A week ago, we spent time with my Dad's side of the family for my uncles ashes scattering. It was a lovely day and especially nice that we had friends and family together who haven't seen each other in a long time.
Seeing Dad and his brother scatter their other brothers ashes over the water, I realised how much older my Dad is looking. And it reminded me we're all getting older.
I've always known how important the 'elderly' are (and to be honest, what is elderly now?). But as I get older, it also gets a little closer and thus a little scarier.
But really, their worth is undervalued here in NZ and around the world. We used to look after our parents as they got too old to look after themselves. As a family people would gather around and support each other. Now you get too old to live in your own home and most likely will be shipped off to a rest home.
I know life is different now, that's the reality, and relationships are such that sometimes you can't bring yourself to help your parents/grandparents. But what about other elderly people you might know, love and respect?
Life is full of wisdom held in the minds of our elderly. They are to be treasured. Looked after and made to feel important in their retirement.
So my challenge to you this week, is to visit with someone at least 20 years older than you (if you're in your 20's then they need to be at least 40 years older than you). Spend some quality time with the ones you love. Talk to them about their past. About things they remember, write notes, get out their pictures and treasure their experiences.
Not only will you get a lot from the time you spend together, you will make someone else very happy.
Dare ya.
A fabulous challenge, that really shouldn't be a challenge at all, if that makes sense.
Posted by: Michelle Frisby | October 14, 2012 at 10:17 AM
Beautiful post Trina. My dad has been a priest at a old people's home for as long as I can remember. I was brought up meeting and talking to the elderly on a regular basis and they are such beautiful jewels, and I was really touched reading your post. Thanks for the retrospection ensightful reading.
Posted by: steph devlin | October 14, 2012 at 10:25 AM
Hi Trina
Great challenge and I agree with Michelle & Steph but with busy lives sometimes the weeks just whizz by. I am lucky to live in the same town as my parents who prefer to be called 'Gold Carders' than elderly (in their 70s) so I do see them regularly and with a heritage interest soak up all the information they offer. This week it was all about printing technology as I acquired an old printers tray for a scrappy project. Amazing how newspapers used to be made - my Dad went through three types of technology in his 34 years in the industry.
Posted by: Dianne | October 14, 2012 at 02:45 PM
Great post!!!
every holidays i spend time chatting with my neighbour!!! she's just had her hip done so this chat was me recommending her a place to buy walking shoes!!! lol
Posted by: mandyb | October 14, 2012 at 05:05 PM