Life Is Good by: Arleen M. Kaptur

Everyone just loves babies and small children. They are soft, squishy, and you just love the clean smell of "baby." It is just so easy to smile and spend time with the little ones.

When they get older, things change a bit. It is now more interesting to ask questions, when they are in their teens. You might not always get an answer, but you just want to make sure they know that you are concerned. Hugging is optional as this is a time that "older" people "just don't get it." This is as it should be as independence is not an overnight process.

Adulthood comes along and it does last a long time. Once again, we enjoy hugs and kisses from our own kids or relatives. Teachers know they are appreciated when little arms encircle and you know you are reaching tiny minds and helping them gain knowledge and confidence. Wives hug husbands, husbands hug wives, and they both show their affection to their children. People in love don't miss a beat and holding hands makes everything right.

With adulthood comes "old age." It is this space in life that you are no longer hugged as much, even though it is at this time that you find yourself wanting "human" touch to make it through your day. It is important and it is an integral part of managing the day to day aches and pains, the fear that you are on the "other" side of the moutaintop that you reached when you were younger. In your heart you know that there is so much more to offer to all those around you, but they just don't come around as often, and when they do, it is quick and it is impersonal.

While the elderly may not be "cute" or "cuddly" any more, and their hands are wrinkled with age spots, they so very much desire a hug or an arm around their shoulders. It is also a time when they want to relate as much of their past, and their experiences as they can, just to make sure that the younger generations don't make the same mistakes or find it easier to get through the pitfalls and downfalls of life. With their help, you can bounce back because you know others have, and you can start over once more because they were there and did that. Kind of reassuring and nice!

It may take a bit more to get close to those who are aged, but it shouldn't be. You will get there and you will be in that position of wondering why everyone just passes by or really has no time. You can still share, care, and be a friend; a very good friend, indeed. Gifts made by you and given freely should bring the crowd to your door, but the bell never rings so you go on whittling or crocheting. Each piece has a loved one in mind and each carries with it a possible tear of loneliness, and even maybe uncertainty. You once were so confident and carried on with an air of knowing who you were and where you were headed. Now, there are days you just are not so sure.

Time marches on for each of us. However, there is always enough time to stop and talk with an elderly person, listen to their sometimes repeated tales, but know that in their heart, their intentions are just where they should be. They may forget your name once in a while but they will never forget the touch of your hand or the smile on your face. It just is something that nature puts into place. You see, when in the middle of the night, the fear of morning not coming sometimes creeps up when illness or muscles and bones hurt, but that tender hug and the slight squeeze that your body felt and make a note of, makes a whole lot of what life is throwing your way "bearable."

Don't ever miss a chance to show that you understand, that you are there and when a gift is offered, it is precious and it is priceless. The elderly that are with us are for a brief period in the space of a lifetime. It is meant to be this way or otherwise we would take them for "granted" and not appreciate that these warriors of life made it and now can lead you to the path less traveled, but safe and sure. Life is good and we can make it so much better. ©Arleen M. Kaptur August, 2007

About the Author

Arleen M. Kaptur has written numerous articles for magazines and newspapers. Her latest book will be out in 2008.