Unrecognized Isolation

Unrecognized Isolation

Eileen Renders

This is a subject matter that I have learned happens more often than is recognized. We, as parents, raise our children and ensure a good Catholic upbringing where they are taught Catechism and receive all the sacraments. Many Cities today, however, have no Catholic Schools to send their children to. Being taught by a Catholic nun is something of the past.

With the cost of living and raising a family, having a home often requires two working parents. Therefore, parents often have the full burden of teaching their children about God and their religion. We all strive to be good examples to our children throughout our lives.

Still, there are external influences, drugs, and emotional and/or emotional problems that surface in many families that are somehow out of the control of many parents. Add to that, families see disabilities in their elderly family members, most especially their grandparents. Death escapes none of us, and sadly, we see the elderly left alone to fend for themselves.

Humility, compassion, and respect appear to be lacking. While I see many seniors living alone, who do not drive, and can barely walk, and without insurance to cover the cost of a Nursing Home, their adult children do not take care of them.

Parents often sacrifice some of their dreams, and they sacrifice their time to be able to take care of their little ones. Why then are they alienated from their adult children? Maybe because they offered some advice predicated on experience, and were immediately shut off. Maybe their Mom offered advice to one of the grandchildren, and was cut off. So sad to see and hear how such disrespect and ungratefulness exist today among a good portion of families. Few will speak about it as they are too embarrassed. Yet I have heard a couple of tearful stories that leave us baffled.

Many adults today suffer some form of bipolar, emotional, or mental disorder. In such cases, all that can be done is to assure them they are loved, and pray rosaries, ask God to take them, and heal them. Admitting that one has no control sometimes is the wisest way to approach; do not burden oneself with guilt. In prayer, hand them over to God, as we all belong to Him. Prayer is powerful. Submission to God’s will is powerful. We, ourselves, are often powerless. Trust in God. Absolve oneself from guilt. Love and prayer, and trust in God.