As I walked across a parking lot on Wednesday toward my doctor’s office, I noticed two people struggling to make that same walk. They appeared to be older, maybe in their mid-sixties. They were both overweight and walked a bit hunched over. I noticed that each of them had a cane and struggled to climb the curb along the driveway. They moved very slowly and deliberately. Clearly, they had some physical health challenges.
I slowed down as we approached the door, not wanting them to feel rushed. The gentleman opened the door first and held it while the lady walked through. I then grabbed the door and held it so the man could freely go on. As we all walked the few feet toward the elevator, the man stumbled a bit, but skillfully used his cane to regain his balance.
And then they surprised me.
The man chuckled a bit as he told the lady that he almost “did a face plant.” She smiled back at him, commenting that he’s “not as graceful” as he used to be. They looked at each other and laughed.
Then, as if on cue, they each transferred their cane to their other hand. As the elevator door closed, they clasped each other’s free hand and smiled. It was the sweetest most loving moment I’ve witnessed in a long time.
Friday Food For Thought…
We all have a choice as we age. We can be frustrated as strength and mobility begin to decline. We can get angry as normal forgetfulness seeps into our day to day. We can lose patience with our loved ones’ moods, ailments, opinions and actions.
Or, we can face each day together with humor and, when times are tough, smile and hold each other’s hand.
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Photo credit: Pixabay image by cfredalford.
