Think on These Things – Take Care of the Elderly

It pains my heart to see elderly persons on the road seeking assistance from strangers. This is not a fate that should be suffered by anyone, especially the elderly, who have often worked hard to provide for their children, many of whom are now grown and have left their parents to fend for themselves. In the majority of cases, I believe, parents have made huge sacrifices for their children and should now enjoy the fruits of their labour, being pampered and cared for by those children who they have raised.

This morning as I walked in a plaza in Half Way Tree, I came across a dear old lady standing there with a forlorn look on her face. She stopped me, asking for a contribution to help her purchase medication for glaucoma at the pharmacy. It would have cost little or nothing at the Drug Serv Pharmacy, but the drug was out of stock there, so she had to purchase it at a more expensive pharmacy. 

I could not pass her without stopping so I spent a few minutes talking to her. I asked about her family. She has a son but he is having some health challenges, while her daughter is away but has promised to assist. I believe the urgency of the situation caused her to venture onto the streets to seek assistance to appeal to the hearts of total strangers.

I didn’t have much cash on me and because she seemed to be in genuine need I gave her what I could. I asked her if other persons had responded to her request and she replied in the affirmative. Sadly, she was still a long way off from her target.

I felt drawn to her so I stood with her for a few minutes and engaged her in conversation. I found out that she was originally from my parish, and used to reside in a district close to where I grew up. I told her that I had relatives who used to live in that district, and when I mentioned my uncle and his wife (both deceased), she could end my sentence and supply my aunt’s name. What a small world!

I discovered that she lives quite close to me as she is currently residing with her former employer in Kingston and as such, I will make contact with her as soon as possible in her efforts to source her eye medication. 

Our elders are to be loved and cherished. Let us do all we can to make their lives better. Let us not overlook the opportunities, big or small, which present themselves on a daily basis. We are the hands and feet of God on earth and we are called to serve one another in whatever way we can. Do you have an elderly person in your family or in your vicinity who needs your help? What can you do to brighten that person’s life today? Even a small deed will be a step in the right direction. Little is much when God is in it. Be your brother’s keeper.

Have a blessed day!