A Grandparent's Legacy of Love - Helping our Elderly Population

As a child, I remember attending the many tea parties, luncheons, and garden parties that my grandmother, a member of the Eastern Star, threw for friends, family, and Eastern Star members. I wasn't allowed to just run around like a typical 6 year old does today. Oh no, back in the day, it was expected (even at the tender age of 6) that I help. Generally, that meant my 'job' was to run errands for the ladies and gentlemen attending the soirée. I delivered tea cups, spoons, serviettes, the occassional tray of goodies, cleared side plates, and once I was even asked to 'entertain the troops' with my trusty ukulele.

I spent my formative years learning to be of service not only to others, but to the older generation, as, of course, my granny's friends, and our family members were mostly in their 60's and older. (To a 6 year old, anyone with gray hair and wrinkles was old!)

I also learned, at a tender age, that these mature men and women appreciated every little service I performed. Whether it was simply taking a plate into the kitchen for them, passing a tray of teeny tiny sandwiches, or finding a kleenex, everything I did was rewarded with an "Oh, thank you dear," or "Thank you sweetheart."

My granny was fond of "Thank you darling," which was my personal favourite.

This in turn, fostered positive reinforcement, so that as I grew older, I retained the desire to be of assistance to elderly people. I open doors, pack groceries, make phone calls, carry bags, anything that needs doing at the time to help make their day a little brighter, or less stressed. It is not a habit, but a way of life for me. I will go out of my way to offer a helping hand crossing the street, or even putting a scooter together in a parking lot. Sometimes all it takes is a cheerful word, a conversation, or a few minutes spent listening to a story.

Later in life, before my son was born, I was fortunate to be chosen as a volunteer at an Extended Care facility at my local hospital. Every week, I would help plan a special luncheon, as well as cook and serve it to many of the residents. After desert, I stayed to play tile rummy with a few of the ladies, (who soundly trumped me,) and listened as they shared their histories with me. It was both a rewarding and enriching experience that I treasure to this day.

When I think back on all the years I spent helping my granny with her garden parties, and basking in the glow of her friends and family members, I realise how lucky I was to be part of something that is rarely, if ever, seen in this day and age. I was welcomed and gently schooled in the now forgotten, (or so it seems), art of etiquette. The lessons I learned at my granny's knee have served me well, and made me a better person.

I appreciate the wisdom and knowledge that is passed down to following generations, if we only take the time to listen. A very wise man once said, "Just because there is snow on the roof, doesn't mean there isn't a fire within."

I can remember the first time I visited an Indian friend of mine. I was in my early twenties, and was surprised when, after being introduced to her grandparents, I discovered that they lived in the same house. This aspect of their culture was one that I thought would be good to adopt. There would be little need for "old folks homes" as our elderly population would be cared for by their families.

Unfortunately, that is not the case for many of our elders, and as our population ages, we are forced to seek positive solutions for their care and attention. It doesn't take much effort to volunteer a few hours of our time to brighten someone's day. It doesn't cost an arm or a leg to bring enjoyment to someone's life. It only costs time.

To quote a line from a song, "Spread a little love today, Give them something to remember..." this is something that everyone can do. You don't need to be rich, or educated, just willing to spend some time. You might be surprised at how enriching it is to "spread a little love"...