90 Years Defies Norms And Daughter: I Gave Her Everything in Life; Now I Gave Her the Biggest Lesson Ever
Out Of Mrs Thompson's Story Reproduced Below, Uganda Today, Evokes The Management Styles Of Senior Citizen's Life Between The West And Africa
![](https://ugandatoday.co.ug/storage/2024/07/facebook_1720938996143_7218141315282579264-240x300.jpg)
Uganda Today Edition: I Gave Her Everything in Life; Now I Gave Her the Biggest Lesson Ever
Dear friends,
Let me share with you the tale of my daughter, who seems to have lost her way. Just because I’m 90, she believes I should be packed off to a nursing home like an old piece of furniture. I have my own home and plenty of life left in me. So, I told her straight up, “If you don’t want to take care of me, I’ll take care of myself. I’ve got my savings, and I’ll use them to hire a caregiver and stay right here in my own house.”
Well, that made her madder than a wet cat! Turns out she was banking on getting her hands on my money. Now she’s throwing a fit because her little plan isn’t going to work. It has been over a month since she visited or called, and she made sure to tell me not to bother her until I am ready to move to a nursing home.
Imagine being 90 and having just one daughter. These days, I kept thinking about why God never gave me a son or another daughter—someone who would show me some love. I think Anne, my daughter, takes things for granted, so instead of her calling, I called her and gave her the biggest lesson of her life.
![](https://ugandatoday.co.ug/storage/2023/03/IMG-20230311-WA0102-300x300.jpg)
The beautiful Secretary Bird found in Murchison National Park
The fast Ostrich found in Kidepo Valley National Park
The Crane also known as the Crested Crane, a National Bird in Uganda mainly found in swampy areas
Uganda is famous for bird watching and a habitat of 1090 bird species
+256 702 239 337 WhatsApp
Tel +256 772 500 640
Email: cmkmediasolutions@gmail.com
#VisitUganda
#Tulambule
You won’t believe what I did. I know she is my own daughter, but after we spoke, I invited her to come urgently, claiming there were some big developments regarding my money. Not even the next day, the very same night, she showed up, but she wasn’t ready for what was coming.
She came in all confident and bossy, but when she saw the scene… her eyes widened and she was pale as a ghost.
The Confrontation
There, in the living room, stood a lawyer and my new caregiver, Mrs. Thompson, a kind-hearted woman with a sturdy resolve. Anne’s confident smirk faded quickly as the reality of the situation hit her. She had expected to find me weak and desperate, but instead, she found me stronger than ever, standing my ground.
The lawyer began to speak, “Mrs. Anne, your mother has decided to take control of her assets and well-being. She has legally assigned her savings and property to be managed by a trust, with clear instructions that ensure her comfort and care without interference.”
Anne’s face turned red with anger. “This is absurd! You can’t do this to me, Mother!”
I looked her straight in the eye and said, “I can and I have. You wanted to throw me away and take my money. Now you’ll get nothing until I pass, and even then, it’ll be on my terms.”
The Aftermath
The shock and disbelief on Anne’s face were priceless. She tried to argue, but the lawyer calmly explained that everything was legally sound and unchangeable. Anne stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
For the first time in years, I felt a sense of peace and control over my life. Mrs. Thompson helped me to my favorite chair, and we sat down to have tea. I knew I had done the right thing. My daughter needed to learn that love and respect cannot be bought or coerced. They have to be earned and cherished.
As I sit here today, sipping my tea and watching the sunset, I am grateful for the strength I found within myself. I may be 90, but I am still capable of making my own decisions and living my life on my terms. Anne and I have found a new understanding, and my home is once again filled with love and respect.
This experience has taught me that it’s never too late to stand up for yourself, to demand the respect you deserve, and to teach those around you the true meaning of love and family.
![](https://ugandatoday.co.ug/storage/2022/02/anite-225x300.jpg)
Comparing Management Styles for the Elderly
In many Western cultures, the elderly are often placed in nursing homes once they reach a certain age or level of dependency. These facilities provide professional care and ensure the elderly are safe and medically monitored. However, this approach can sometimes lead to feelings of abandonment and isolation among the elderly, as family visits may become infrequent, and personal connections can wane.
In contrast, African cultures traditionally place a high value on family and community care for the elderly. It is expected that children will look after their aging parents, often bringing them into their homes and integrating them into daily family life. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and respect, ensuring the elderly remain active participants in the family unit and community.
However, this can also place significant physical, emotional, and financial strain on the caregivers, especially in the modern era where economic pressures and migration can complicate these traditional roles.
Mrs. Thompson’s story highlights the tension between these two approaches. While she resisted the Western model of a nursing home, she also faced the harsh reality that her daughter saw her more as a burden than a beloved family member. By taking control of her own care, she found a middle ground that respected her autonomy and dignity while teaching her daughter a valuable lesson about love and respect.
In both cultures, the care of the elderly is a reflection of societal values and the balance between professional care and familial responsibility. Mrs. Thompson’s experience is a poignant reminder that, regardless of cultural norms, the elderly deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and love.