The Gift of Elders
Our culture does not value aging. It demands a special effort to find reasons for gratefulness in getting old. But when we look at the gift that many old people are to younger ones, we find abundant reasons for gratitude. This message board offers a space to share both the stresses and the blessings of old people.

I've just stumbled upon this site. Very comforting. I must work two jobs to support my family so I have very little time to spend online. I feel guilty even taking these few minutes to write this as I have work that must be done before kids go to school and I to work tomorrow. Wishing you readers well.
- sj, ocean city new jersey, usa   15 May 2008

My association with the last post is Native American. When I pray the Lord's Prayer, I thank my Mother, Grandmother, Grandfather and my Great Grandmother and Great Grandfather and the Holy Spirit..not just my Father. I remember going to the BIA in 'querque to apply for a job and submit my resume. In my interview, I found myself apologizing for my age and I remember the interviewer commenting that age was not something that one needed to be apologetic. He said, it can be an asset and I don't think I ever really considered that before. I am hoping to join a writing group where I live so that I can maybe 'thread' some family history/events, etc. It meets at the local Senior Center and is graciously facilitated by an English Prof. who is published and regarded by all to be a Grand POOOOOH..BAH (we should all be so fortumate)!
- Connie, NM   26 Apr 2008

I just wanted to thank the elders for everything they have done for our society. Without you, we wouldnt be the way we are now.
- JS,   7 Apr 2008

Hello Howard, Happy Easter! Are you spending the holidays with Emily and Abby? I miss your posts! Are you enjoying spring? Or is winter still with you? You are right: I would also like to learn about the observations of others. Anyway, peace in our own hearts is what counts. I wish you everything good. Easter blessings!
- Juliana, Austria   23 Mar 2008

Its windy outside so I cant go out again. Its difficult without my husband. He died two years ago, Im disabled and I miss him. Im blessed in other ways though. Since hes been gone Ive gained another grandson and a great grandaughter and there are two more on the way. There are spring flowers brightening up the garden too. God is good.:-)
- Penny, United Kingdom   21 Mar 2008

Just came in from viewing the night sky. The moon has not come up yet, it took my eyes a few minutes to adjust, and not only was it cold, but there was a stiff breeze. A creek runs beside the old house and I thought of how many times I looked to the night sky as a child and how the experience links me with billions of others on our planet going back to the dawn of our existence. Space, the enormity of it, stars, their undeniable beauty, our common history as sentient beings filled my lungs tonight. It appears not many have visited this message board, for this I am sad. Though I am "an elder" there are so many more with so much wisdom to share out there that I long to read your observations. Happy Birthday to my angels, Emily and Abby, without their light I might have never left the darkness.
- Howard, North Carolina   26 Jan 2008

Just came in from viewing the night sky. The moon has not come up yet, it took my eyes a few minutes to adjust, and not only was it cold, but there was a stiff breeze. A creek runs beside the old house and I thought of how many times I looked to the night sky as a child and how the experience links me with billions of others on our planet going back to the dawn of our existence. Space, the enormity of it, stars, their undeniable beauty, our common history as sentient beings filled my lungs tonight. It appears not many have visited this message board, for this I am sad. Though I am "an elder" there are so many more with so much wisdom to share out there that I long to read your observations. Happy Birthday to my angels, Emily and Abby, without their light I might have never left the darkness.
- Howard, North Carolina   26 Jan 2008

Exactly, Howard, that´s what I have been doing (or rather trying to do): "Let´s try not judging them, but instead have compassion"! It is what M.B.Rosenberg stresses with the four principles of his Non-violent or Empathic Communication. Sorry to hear about your feet in the mud, but knowing that your soul is soaring is comforting. Blessings to you and everybody reading this.
- Juliana, Austria   26 Nov 2007

Love the story by Genie Kirchner below. It's what this sight could share with hundreds or thousands. It's about now. I could just feel the love of those people sharing the music. Funerals can be wonderful, no matter how severe the pain for the love is extraordinary. But why wait? Things are beginning to clarify a little for me, yet as my soul soars, my feet still seem to be stuck in the mud! Also, thank you Julianna for you have helped me in my struggle. Just wish there were a few more out there lending their observations and stories on this site. I love the whole concept and have sent many people who peek, but can't seem to sink their teeth into like I do. Rather read the news, sports and play games I guess. Let me try not judging them, but instead have compassion. We humans need to connect in positive ways and Brother David and his group have really done their part. Blessings upon them all!
- HOWARD, NORTH CAROLINA   26 Nov 2007

Thank you so much, Howard, for answering my call! I am happy to report that in the meantime I have found the help I needed to support that person near Lenoir. A generous soul of this very website acted as mediator. How nice that you had a chance to spend time again with your grandchildren! You always provide a strong reminder that it is love that counts. I have felt sad today, but reading your message is giving me strength.
- Juliana, Austria   25 Nov 2007

Specific to you, Juliana, but first, a general thought to anyone seeking a gift from an elder. Two close friends diagnose with very advanced cancers. Odd, they meet at Johns Hopkings one night for a seminar on bone marrow transplants and realize they both know me. My soul is tortured hearing the suffering they endure not only from the treatments but from the bureaucracy. Compassion, oh Creator, for us all. Love, give, share whenever you have the chance. Let go of the psychotic ego, it will eventually be checked when you check out. Today, with Emily and Abby!!! No phony, only authentic CP ten year old kids that love me as much as I love them. Now, Julianna, Lenoir is about an hour and a half from my home. Similar topography (mountains) related history to my region, but a little more of a old time manufacturing base from what I have heard. I only have snail mail: 1093 Charles Creek Road Bakersville, NC 28705. Pretty far up in the sticks! In the end, love, so why not embrace it now?
- Howard, bakersville, nc   23 Nov 2007

Hi Howard, If you happen to come back here and read this, please leave a little message! You see, I am so far away, but want to help someone in NC, and you are the only person I "know" there! NC is big, however, bigger even than my little country. My question: do you happen to live anywhere near Lenoir? Why do I dare to address you? Because you believe in the power of love and might be able to give me advice how I can help a friend in need. Thank you! Let´s actively seek what is true!
- Juliana, Austria   29 Oct 2007