A few years ago, I befriended a Christian who had left the University in Baghdad, coming to the United States. He told me a story that is a parable of sorts commonly known where he grew up in Iraq.

The story is not a true story, it merely speaks of how different cultures may approach and choose to deal with what they may perceive as a problem with the elderly.  And I am convinced that those who told the story, understood ...and valued their elders.

This particular people told a story of a time when it was generally agreed upon that it was too burdensome to continue to attempt to care for the elderly among them. When it was deemed that one was too old, it was the responsibility of that person's son to carry him on his back. In this fashion the son would carry his dad up the mountain, and throw him off the cliff.

It was not just common for this to take place, it was expected. Yet, it was also expected that during that long trip up the mountain, that neither the dad nor his son express any emotion. Neither would talk at all ...after all, what could be said?

About halfway up the mountain, the dad says, "Son, are you okay?"

The son had not expected his dad to speak, and answers with an unprepared and uncomfortable tone of surprise, "Why do you ask?"

The dad offers a bit of advice, "Perhaps you should rest a bit; you look a little tired."

"No, I'm fine!" answers the son, abruptly.