3. The day you see me old and frail and failing, have patience and try to understand me …
4. If I get dirty when eating… if I cannot dress myself… if I am forgetful… have patience with me. Remember the hours I spent teaching these things to you .
5. If, when I speak to you, I repeat the same things a thousand times over… do not interrupt me… listen to me. When you were small, I had to read to you a thousand and one times the same story until you fell asleep...
6. When I do not want to have a shower, neither shame me nor scold me… Remember when I had to chase you with my hundreds of invented excuses… just to get you to wash your hands or take a bath.
7. When you see my ignorance on new technologies… give me the necessary time and try not to look at me with your mocking smile…
8. I taught you how to do so many things… to eat well, to dress right and to confront life. Help me to confront my own aging ways, by being patient with me…
9. When at some moment I lose the memory or the thread of our conversation… let me have the necessary time to remember… and if I cannot do it, do not become anxious… as the more important thing is not my conversation but simply to be with you and to have you listening to me…
10. If ever I do not want to eat, do not force me… I know well when I need to and when not.
12. … give me your hand or your arm … the same way I did when you gave your first steps.
13. And on those days when I am weary, discouraged or cranky, do not get angry… some day you will understand…
14. Try to understand that my age comes with limitations that are not of my choosing.
15. Some day you will discover that, despite my mistakes, I always wanted the best things for you and that I tried to prepare the way for you.
16. You must not feel sad, angry or fearful of the way my life is changing. Just be next to me, understand me and help me… as I did when you began your life.
17. Let me not walk alone… help me to my end with love and patience. I will pay you with a smile and by the immense love I will always have for you.
18. I love you with all my heart and being… my dearest son & daughter, Your father