The “Golden” Years
I had this huge rant inside my head that I was going to let loose, but decided against it. I will keep it short and to the point.
There are many things in this life that anger me, but there is one, inparticular, which sets me off like no other: the way older folks are treated in our society. I’m sick to death of seeing the eye-rolls and hearing the sighs of impatience from people standing in line behind an older person waiting to buy gas or pay for groceries. I’m sick of watching as older folks are passed over as if they were invisible. I’m sick of condescending tones and impertinent remarks from younger people who think they know it all, when what they should be doing is thanking them for paving the way so that they can have all they do today! I’m sick of watching as they are treated like 2nd class citizens because they live on a fixed income and pay their doctor bills with Medicare!
So listen, the next time you find yourself behind an older man or woman who is “slowing you down”, take a moment to think: remember that every line and wrinkle on their face was earned the hard way; remember that their gait is short and their hands slow from working through times and trials you can only imagine or read about in textbooks, and hopefully will never know first-hand; and remember that one day, you will be that older person! Show them the gratitude and respect they so richly deserve, and slow down long enough to appreciate the fact that they’ve managed to live in this world as long as they have. Remember that you never, ever know another’s story unless you’ve walked a mile in their shoes, and count yourself lucky you’ve never had to walk in theirs. They’ve seen hardship that would probably drop you to your knees. And remember to take the time to acknowledge their existence and contribution by giving them a smile and a friendly “hello”.
NO ONE becomes worthless with age! In fact, they become more worthy and worthwhile! Treat them like the wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom they are!
In saying all this, I am reminded of a piece I wrote about a year and a half ago. It is entitled:
“Half a Life Past Midnight”
Fingers of bone, trembling,
work lace handkerchief resting silently upon fragile knees,
a body once blessed with hour glass design,
now eroded to toneless muscle housed in weathered skin,
a shift of faded flowers covering,
accented by lingering scent of age.
Eyes once sparkling blue, dulled gray with time,
peer from a face deeply mapped,
a tale of a thousand words buried within each crevasse.
Half a life past midnight,
aware the hour is at hand,
expression begging for just one ear offered,
to be filled with all she has seen,
thereby leaving a measure behind.
With time taking the lead,
a treasure lies in desperate wait,
pleading to be unearthed,
rewarding the hunter with golden wisdom,
if, but one,
would initiate permission ….
to gently dig.
Copyright
August 29th, 2003 at 6:03 am
I completely agree with you on this one. This has been one of my constant rants since I was a kid. I may be an oddball, but as my mom used to tell me when I’d gripe about being an oddball, I’m the best kind of oddball. ;)
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August 29th, 2003 at 12:00 pm
Great post Leigh… and going through some old files, I ran across this and thought I’d share.
I’m Just Like You
I may have gray hair and wrinkles,
but I’m just like you.
My age may be quite beyond yours,
but I’m just like you.
My hearing may need the assistance of a hearing aid,
but I’m just like you.
Most of the time I need to be led, but I’m just like you.
I‘m sure there may be quite a lot of times I don’t make sense,
but I’m just like you.
In the days I have left here on earth, there may have been many of you who have helped, loved and done many great things for me, and also many who have just walked away.
But remember… some day you might be just like me.
~~ Marianne LaPointe
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August 29th, 2003 at 12:06 pm
That’s wonderful, CJ - and so very true!! THANK YOU for sharing it! **hugs**
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August 29th, 2003 at 12:21 pm
How very true! One of the problems with society in our time is the lack of respect for older people. You should go see my friend, Peggy’s, blog. (”Blossoming” linked on my page). She is just barely starting out with blogging, but is a really neat lady and is searching for people with the attitude you showed in this post. I showed her your site too, so I’m sure it would make her day to have you visit hers.
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August 29th, 2003 at 3:19 pm
Wonderful Post Leigh! I completely agree.
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August 29th, 2003 at 4:40 pm
This is the one thing that really gets on my nerves too, leigh! Once I saw a horrible woman turn into a street ( I was coming out of the supermarket car park) then stopped to abuse this poor little, old man on his motorised cart as he made his way across the road. Damn, she was in the wrong!! Flying ’round that corner like a woman possessed! *sigh* That elderly citizen had every right to cross that road. As we all do. Yes, he was a little slow, but he had already began crossing the road before she even came ’round that corner. Crazy Bitch! Her actions upset me sooo much. And that poor, poor man with his little doggie on his lap. He was almost in tears. I’d like to see that evil bitch give a mouthful to some rough lookin’ dude!
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August 29th, 2003 at 5:19 pm
Your post spoke of things near and dear to my heart.
We ‘warehouse’ our seniors today, rather than celebrating them. The only changes you and I will enjoy when we’re seniors are those that we effect today.
Carl and I decided to follow our hearts 10 months ago and began volunteering at an old folks’ home. Our lives have been enriched beyond anything we’d imagined.
There are countless things to be done for them, simple things, and each of us has the power to do them.
They ask for so little and it takes so little to help.
Most seniors grew up in kinder and gentler times. It must be pretty lonely to feel as though you’re an impediment to people around you. It really does break my heart. They have so much to teach — if only we would all listen.
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August 29th, 2003 at 7:42 pm
I whole-heartedly agree. What most forget is the fact that the elderly have ALREADY experienced more than most of us, and often are quite willing to share that experience. However, we…in our infinite “stupidity”, neglect to accept that which they offer free for the listening. Somehow, that DOESN’t make much sense, now does it?
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August 31st, 2003 at 1:39 pm
What a wonderful post! My mom (age 78) and I were just talking about this very thing yesterday. I was telling her it is such a shame that she and my dad worked so hard for so many years to get to a place where they could enjoy what they have worked for, and then they get treated so unfairly. She was saying she needed some medication that cost $80 for one pill and her medicare only covered $2 of that cost. That is only for one medication, she take many. How are older people supposed to pay for the medications they need?
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