by Michelle Willoughby

Created on: May 13, 2010

These hidden treasures in our communities, lives and homes, sharing valuable gems and possessing the secrets to life. Mature adults that have aged through time, hair is silver and white, hands filled with wrinkles, backs that were once straight are now curved, the strength that once was acquired is now slipping away, life lines are imprinted in their faces but in their eyes you can see their souls filled with determination a hint of doubt and hopelessness. Each of the elderly have a story to tell, each life was a wealth of victories and defeats, fabulous love stories and romantic rendezvous, lives filled with happiness and great sadness, joys and losses. These seniors were once young and loved and lived and smiled and danced to life's song. They knew what it was like to have nothing and some had everything. They understood how to appreciate and value the simple things and cherish every moment that is given. There wisdom and knowledge supersedes many, their mother wit is spectacular, these people are unbelievable and a wealth of information, a grand library of life, the best private tutor and instructor you can encounter. They are skilled, strong, feisty, fighters, graceful, independent, full of faith and an undeniable belief in God that does not waver. They are one of our most valuable treasures and without them we can not be.

We must honor them and love them more and esteem each elderly man & woman, sit and talk with a senior citizen and you will travel to a world that was simple and sweet, with great hope and even though their were many disappointments, they lived through them with the grace of God, and learned from their mistakes and passed power and a great legacy and heritage on to their children so that life may continue to flow and grow with more vigor. Don't push them away because they may not remember things as swiftly as before or they are not half of the person that they use to be. Don't hide them in nursing homes or be ashamed of them because they have a certain dialect or can't speak as fluently as you. No matter who they are or where they come from, they are precious and such a star we must honor these great people both near and far. So the next time you see an elderly person smile or give them a hand, offer your seat, help carry their bags, give a kind word or even talk and share. It will only make you richer and in turn will make them see how valuable an asset that they really are.

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