Honoring The Elderly

I’ve always been grandma’s girl.  I’m not the only one, but as the first grandchild, I can say that.  But even taking it a step further–beyond my grandmother and including all elders–they are like treasures; full of wisdom and knowledge.

You see, at 81 years of age, grandma is tender yet strong.  She’s had some health issues and she spends a lot of time at the doctor and sometimes she’s a little fussy, but it’s ok.  As grandma she has that right.

These days she’s trying her best to hold on to some of her independence.  She still wants to cook here and there and she’s determine to get up each day, putting one foot in front of the other.  It’s not easy handing the torch over, however, she understands where she is now in life and has humbly obliged.

But the truth of the matter is, grandma can’t do all that she use to do and I can only imagine how hard it is for her.  If I’m honest, I think it’s hard for her family too.  To see the person who was always so vibrant and full of life and often times the life of the party not be able to do the things she love; it’s hard.  On the other hand, it’s a blessing when you’re able to tell others that you’re 81 but there are challenges that come along with age and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

As her family, we all pitch in where we have to.  We all work together to care for the person who has cared for all of us for so many years.  I believe that’s the true definition of family.  Our elders need our love and support.  They need assistance and they need for those who are taking care of them to be patient and to show love.

If we are fortunate enough, one day we shall see 81 and we will want that same love and compassion.  This reminds me of a scripture, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets”–Matthew 7:12.  Which basically says, do unto others as you would have them to do until you.  I feel sorry for those who don’t have anyone to care for them and they end up in a nursing home where people could care less about their well-being.  Honestly, I do.

This is why it’s always important to at least try to show kindness to everyone but especially our elders.  Honoring them shows respect and gratitude.  It assures them that you’re aware that they’ve traveled down roads that you have yet to travel.  It also let them know that you respect their opinion although you may not always agree.  Saying hello or holding a door for an elderly person can go a long way and it could bring them so much joy.  But most importantly, you show honor when you make time for them.  All of us can feel confident that our sacrifices will not be in vein because “when we submit ourselves to the elderly with humility, God will give grace to the humble”–1 Peter 5:5.
Many people throw the word LOVE around like it’s nothing but the true meaning of LOVE is showing action and it means being there and being present because we all know that we will not live on this earth forever.  At the end of the day, it is best to feel good in your heart knowing that you made a difference in a persons life.  You never know when that day will come and they’re not here anymore. One of the worst feelings in the world is wishing that you would have done all the things you said you were going to do or wishing you had another opportunity to be with that person.  Give your special person in your life their flowers now on earth while they are living, give them your time, and honor your elders always.  Remember to do what’s right while you have a chance.

As for my grandma, she will be taken care of indefinitely.  She has been the pillar to our family for years and it’s only right that we returned that same energy back to her.  She is truly an inspiration for all those around her.