06/08/19 Weekend Grif.Net - One Day It will be You
Robert Griffin
“Twice this week, I have watched an elderly individual fade into the busy life in which we all live. One man just needed Panadol for his wife but the shop assistant simply said it’s in aisle ‘6’. He struggled to navigate the supermarket and as I watched him go in the wrong direction, I left all my groceries and took him where he needed to go.
Today, I watched an elderly man struggle in the heat, who had obviously had a fall with a huge scrape and blood on his leg. He walked past people in the cafe, while he slowly made his way to his car. Not one person stopped. Or looked. Or acknowledged him. I took him to his car and checked he was ok. He told me he had a fall and wasn’t sure how the air con worked in his car so he just didn’t use it. I sat with him, until his air con kicked in and heard him talk about the old frail body that he is in, that fails him now, every single day.
When you see an elderly person walking down the street, searching in the supermarket or struggling to their car, take a minute out of your busy schedule and ask them if they need a hand. Think about your grandparents and your parents and how upset you would be if someone didn’t stop to help them. But more, think of them as you.
Once upon a time they were you. They were busy, they had work, they had children, and they were able. Today, they are just in an older body that is not going as fast as it used to and this busy life is confusing. They deserve our utmost respect and consideration. One day it will be you, it will be us. I wish more people cared more about them and acknowledged them for their admirable existence and jeez I hope someday, not that far away, someone does it for me.”
[thanks to the author, Adele Renee]
personal note: I had my left leg in a cast to the knee, and use a cane when out as I am unsteady. I was asked to pick up some take-out at a different Chinese restaurant than I normally frequent for a special family gathering. I parked in the handicapped spot and walked around the building to the unlocked door. The order for four complete dinners was soon ready and put in a large box. I wrote the check and the lady looked at me trying to get hold of the box, my cane and navigate. She asked “Do you need help?” I quickly said yes, thanked her, and put my checkbook in my pocket.
At full speed she walked to the door to hold it open. NOT the help I needed, but at least she tried. Eventually I got the box secure in my arms and hobbled to the door, stopping to catch my breath, then continued over the broken concrete sidewalk to the car where I could set the box on the hood, fumble for keys, get all the food situated safely and finally climb into my side. And cried in sadness, pain and anger. It IS me now.
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Dr Bob Griffin
"Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!"