This saying acknowledges the harsh reality that even the most devoted children can become exhausted or distant when caring for a chronically ill parent over a long period. It's a candid admission of human limits, not an accusation.
In Chinese culture, filial piety (孝) is a supreme virtue, but this saying reveals the tension between ideal and reality, especially in times of prolonged hardship.
It serves as a compassionate excuse for human frailty, reminding people not to judge caregivers too harshly, while also urging society to provide support.
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