do you feel alarmed when you notice your loved ones are getting old?
By diannebcrs
@diannebcrs (1549)
Philippines
September 20, 2007 4:42am CST
yesterday, i passed by my grandmother's house on my way to school. my grandmother was sitting outside. feeling obliged to greet her, i approached her. i stopped a few steps away from her and observed her... i noticed that her other slipper was a feet away from her and she was trying hard to reach it. i really felt my heart breaking... it's because i knew my grandmother and i never really got the chance to get to know each other in the past few years because i didn't have the initiative to try and reach out to her...
and now she's really old, i noticed. she can't even reach her slipper by bending forward because it must be painful for her back.
i forced a smile and greeted her. she greeted back, smiling happily... i couldn't bear to look at her so i told her i am on my way to school and waved my goodbye... i felt really disturbed because i noticed how old she really looked and how weak she had become.
now i find myself wondering: will she still be around for a few more years?
i feel pretty much alarmed now because if ever the time will come that - you know... i will surely regret it if i never tried to get to know her and let her get to know me...
my problem now is - i want to get to know her before she won't be around anymore. but i don't know where to start... :(
4 people like this
8 responses
@Sheribabe (445)
• United States
20 Sep 07
I understand how you feel... It breaks your heart but it's a reality and part of life.
Just visiting her is a start. Why not just simply talk to her. You'd be amazed how even the small effort can go a long way. Give it a chance by visiting her... Believe me you won't regret it. It seems to me that you wanting to know her is a step in the right direction.
Good Luck...
2 people like this
@cefaz_21 (2596)
• Philippines
21 Sep 07
It's maybe not too late. at least you realized that before she's gone and you can start right now, spend time with her, bring her her favorite foods, talk to her, tell her your dreams and some school stuff and listen to her stories,old guys love to tell stories from thier past and tehy appreciate it when you listen.
I am really not alarmed that my parents are now getting old, but a sting of sadness is what I feel, I hope before God would take them away from us I'll be able to give them happiness.
@AmbiePam (92845)
• United States
21 Sep 07
A simple conversation is a good way to start. Grandparents are really neglected I think. I call mine, send them letters, and visit them when I can (we live 3 hours away from each other). I know they appreciate it, especially my grandpa, who is very feeble. It breaks my heart to see them struggle, and to see them become irrelevant in the eyes of the world. Older people are the first to be forgotten by society. My parents are far from old, but when I see them get more wrinkles, or their hair turns more gray, my heart skips a beat. I can't imagine my life without them. So instead of being fearful, I put the fear into action. I make sure they know they are valued. I'm telling you, your grandmother especially. You'll make her world if you just spend a little more time with her. I like to hear what the world was like when they grew up. It's not boring at all, and they seem happy to talk about it.
Good luck. It's good to see you care. : )
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
20 Sep 07
Hi diannebcrs, You didn't mention your grandmother's age, She may not be as old as you think. It is difficult watching our loved loves grow old and pass on, but it is all a part of life. I will be 68 years old next month, and have a sister and two brothers who are older then me, I am the youngest. Two are now over 80. Of course my parents passed away many years ago, and two brothers and three sisters are no longer with us. As one who has seen many changes and also have many fond memories, I would certainly encourage you to get to know your grandmother better. Visit her as often as you can, and you don't have to wonder what you will talk about, let her do most of the talking. She will love it and look forward to your visits. It will also leave you with some happy memories of her. If it's difficult at first, just relax and sit with her. Blessings.
@jessica3166 (6)
• China
21 Sep 07
i have no any grandparents.When i was young, i often envied others who had grandparets.'cause they can get more care from them. Now my parents is getting old and they have something wrong with their stomach. i'm often worried about them.Everyone must expierence it for life isn't immortal.The most important thing we should do is trying to take more time to compabion them.Don't regret until it is late.
@oscar6 (1938)
• United States
21 Sep 07
It is always hard to see loved ones growing older. I know everytime I see my grandma I wonder how much longer will she be around. If you want to get to know her better, which you should, try spending as much time with her as possible. You should ask her things about her life, many times older people have very interesting stories. Soon you will know her really well and you wont feel so guitly.
@sandwedge (1339)
• Malaysia
20 Sep 07
i dunno about feeling alarmed seeing love ones getting old, but heck i feel alarmed watching my car getting old! how the heck am i going to sell that car now it is old??
as for people, aka love ones, its just part of life. no point struggling against something i have no power to change. think of it this way..for men, hope everyone gets old in style ...like Sean Connery.
@ailema4ever (2668)
• Finland
20 Sep 07
Yes, especially if their health is deteriorating quickly. It can make us feel pretty helpless and also sad when they get unwell or they are in pain.
How to get to know your grandma? Hmmm...probably by talking to her and spending a lot of time with her and bringing her fave things? It doesn't have to be expensive stuff...or you can read to her (if she likes reading and she has trouble to read now). It all depends on what your grandma likes, I guess. If she likes walking in the park, then perhaps you can take her there with a car (or push her wheelchair if she's sitting on her wheelchair). I think spending time with her would be the best way, though. People who are old are often lonely and they LOVE having some company.
