Attribution: Photo by Jem Sahagun on Unsplash
By Bill Stokes
Kickass, the doorstop dog, agrees with the keeper’s assessment that you are never too old to learn how to graciously handle the challenges that come your way.
Most recently, and with seeming increased frequency, there is the challenge of accepting the kindly proffered assistance of young people when the keeper get into some kind of an “old person” corner, such as the cart storage at Aldis.
Always accompanied by a sympathetic smile, the offer of help generates a consistent thought process with the target elder that includes a flush of resentment bordering on anger that anyone would have the audacity to assume that you cannot do a simple thing you have been doing all of your life.
The “learning” for the keeper’s crowd is in ignoring this ego-oriented initial thinking and smiling back at the gracious would-be helper with obvious appreciation.
Within that reaction is the compact demonstrating the natural dictate that there is an evolutionary advantage in taking care of the old ones.
There is also a vivid demonstration of the saturation of decency, compassion, kindness and empathy in the human race. The keeper and Phyllis continuously appreciate being a part of it and doing what they can to preserve it, especially in these perilous times.
Thanks to the young woman in the Aldi cart storage area, and to all those caring people who will follow her example.
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