Monday, November 2, 2009

Take time to let the elderly tell their stories...

Went to visit my Great-Aunt Myrtle who I have always called Grandma Myrtle today. She is 91 years old and spent a lot of time today staring up at the ceiling like she was in another world. She was married to my Great Uncle who worked for the railroad in his younger days and he build models of trains that kids could ride. They operated a "kiddie land" for years and years and my Great Uncle made the rides for this park. There was airplanes, the train, a Ferris wheel and merry-go-rounds. My Great Uncle passed away in 1980 and she has lived alone ever since. They never had any children of their own and I am her guardian. God told me one day she was to be my responsibility and that is O.K. with me because I love her very much.

My Great Aunt rode all over the country in a side car while her husband drove a Indian motorcycle. She kept a journal of their trip across Kansas when they were first married and I love to read of her travels. She has owned many neat cars including a pink Cadillac. Myrtle was 20 years younger than her husband and my guess is he treated her like a queen. She has always been a little spit fire and usually came out on top if you crossed her. Yet, she has a sweet spirit and always volunteered with Meals on Wheels and helped with the Red Cross blood mobile in her younger days. She was a Sunday School teacher for years and years and as she stares intently at something I cannot see above her, I wonder if God is showing her something special.

Take time to visit the older generation and let them tell you the stories of their lives. Most of them have lived in a day and time totally different than today. They are the generation that lived through the great depression and it changed them forever. We can learn a lot from them if we will take the time to sit and listen to what they have to say.

2 comments:

Ella said...

Amen Nana.... Our elders in our family are treasures to us.
Hugs, GG

Rebecca said...

SOOOOO true. On Friday I led hymn sing at a local nursing home. One lady kept blowing me kisses. She is SO sweet and all the aides love to take care of her. It was such a blessing to me to be with these dear, brave people.