The aging process is painful in my country. People of "white age" must endure illness and, frequently, loneliness, as well as the humiliation of not being taken into account.
 
The lack of work makes the younger generations want to emigrate in hope of a better future. But their parents are left behind with low pensions and no social support. I, myself, had old parents. And I am who I am because of them.
 
I respect their white hair, their wrinkles, the pain in their eyes. We all should be more gentle, more patient with them.
 
They were with us.