Watoto Walinidharau! How Depending Finances from Children Created Shame

I expected to find serenity as I grew older, but instead I was faced with a problem I never imagined: relying on my kids to survive. My little resources depleted more quickly than I anticipated after retirement. Everything became more challenging due to the mounting medical expenditures and the growing cost of life. Before I knew it, I was pounding on my kids’ doors to ask for assistance with food, rent, and even minor crises.

They voluntarily helped me at first. But as time went on, I became aware of a change in their tone. Discussions turned tense. Little disagreements about money escalated into major family conflicts. “Dad, we also have our families to feed,” one of them even said. I was devastated to hear that. It was really embarrassing for me to beg my own kids for money. I stayed away from social events because I didn’t want my neighbours or family to know that I was having financial difficulties. My resolve to keep trying was eroding along with my dignity. To read more click here.