Why do we do that to those who brought us up?

Was in an auto at the traffic signal , coming back from the bank where i had to wait and get stressed. Saw a lady who was dressed up like a middle class house wife asking for alms. I could see she was very ashamed and self conscious of what she was doing but doing it nevertheless. Kept repeating that she was not a beggar even though she was asking for help. Some people were being kind and some people did not bother to wind down their windows and some people were looking at her with disdain.

When she came to me, i couldn't help but give her some money. She was surprised and flabbergasted that i gave her a little more .She started mumbling and then refused to take what i was giving her , telling me that she only needed the money for food and what i was giving was too much. i had to cajole her to take the money , telling her that it might be of use to her. She almost cried and then i overheard her telling her some one that her husband cant move out of the house and there's no wage earner whereas her son visits them once in two months and helps her with the same amount i had offered . She had no option but this to do without her husband's knowledge as money was needed for food and medicine . She was limping all throughout and told someone who asked , that she has problem with her knees but no money to get it checked .

i was moved by her state but could do nothing more .

Leaves me with a question that how can one not take responsibility of their parents who made them what they are. Is it really that hard to offer your parents a meal thrice a day and a roof over their head and some medicines to put them out of their misery? What is the purpose of living if you cannot look after those who gave you life?