Old people

I used to be a little wary of elderly people. Sometimes they seemed so irritable and distant, possessing a "don't bother me" type of vibe. But I've found that a smile and "hi, how are you?" does wonders. Now I adore elderly people. I think of all they've been through in life, the wisdom they have, and I'm just intrigued, I love to hear their stories.

So many times older people are lonely, and love to have someone reach out and show an interest. I've met so many wonderful elderly people this past year, learned so much from them, stories of their childhoods, stories of their children and grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. I really enjoy the interactions I have with them.

 

I think you should come back to this thread in 40 years and see what you think then.

They all have stories to tell if only someone would ask. I used to work in a nursing home and because so many were unable to care for themselves it was like taking care of big children so I had a sorry attitude towards many of them. But one day I talked to a woman named Thelma who had never married and had been a teacher. She had her moments where she would be "with it" and one day she told me how she was a "dancer" aka stripper named Bubbles to pay for college. It was then I learned to start asking questions and boy, I learned and still am learning a lot!

During the last census I worked out in the field going to people's homes to help them fill the census form out because they hadn't. One guy was a bachelor who lived in a two room house, no water, woodstove for heat. He at first refused to talk to me because he didn't want the govt in his business. So I sat outside with him on his homemade bench and just talked with him. Two hours later I had the form filled out and he invited me inside his home to see his woodcarvings. This man could carve! No training. He MADE all his carving tools out of screw drivers etc. and used magazine pictures for reference. Unbelievable work. We became friends and I stop in to see him even though now he is in assisted living.