Tag Archives: elderly

Faith In Humanity

Posted on by
2

A trip through a big box store is a sure way to question your life choices and the future of humanity. 

They were paving the parking lot so half of it was closed and people were even more temperamental than normal. For some reason, people kept driving the wrong way in the parking lot – up the down staircase, so to speak, causing traffic to back up even more than was necessary. 

It was hot. People seemed impatient. I was tired and in no mood for anyone’s nonsense. 

And then I saw it – an elderly man who seemed to be struggling to walk, pushing one of the store’s motorized scooters up the parking lot to a cart rack several spaces away. Evidently, the battery had died. 

He didn’t seem to be in any condition to walk very far, much less to push that scooter in the heat. I suspect he couldn’t get a handicapped space and was left with whatever parking he could find.

I felt bad for him but, before I could completely process what was happening, something fabulous occurred. 

From nowhere there came another man, young and strong, who helped push that scooter the remainder of the way and then escort the older man back to his car. 

Friends, let me tell you, I wasn’t having a great day. 

But in that moment, my faith in humanity was restored – at least a little bit. I hope the younger guy knows what it meant to some of us to see him helping another human in need. 

It meant the world to know that maybe things aren’t as bad as they seem.

A Friendly Chat

Posted on by
2

I’m fortunate to work for a company that encourages community involvement among employees. Last week, my department volunteered at an organization that serves local senior citizens. Here I met two very sweet ladies who I’m still thinking about days later.

I stopped by yesterday to drop off some prizes for bingo and Christmas cards for the ladies. One of them was there, providing opportunity to sit and visit a while.

She’s 96 and still lives alone. She cleans her home, orders her own medicine and is quite proud of her independence. Her grown children help with her laundry but she shakes her head and frowns when she admits they don’t want her going to the basement anymore.

Someone else cuts the grass now. She stopped gardening two years ago but has no intention of slowing down in any other way.

When asked her secret to a long life, she said that staying active and social has kept her going. She also advised living below your means and saving as much as possible. She doesn’t have a large income but says she doesn’t have to worry.

First of all, she is the sweetest lady and I was happy to talk with her. More importantly, she seemed happy to have someone to listen. It took no effort to sit there for a few minutes and show interest in what she had to say. And yet, I walked away with a wealth of wisdom and the feeling that the conversation had made a difference to us both.

It was one of the most positive human interactions I’ve had in a long time and I’m grateful for it. Older folks have wisdom to share and can benefit from having someone to talk with. Never discount the value of a friendly conversation.

Have a nice day, friends. Be good to one another.