Growing Older
| Next time you see an older person, marvel at the sight. In the USA we
believe in our youth and we encourage everything that has to do with
physical strength, outward beauty, and a faced-paced lifestyle.
Often those same attributes are not found as a person grows older. That person slows down, hair grays, and often chooses to walk instead of run. In the USA, we need to look inside. Many other countries have already figured it out - they value growing older. Here's what my handicapped friends at Opportunity Village told me about growing older: "Older people know alot and they have experienced a lot in life. It is fun to listen to their stories about the good old days. They know how to get along on very little... Some of them are very nice. Some older people forget your name and don't remember anything. Some older people can't hear others very well. Have to be patient and help older people, open doors for them, give them your chair so they can sit down, lift heavy objects...for them. They are special people." Here's what John Crowe Ransom says in his poem "Blue Girls": "I know a lady...bleak eyes fallen from blue, all her perfections tarnished - yet it is not long since she was lovelier than any of you." Older people may move a little slower, but they have so much more to offer from the inside. They have unique perspectives: done things, met people, and gone places that would amaze you. Often they can help us see "ordinary" things in a new & exciting way. Maybe even more exciting than a young, beautiful, inexperienced person might see it. Next time you see an older person, take time to look inside. You'll be amazed at what you'll find. |
Jim Holcombe
Marion, IA