gone, then you wish you just had one more
day so you could tell them just how much you love them and thank them
for all they did for you through your life. We take so many things for
granted then it is to late. I try to get that point across to my
children and grand children because of the feelings I have now I don't
want them to feel that way when I am gone. Life is so short I tell my
kids I love them every time I talk to them, they mean everything to
me. Well I could go on, who ever put this together did a great job and
anyone that does not feel a great deal of emotion has no one they love
in their life. Judy M"
"I am going to see my
Mom today. She is in Long Term Care. I received this E-mail this
morning, and became very sad, for not spending more time with her. You
know, working, house chores, children. But this made me see that I
have very little time to spend with her, but there are no excuses to
be made. I cried when i heard the music and read the messages being
sent by this video. Thank you for helping me see that there is nothing
more important than spending quality time with my Mom. I am going
there today, with new hope of more time with her, and understanding
what she is feeling. I know I am in denial, big time. You helped me a
lot. I will save this e-mail and send it to everyone I know. We all
need this awakening. RM Purcellville, Virginia"
May 3, 2008
"This slide show is
truly a 'God Send'. I sent it to my children and grandchildren
so they can enjoy it too, and maybe feel within how we have to deal
with getting older. I wish that my parents were here, so I give them
the love, care and understanding that I know today myself. God Bless,
Anne"
"Thank you for this
video."
May 2, 2008
"Just Great and
really to the point...Pat Bolton 66 years old"
"This is wonderful! I
have watched it over and over and cannot keep myself from crying each
time. I still have not found the courage to share this with my
children as I'm afraid that it will make them too sad. Maybe someday!"
"I loved this video,
it really touches home. I lost my father almost 3 years ago. My
mother, who has been so dependent on my father is now lost. She
doesn’t drive and all of her family members are in homes or too old to
drive. She really needs us right now. So, whenever we feel selfish
about our time we really need to remember what was presented in this
video. Baby boomers are upon us and so many people today are selfish
with their time. I always think of my friend who is Asian. Her family
is fighting over who gets the parents. That’s just their cultural,
maybe we need to take lessons from them. The question is; what is life
about? Are we so selfish as to think only of ourselves? One day we
will all be there, how do you want to be taken care of???"
"Beautiful.....made
me cry because I can relate as my mother gets older and I don’t want
it to happen."
May 1, 2008
"This video is truly
beautiful. I work for the Department for the Aging and think more
should enjoy this as much as I have."
"It has long been my
wish to express an understanding of caring for a parent with
Alzheimer's, or dementia, or just exhaustion from the ravages of
life's trials... and with this beautiful, video (words and music) you
have done this wonderfully and completely. It was hauntingly tragic,
but hopeful at the same time. I was the primary caregiver for my
mother and father before they died, and at the end, neither of them
recognized me as their child. They thought I was just some nice lady
who was helping them. It broke my heart, but I understood that they
were NOT at fault. I loved them so much then, and even now, I find it
difficult to move on... although my mom would say, (from the bible) 'This
too shall pass!'. So I wait for the heartache to lessen, but their
precious memories I cherish, will never be gone! Thank you for doing
such a great job of saying what I had no words for- for I could only
feel pain! Now my heart feels better! May God richly bless you! Thank
you! Love in Christ, Dreama Whisman (Salem, VA)
"An amazing video! It
really made me stop and think of my aging mother, and what it must
feel like to be in her shoes. I don't think I will ever again be the
same. It has changed my attitude toward the aging, and if ever, I
start to forget or become impatient, I will go to your website and
look at the video again. Please notify me when it becomes available on
CD. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
April 30, 2008
"Beautiful and my
thoughts exactly – wish it hadn’t been so 'mom and dad'
specific – my children were raised by me, alone…. Still, lovely!"
"This is the most
touching email I have ever received. So well done. Thanks to every one
who helped on this video."
"Wonderful."
"A very emotional and
heart touching slide show with great music. It shows that we as
children do not fully appreciate our parents. thank you for doing
this."
"As an ICU nurse, I
would love to have this play intermittently in the Waiting room for
support and understanding of some families. I am sure it would touch
many hearts and help many heal. Holly D CT."
"Yesterday, April
29th was my mother’s birthday. I went to see her in the nursing home.
I cried when I left because it was such a difficult conversation. She
got everything so confused. I appreciate this video."
"The author of this
presentation knows in his heart the true meaning of love, love not
just between parents and children, but also love to people around us.
It communicates to us understanding, love, respect and compassion for
people, especially to those nearest to our hearts our Parent(s). Time
will come in our lives that we, ourselves, will go through the same
process until the moment that our own light will fade away."
April 29, 2008
"Myself and my four
children (2 boys and 2 girls and 9 grandchildren) were very touched by
the Parents' Wish and we thank you for making it available to
us."
"This is great! My
mother just turned 80 years old, and I treasure every moment with her.
I just wish I lived closer to her so I could see her every day. I do
talk to her everyday. This really reminds you how parents need help
but don't ask for it. I want to keep this to show to my son and
grandson that I'm raising. I would like to get the CD when it comes
out so they can have it . Everyone should see this- young and old .
The only thing is on the single mother version of it instead of
showing the elderly man it should be an elderly lady . I hope you can
do that because at the end it says mother."
"This is an excellent
video. It was sent to me and I sent it to my children. They are very
attentive to us and love us very much. This just helps them remember
those former days. FS Ellis, Denver, CO"
"This is without a
doubt one of the most beautiful e-mails I have ever received. I thank
God for such great stirring messages. Yes! I did cry, and anyone that
say's they didn't, must have something wrong with their crier, if
that's a word. I surely will send this to all my friends, and pray
that each one was touched as much as I. God Bless you for such a
message. Please keep doings same. Coy Brickey"
"This took a few
minutes to load on my dial up connection but I am so very glad I sat
and waited!! I had just finished emailing a friend to encourage her in
her parenting and I had reviewed briefly the years of raising our
children, a divorce after 31 years and then caring for my elderly
parents traveling 3,000 miles many times over a 10 year span. This
video should be shown on PBS so the message is spread far and wide to
all ages. It is so 'on the mark' and tells it as it is. It 'grabbed
my heart' as nothing else ever did. Nursing homes and 'Assisted
Care' are becoming less affordable every day. The Circle of Life
is truly complete when we help one another. Words are not sufficient
to thank you! Grandma Nancy in Washington"
"Very touching!, and
thank you for sharing this with us."
"This was absolutely
fabulous. So touching and yes it made me cry. I lost my father some
time ago and I miss him every day. Thank you for the beautiful mini
epic. Keep up the good work you are the best. Shira Chalmers Toronto,
Ontario"
April 28, 2008
"It was very
heartwarming and I will send this to all my children. It made me cry.
And I love Josh Groban. Gail Pierce Moosup, CT"
"This was great.
Every one need to understand our parents are getting older. This is so
powerful."
"This is one of the
most or the most e-mails I have ever received and I cried through the
whole thing. My mother recently passed away and I see her saying these
things. She finally smiled and knew we loved her and that we knew she
loved us. My three sisters were at her side when she passed and my
brothers had left earlier, I think she knew, and she wanted the girls
to be there. Thank you for this most needed song and poem, I think
everyone should watch it and think."
"I'm and big Josh
Groban fan and I love this song. It was very touching and brought
tears to my eyes. I hope my son will remember how patient I was with
him as a child and show me the same courtesy as I get older. Julie H
St. Louis"
"Truly amazing. I
have aging parents."
April 27, 2008
"This was just so
beautiful and made me feel so lonely without my parents. I lost both
of them and now I am in my 70's and it brought so many happy memories
to me. We have three daughters and six grandchildren. I really think
of the day that one of us or both will leave them and it really hurts.
They are loved so much and I pray that each one will love me as I
loved my parents. Thank you for sharing this with us. Sue"
"I enjoyed it very
much, thank you."
"I cried though the
whole video, very heart wrenching. I took care of both my ageing
parent's until they passed so I see it from there side as well as
mine."
"Absolutely heart
wrenching and spot on."
"The music and words
were wonderful and touching. Wish there were more pictures of Mom or
Mom and Dad together. Thanks."
"Such a very powerful
message!!!"
"This was so moving
it brought me to tears. My father had vascular dementia and I missed
so much wonderful time with him and think everyday of things I might
have done better. Now my husband has Alzheimer’s although in the very
early stages. I work some as an advocate for the Alzheimer’s
association and this is truly a masterpiece for children and
grandchildren. This is such a crippling disease for families and we
all need the simple inspiration this film gives. Thank you Kathy"
"It is such a
wonderful work."
"It’s so incredible,
so moving."
"Just wanted you to
know that this is the best thing I have seen in a long time. I have
printed off your copy and will send it and the email to my children
and all my friends. You are a very special person to have written this
and to share it with the world. Thank you so very much."
"Thank you for this
beautiful and comprehensive view of what we have been trying to tell
our children and grandchildren. My regret is that my Mommy and Daddy
passed on while only confiding a small amount of their vast store of
knowledge. Myrna"
April 26, 2008
"This is the
most powerful video that I have ever seen."
"This was a beautiful
video. I am a RPN and work with people that are old and frail. The
music was very inspiring. It would be good to have this shown at
Hospitals and Homes for the Aged. It made me cry all the way through
it."
"John 21:18.
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst
thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be
old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee,
and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.' Touching, beautifully
done! MDG. Gulf Breeze, Florida"
"I was so touched
when I saw this video, I wept uncontrollably. I am still 13 years old,
with both my parents fortunately living. I had almost forgotten what
and how much they meant to me. I had neglected the fact that they had
always supported me in whatever I undertook. This video has brought
back to me numerous memories of the good times I had experienced
together with them. Indeed, I will try my best to give them my very
best for as long as I have still my parents. Here's to all other
children in the world, wherever you may be: treasure your parents,
just as they did to you. A little love never goes wrong. God bless,
from Singapore."
April 25, 2008
"I received this
email a few days ago. It was incredible. It made me cry and remember
my parents who are both gone now, and realize how real that video
really is. I am also a health care worker and even though we aren't
supposed to get close with our patients you just can't help it. It is
a very emotional video. Thank you for sharing."
"This is beautiful,
and inspiring."
"I live in Amaranth
Township, Ontario Canada. I had almost given up trying to understand
this torn and divided area, all in the name of politics. You've given
me hope and belief that humanity cares for something other than a
dollar. You have presented a wonderful experience, giving new meaning
to the promise of individuals in community to work in aid of each
other. Thank You."
April 24, 2008
"What a nice thing to
Read an See. Many of My Friends can't Hear."
"This was
absolutely beautiful."
"Reading this made me
cry, as it described our wonderful son to T as our caretaker. My
husband and I had a very bad two years of being in and out the
hospital. Our son flew in constantly to be with us. He lived 1000
miles from us, and decided we need to be near him and his family.
Within four weeks of his decision we are now resettled near our
beloved son and family. We have our own apartment not far away, as
both my husband and I would never want to be a burden or interfere in
their lives. Our health has improved and we are extremely happy to
have made the move. Being married for sixty years leaving our home and
friends was not easy. There is nothing like family, especially when
one has wonderful children who know how to 'HONOR THY MOTHER AND
FATHER' without being told. Our daughter and her great family do
not live near us, but have visited it us quite often. We are very
happy parents, grandparents and best of all great grandparents."
"This presentation
left me speechless, teary and in awe. It said all the things that so
many parents can't find to words to say to their child when life turns
things around and the roles are reversed. That role reversal is a hard
concept to explain, and by the time a parent arrives at that stage in
life the words fail to come easily, so this tribute to what most
parents think and feel is a truly wonderful gift. God Bless whoever
created it. Steve & Peggy M."
"It was absolutely
beautiful. I recently lost my grandpa on St. Patricks Day, and I loved
him so much. Your video reminded me of him, and how well he did take
care of all of us in my family. I am proud to say he passed away at
with his daughter (my mom) in his arms in piece just as he wanted to.
Thanks for this it was amazing again."
"Really made me think
of how I had/should treat my parents, grandparents and the people I
love. Thank you."
"Thank you! This is
the most inspiring slide show. I am 66 years old I have a mother that
is 88 years old. She has just started in the dementia stages. I am so
blessed to have had my mother for all these years. This video is so
true. My Mother has done everything for me all of my life. I can never
repay her for her Love and All the times she sat with me to go skating
in my high school years. She will always be MY Mother no matter what
happens to her memory. Thanks for reminding me. Jean Passmore,
Hawkinsville, GA 31036"
"I am a nurse in a
nursing home and really appreciate this video."
"This was so
touching. I work in a long term care facility, and I would like all
staff members to view this."
April 23, 2008
"Thank You for
allowing me to view this. I work in a long term care facility and
after watching this I feel every staff member in our facility should
have an opportunity to view and listen to this most beautiful and
touching clip."
"It is incredible."
"I have a husband who
is now in the mid stages of Alzheimer's. Our daughter sent me your
video about Parent's Wish, and I just sat and cried. This is the most
beautiful tribute to parents I have seen in my lifetime of 62 years.
Please. I would love to have a CD of this - it would mean so much to
me. It helps remind me to have more patience with my husband, and more
peace of mind for myself. It doesn't matter what the cost is, because
peace of mind is priceless. Thank you for this beautiful tribute to
parents. L. Gentile"
"Thanks for a TRULY
TOUCHING message – all have been said are TRUE. I am not a MOTHER of
two at the same time a daughter to my AGED parents, both surviving at
early 70s. God have blessed me the heart of taking care and loving
them so much and this message makes me realized that I am in the right
path…Again THANKS – must pass on the CHILDREN of this time. All good
wishes, Jane (from Dubai, UAE) "
"Thank you very much.
The message is so powerful and so true that I couldn't help but cry in
the end. FRC, London"
"I lost my parents 3
years ago within 10 weeks of each other. I took care of them the last
5 years of their lives when they could no longer take care of each
other. Today is my birthday and watching this video through my tears
has made me feel their presence. I will always cherish their memory
and the love they gave me throughout the years. Thank you for putting
this beautiful video out there for all to enjoy."
April 22, 2008
"This was very
touching, brought tears to my eyes."
"This is so
beautiful. Not having my children in my life hurts, but I've come to
the place in life where I've learned how to accept the unacceptable. I
haven't see my youngest one for 20 years now. The eldest daughter and
the youngest son I've not seen for 18 years. I am a long term member
of alcoholics anonymous and with the help of this wonderful
organization, I've learned how to accept the painful and the
unacceptable. Our beloved eldest daughter died seven years ago this
month. I was not her biological father, but I was nonetheless her dad
and I am so very grateful to have had her in my life. To lose her was
awful quite beyond words. Yet having said this, I was glad when she
died because she was not going to recover and she was in a lot pain."
"This is beautiful. I
cried when I watched it, as both my husband and myself are getting
lame and need help to walk sometimes. I sent this to my son who called
me to thank me for sending it and told me he loves me. This is a
tearjerker, but so true and lovely. Pl"
"My oldest sister
just e-mailed me this power point. Not only did it touch my deepest
emotion, it came just 2 days before I have to meet on a Care
Conference for both my elderly parents – 88 and 92. The visiting
nurses want to put them both in a nursing home and they want to remain
in their home. Sometimes the younger generations forget that we will
be where our parents’ are. Our elderly deserve only the kindest,
gentlest treatment, unfortunately that isn’t what happens most of the
time. My parents’ wishes are my first concern."
"We are a seniors
non-profit housing organization in Alberta Canada; your Parents Wish
video is very heart warming and we would like to be able to play it
for our staff and families."
"Recently lost my
husband, so the Parents Wish was very emotional to hear. I sent it on
to our three children who has given us much love and attention,
because now they will have be concerned for my last few years."
"This song by Josh
Groban is truly beautiful and speaks directly to the heart. I love all
his music… Denise"
"I have viewed this
so many times with tears flowing... but is there a copy with just MOM.
So many of us single women have worked two jobs and raised
intelligent, good citizens. Thank you"
"This is a beautiful
song and video."
"This was so moving
for me. I have parents still alive and will cherish this when the time
does come. I have two grown boys that never think of my parents or
myself. I sent this message to both of them and hope it will touch
them as it did me. Thank you very much! I have passed it on to friends
to share this beautiful message because one day, I will be old. Linda
from Houston,Texas"
April 21, 2008
"It is awesome. My
parents have dementia and I cried all the way through it. Thanks"!
"I just finished
viewing your video and was very impressed. As a long term care RN, a
child who has/is caring for aging parents for the past 14 years, it
was very moving."
"I just received the
Parents' Wish in an e-mail and it is absolutely beautiful."
"Such an inspiration!
Dolores Harcrow"
"Just beautiful! I
cried. The statements made are SO true. I lost my mother at 16 and
remember with pain the day she didn't know who I was, my son who was
just 16 holding my hand and teaching me how to take my 1st steps again
after my TBI. This piece really makes you think and thank God for His
always loving us. Thanks for such a beautiful piece."
"Many thanks for such
insightful and highly inspired presentation. It made me think how sad
it is to have old folks' lives terminated not by death, but by
oblivion and abandon. Jurandyr Iguatemy. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil."
"This is simply
beautiful, it touches me so deeply. May all of us truly remember to
love our parents as never before and to cherish them with all that is
in us."
"Hi and thank-you for
all the time and effort that went into this video. I live in Tomahawk,
Alberta and have my dear 87 year old mom living with me. She is
basically bedridden at this point but can with great difficulty make
it to the washroom on her own. This video was sent to me by a friend
in Winnipeg who is aware of my mom's circumstances. I literally had
tears rolling down my face as I viewed this video. Thank-you for the
insight!!! It has to be so hard to retain your dignity when your body
is failing and your mind is still very active. My mom is the most
important person in the world to me and I will go back to this video
from time to time just to remember to keep these things in mind. I
thank-you for this."
"This tore my heart
in two; so beautiful and moving. I personally went through the
faltering health of my mother so your presentation really struck a
cord."
"This song says more
than all the tributes to it can ever hope to say. Thank You for
composing and singing it. It is truly a work of love."
April 20, 2008
"I just received this
from a dear friend of 55 years. It says everything I would want to say
to my sons and grandchildren. I cried, thinking of all of my clients
(I am a home caregiver for elderly folks) and wish I could pass this
on to their families as well as my fellow caregivers. Thank you so
much. Marge in Washington"
"This is very
beautiful and inspiring."
April 19, 2008
"This is so
beautiful....cried out loud. I have 4 beautiful daughters who are the
the most precious women a mother could ask for. I am also grandma and
great grandma (GG) so I know they will love it too. Thank you so much
for such a touching tribute."
"I just want to let
you know - 'What a wonderful film, words and music'. If it
doesn't bring tears to your eyes, you have no feeling. We love our
children so very much, and they are both in their late forties."
"Thank you for taking
the time to write this for parents. We all cross these roads in life.
It reminded me of my youth with my mother who found the time even
though she had (12) children. She has passed away now but I loved her
so much. I also recalled my grandmothers on both side of the family. I
was so blessed to know how much they loved all of us. Now that I am
retired I have lots of time on my hands. I forget things, like paying
a bill once in a while. I am blessed to have two daughters who find
the time for me in their busy life with their own children. I have
also had a moment or two, when I felt a change in our roll, mother and
child. I always know my children love me. However, this presentation
has a voice for those who might like to find a way to help their
children understand how we feel, in a kind and loving way. I mailed it
to my daughters. Thanks for helping me with the words."
"Thank you so very
much!!! A very good friend shared this with me. I cried while I
listened and read. I am a Mom, Grandma, and am fortunate to have both
parents still living. Both live in Oregon and I live in Texas. Both my
mother and father have had strokes. I wish I lived closer, so that I
could help them. The music was beautiful, and the message so true.
Someday, I too will need the love and help of my family. Thanks again,
and may God bless everyone involved in the 'creation' of this
wonderful message. BLESSINGS~Donna"
"I think this song
and word does fit those of us who have been blessed to reach what is
called old age. LOL Thank you for thinking of us and writing what we
feel. I would love to send a copy to my sister who had eight children
and doesn't have a computer. She often says the things that are in
this song. It does one more thing for the aged as well. It helps me
see what my Father in Heaven must feel when I don't give Him my
attention so much. I loved it!"
"Such a beautiful
reminder. In this fast paced world, we all need to be reminded to slow
down and match the pace of our aging parents and take the time to
smell the flowers with them. That would be the best way to give back
to them all the love that they have shown us."
April 18, 2008
"Lovely, moving
presentation!! Hopefully, for most, the message goes unsaid. And for
those remaining, it should surely bring them around! This story can
even apply to younger parents who have suffered a life long disorder
such as stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and are more prone to
advanced problems with immediate recall, memory, Dementia and
Parkinsons. Thanks, Mary Ann"
April 17, 2008
"Cried like a baby.
Thank you."
"Thank you for this."
"WOW!! A powerful
message to remember. Thank you."
April 16, 2008
"This was so very
POWERFUL. I loved it and immediately sent it to both of our sons. Keep
up the great work, you must be sooooooo proud of how it turned out.
Thanks. Carol. from CANADA"
"I am the daughter of
two parents who died tragic deaths long before their lives should have
ended. My father was diagnosed with cancer, and I begged him to
receive chemotherapy. He did it only because I asked him to. After
seeing what chemotherapy did to him, physically, I began to cry and
told him not to do it anymore just for me, and apologized to him for
asking him to do it. I wanted to hold onto my father, but not that
way. We worked with hospice, I cared for him in my home, and he died a
peaceful death. I sat up with him all night, as he didn't want to be
left alone, and got to know my father better in a few weeks than I had
my entire life. I wouldn't take anything in the world for that
experience, sitting there talking in the dead of the night, just the
two of us, and catching a nap when caretakers would come in the
morning. My mother died of Alzheimer's, after 14 years. I was her sole
caretaker, after dad's death, until I ended up having to place her in
assisted living, then a nursing home, as I was unable to care for her
and my children at the same time. I still was actively involved in her
care until the end, though. The most difficult part of the Alzheimer's
was when she was aware that she forgot, as it frustrated her. After
that, she would refuse baths, etc., and I made sure that the staff
would sedate her somewhat and take the time to remind her step-by-step
what they were doing as they were doing it, to keep from upsetting
her. One thing I kept reminding her, from the very beginning, to just
try to remember that I loved her and she loved me, no matter what.
That, in itself, is a good thing to keep you both going. My mother
loved to ride in the countryside, so, as long as I could get her into
my vehicle, that's just what we did, for hours at the time. I never
regretted one moment I spent with my parents, and I'll always cherish
the memories until we meet again. I still miss my parents very much,
but respected their wishes for no measures to prolong their life, even
though it was very hard for me, as a daughter, to see their decline,
and eventual death. I just hope and pray that when my time comes, my
children will do the same for me."
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