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talking to myself

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An elderly couple


markdohle

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An elderly couple

A couple of days ago, Pattie informed me that we have an elderly couple up on the second floor.  The wife was 85 and the husband 88.  She was impressed by them and told me so.  I took note and was looking forward to meeting them.  That evening as I walking back towards the kitchen, I saw them sitting there eating by themselves.  They came down late so all the other guest were gone.  Normally I would not address guest in our dinning area but since they were alone, I did this time. 

They were a very dignified couple.  Both were trim, good looking, and well dressed.  It looked like they were going out to some formal event.  Even so, they looked very comfortable in their formal (for them everyday) wear.    I introduced myself and after we exchanged names we talked for a bit.  They were very energetic and engaging and I liked them very much from the start.  The wife had a very open face, a beautiful smile and a voice that would keep your attention.  The husband was friendly but quiet and reserved.

They were both from Trinidad and the husband came across as someone that held high positions in whatever field he worked at when younger.  They have aged well.  By that I mean they have arrived at their senior years as a  couple that exuded joy and peace, as well as an ability to love and show compassion towards others.  I found out the next day that he held a position on the Supreme Court in Trinidad; so my first impression was correct. 

In the
United States at least at this time in our history, a very large number of us reach old age.  Many fear it and will try all kinds of procedures, vitamins and other means to forestall it.   There is nothing wrong with that of course. We all love life and in our youth we are of course able to partake of it more fully.  So it is understandable why we would want to extend it.  Some can, others age at a more rapid rate.  I am 65, I have some health problems, then there is Alan who lives here, who is in his 90’s and still runs up and down the stairs.  I doubt that I will be able to do that when I am 70. 

To embrace life means to be able to accept and to find peace and hopefully joy at whatever stage one is in.  For me the older years are the most important and can be the happiest for many people.  Even if there are the aches and pains that have to be dealt with as our bodies age as time races by.  Our perspectives will dictate to use how we will view old age and live it out.  It can be a time of deeper exploration of the inner world.  Of reviewing life, seeing connections and perhaps learning and changing from these meditations.  It is never too late to grow, change and to even turn ones life around….if one has a certain level of mental health that is.  All states of life are difficult and important.  Old age is no different.  When it comes our time to die, hopefully we will be like ripe fruit ready to be plucked. 

Meeting people like the couple from
Trinidad gives me hope.  For as I age and my inner world opens up to me more and more, I see things that worry me.  For me, prayer and mediation allow me to gaze, listen and to slowly allow the pieces to come together.  I am a man who has many voices in my head; will they get worse as I age?   I have no idea, but I do know that prayer and or mediation keeps one centered, grounded and in the moment.  Without that, what would happen?  Would I identify with the voices and loose a true sense of self.   None of us knows how we will end up in our ‘late’ old age.  It is not important in the sense that nothing can really be done about it. 

However, we each have today, no matter what our age.  How we live our now, and each successive moment will have an effect on how we live out our days.  If we loose control for whatever reason, then others will care for us hopefully

While taking care of the elderly can be difficult, it is also a gift that is bestowed on the care giver.  To be able to show love and compassion for those they care for.  One day I will most likely need care.  Will I allow that to happen with good grace? 

With faith the center holds, with hope there is always a new day, and with love, well that is what we take with us. All else is left behind…. if not right away, then soon after, as our journey continues and we allow the Infinite to cleanse and heal what we could not do on our own.  


 

Ah the grace and mercy of God!

 

All paths and stages of life,
will challenge to the limit,
demanding we choose,
how to live, love, hope and to
grow in our faith.


1 Comment


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StarMountainKid

Posted

 

Very nice. Any post or blog that has the word "elderly" in it I always read. lol  I'm 72. Life is  like the man who fell from the top of a 100 story building. As he fell past the 50th floor he thought to himself, "Well, so far so good."

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