Dad wrote: To all parents.....

The other day I watched an old home-film… In that film I saw my late mother, and that made me nostalgic to the old times, when I was young seeking her kindness and comfort... Those mothers, and fathers, who raised us, may be different human beings – Sometimes, I wonder if our generation of parents is as strong and kind as the generation of our parents. It is not easy for me to answer such a question, and I leave it to my children and others’, children to answer, however, we might not arrive at a specific conclusion.

On the other hand different generations might have certain sets of norms and behaviors that fit their specific era, and circumstances. Social and economic factors reflect on human attitudes and family relationships... Extended family form was the norm in Kuwait in the early decades of the 20th century. When I graduated from college in the late 60’s of last century, I found that my father built a new house with separate apartments or quarters, for each of us, the brothers. But then we moved in separate directions to different locations and separate houses…
I thought, then, that the concept of an extended family is done with in Kuwait.

It is true that brothers and sisters, along with their children, do meet occasionally, and communicate with family members, but is it the same? Anyway, one must always remember that it is hard to match his parents in their love and care. The level of love and care may differ according to time and place, but nothing can replace such love and care, especially if you were raised in a healthy social, and family environment.

This is dedicated to you Ali, with love..