When it comes to the word trouble or a group that is likely to cause trouble or be at odds with the long arm of the law in any country, one is likely to exclude, and rightly so, the elderly! This is due to the assumption that their many years of experience has taught them valuable lessons including how to live peacefully with all age groups!
However, if you were to take a poll on this group, you are likely to get mixed reactions! Take a look at the following:
1.If you talk to cashiers or customer service representatives, they will tell you that while others have lived to their reputation as respectful and peace makers, others are known to be trouble makers. Having served as a cashier for a number of years, I have witnessed ugly cases involving the elderly. A recent one involved a 74 year lady. In paying for her grocery, she wrote a check which unfortunately did not go through for who knows why! Immediately she started yelling insult at the cashier and the managers! She even went to the extent of calling the cops, who unfortunately would not control her! It was drama of the highest order!
2.Many of those who work at heath institutions can tell you that some of the elderly use words that one can hardly believe!
3.I once worked as a valet at a condominium that belonged to the elderly. My daily experience was one of frustration. There were days that I just wanted to quit right there!
4.In deep appreciation of the role the parents played in their lives, some have thought it a noble thing to have their elderly parents pay them a visit. While some have behaved well, others have been forced to return before their time thus leaving behind them a very bad reputation.
Whatever the reasons for such kind of behavior is any one’s guess! So where do we go from here!
1.Let us continue to treat them with all due respect!
2.Avoid taking it personal!
3.Remember that some of them have a bitter history that somehow keeps popping up!
4.Treat them like Jesus would have treated them!
5.If we live to be their age, let us purpose in out hearts to treat others better than what we are witnessing! Shall we!
Just a thought!
Pr Birai
612-386-4608
www.themaranathasdachurch.org
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Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 05:19:59 -0700 (PDT)
From: Absalom Birai
Subject: Re:The elderly!