Life is not a formula.

Recently a friend commented, "you will never understand the feelings of a parent unless you become one." Maybe true. But, does being a biological parent truly gives a person the wisdom and capability of being an ideal parent? I have seen couples who hardly spent quality time with their kids. Sending them to a good school, arranging extracurricular activities and providing a weekend getaway, or a visit to a mall, or dining out, makes them feel they have done enough. They would rather encourage their kids to watch cartoon networks or any other kidzee channel instead of bothering them on their off-days. Growing up once again along with the kids, I feel is one of the most interesting phases of parenthood. I once read somewhere...let a child hold your hands when he wants to, otherwise when you want to hold his, he wont be there to hold yours.
I sometimes ponder, what makes us a human being? Not a biological one only. I have reached a stage in life, where, the past occupies a substantial part of my life. I have seen the different shades of life. Life can be lovely, horrible and bleak. But, the most important thing is to survive. To stand up after a fall. Life's dignity is not always maintained. But to restore that dignity once more, is one of the greatest challenges one should overcome. Very recently a friend of mine, siting an example from his own life, said, I should learn from it. Is it really possible to learn from others' lives? Circumstances are never the same. Life is different for each individual. What worked for one, might not work for another. What one has gone through, the other might not have faced ever. I strongly feel, one can look into others' lives, but, one can never emulate. Life is not a formula.
I am not a social reformer, neither am I here to give any judgements. I can only be a friend. I can share your thoughts, try to be in your shoes and feel your pains, be there when you need me, but, I can never be you!