I Get It!

Today, I met my husband for a very brief, 30 minute lunch at Fazoli's. I was hungry for the baked spaghetti and needed just a few minutes away from my classroom at school. I thoroughly enjoyed the good conversation...and at times...the quiet of the moment. I felt renewed and ready to return for the afternoon.

On the way out the door, we came upon an elderly couple. The "Mr." I will call him, had evidently had a stroke and was just learning to shuffle across the floor. He was smiling, very proud of his efforts, while his wife whom I will call "Mrs." appeared to be a bit put out by his slow motion. After thinking through this very quick situation, I now think she was just embarrassed and wanted us to know that she realized they were pretty slow. "Mrs." glanced at us with this disconcerting look and commented, "Don't ever grow old!" To that, my gem of a honey smiled and immediately stated, "I think it's a little too late for that! Anyway, it sure beats the alternative!" "Mrs." smiled and mumbled something to the effect of I guess so! We left with Mr. and Mrs. smiling and me realizing something very profound.

I GET IT! I have a clear understanding that many elderly people deal with a diminished feeling of self-worth, of becoming "in the way," of not "fitting into this strange world." I understand this because of my experiences this past three years. My mother lived very close to me...and for the last year of her life, with me in my home. I loved her, cooked for her, took her to doctor appointments, dentist appointments, eye appointments, physical therapy appointments, Joann's Fabrics to purchase beautiful silk flowers for our family members' graves, and for short rides in the car. I was so diligent in trying to meet her every physical need, but I failed to help her hang onto this world. Her desire was to meet in heaven with Daddy, her seven brothers and sisters, and her two best friends. She just couldn't hang on for us.

I am so glad that as Dave and I left Fazoli's, Mr. still had a gleam in his eye and Mrs. felt accepted by us even though she was aware they "slowed us down." I'll pray for God's grace and peace to overwhelm them in these days.