Why we should face our fears

I am the only child of my parents and hence am accustomed to always getting my way. Ever since I was a child, I was always protected by my parents from the evils of this world, or perhaps from the practicalities of life. Whether it was a poor performance in school, bad behavior at home, or escaping from a boarding school, my parents never said a word!
As I started growing up, I sort of got accustomed to the comfort zone provided by my parents, especially my mother. Things progressed from bad behavior at home to bad behavior at work, lack of stability in my career, and permanent dependence on my parents. Barring a few lectures, my parents never really said much. Perhaps they felt I would bloom late in life or they simply continued protecting me as I was their only child.

When I turned 30, I lost my dad and life sort of turned upside down for my mother. Yet my behavior grew erratic day by day as I was used to being dependent on both of them. I randomly yelled at my mom at times as I didn't like working. I hated the fact that we were both alone, while not understanding my mother's poor health condition and medical needs. I continued fighting with her without any reason. She put up with all my whims and fancies and never said a word and even got me married.
Then in early April this year, my life turned upside down when covid struck our family. My mother was admitted to the hospital for a routine checkup which turned into an ICU stay with her breathing capabilities depending on a ventilator. I was dumb-struck and did not know how to react. I cried, yelled, and felt helpless. It was at that moment that I realized the burden of responsibilities my mother carried on her shoulders for almost all her entire life.

My mother survived the COVID attack and came out of the ICU after 3 months. She was proud of me that I managed to stay afloat in her absence. This humbling experience has taught me to face my problems, as delaying them can only worsen the situation like it almost did for me.

Sid P