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We always went on a journey to visit my grandparents and my paternal great grandparents. We made a train trip and a further trek in a rail motor. As I reminisce, I thought of these wonderful relatives as ‘old’ but special, and they represent times of gatherings and great excitement. These family elders were the hub of the extended family.
Time brings change and a crumbling of some relationships. This is further exacerbated when the next generation moves on and we can scramble to keep the relationships going. Thankfully we can be among the lucky ones when we do have connections and gatherings.
Pope Francis draws attention to the plight of grandparents who live away from their families and live in another country or state. I have witnessed the longing and loneliness of those who do not enjoy the privilege of the company of their progeny when they are surrounded by others who have constant interaction with their families.
In giving abundantly to their grandchildren, sometimes their own children fail to see the tiredness and ageing of their parents. Because of love for their children and grandchildren, the elderly endure the disregard of the lack of awareness and sometimes gratitude.
The elderly have their own journey to pursue and they follow different pathways, and are rewarded with a time for contemplation and being, rather than doing. Elders are undeserving of the lack of appreciation from their families. Life as we elder enables us to face a new world that offers more choices than demands. There are many new beginnings awaiting our grasp.
The families who connect are blessed. There is a realisation that many in this cohort are lonely and some are homeless. Many elders have been abandoned and lives their life in isolation. Middle-aged to elderly people are living on the banks of our rivers, on city streets and in suburban parks. They are often abandoned by society and forgotten by their families. Pope Francis gives us this profound message:
The World Day for Grandparents and Elderly (28 July) is a time of remembering the elderly and provides an opportunity to check on friends and relatives who are resident in places of care so that they are treated with kindness and compassion. Abuse can be rife in all areas of society and can often go unnoticed particularly in the area of finance. “We can become a protective force for those unable to speak for themselves.” (Pope Francis*)
Let us show our tender love for the grandparents and the elderly members of our families for:
Michele Shipperley rsj