Reversing our Roles

Went to send my parents off at the airport yesterday. They are going down to L.A for a cousin's wedding. And there I was standing at the departure gate watching them leave for a short 1hr plus domestic flight watching them as they make their way through the long lines at custom and then the security check, suddenly feeling emotional, watching the two of them, each a luggage in hand. Suddenly feeling protective of them, like they are the children, and I the parent. Suddenly realizing that they have grown older, or perhaps, it is I who have grown older, and now they are the ones who need to be taken care of.

Suddenly understanding that filial piety is not a responsibility that is based on obligation, it is a responsibility that springs from tenderness. It is something that I didn't understand when I was younger, but it is something that I do now. It comes with seeing your parents' vulnerability. It comes with standing at the departure gate of the airport, feeling a worry eat at you as your parents struggle with their carry-ons, negotiate with the custom officer, realizing that this scene is a familiar one, time and time again, years ago, it is just that now, the roles are reversed.