“True friends honor each other above themselves." ~ Romans 12:10
It began under the most unusual circumstances, neighbors
imprisoned by the pandemic and fearing isolation. Benjamin, an energetic two-year-old,
and Mary, with decades of stories to tell, found each other just when they
needed friendship the most.
Ben hadn’t any
playmates to socialize with for more than half of his young life. At 99, Mary lived
alone and completely autonomous. But her grand and great-grandchildren all lived
out of state. They soon became friends at the fence that separated their homes.
Ben’s laughter radiated
outward, like the ripples from a skipping stone. His exuberance gave Mary new
life and reminded her of what it was like to be young again.
Their bond provides a
sweet reminder of the simple pleasures of human connection.
During a period when
the world felt so isolated, their friendship provided a beacon of trust and
joy. Mary’s days got a bit brighter with Benjamin around, while he got a
glimpse into a world of wisdom and patience that no school could teach.
Research has shown
that the single most important determinant of well-being and longevity is
social interaction.
It’s all about finding
friendship in unexpected places and the magical moments that can happen right
in our backyards. Their story should inspire all of us to look beyond differences
or situations and perhaps discover a friend waiting on the other side.
Today, there are more
of us older than sixty in the U.S. than under eighteen, raising legitimate
concerns of a “gray wave” brought on by declining fertility rates and prolonged
life expectancies. As this demographic shock unfolds, it spells increased healthcare
costs, greater transportation and housing needs, and fewer young workers
contributing to Social Security. Some fear a looming tension between kids and
“canes.”
For those of us in the senior generation, we must accept that life is a journey with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Choosing how we want to be remembered and acting accordingly is really about the small life choices we make every day. We then have the chance to see past the fantasy of remaining young forever, foster some creative ideas, pass on what we’ve learned, and nurture hope in the teenage and younger generations.
Whatever you choose,
do so with fervor and love. Seeding, tending, and leaving our best to future generations
is our human responsibility. Our task isn’t to try to be young but to be there
for those who are. Embracing this may be the only way we can survive as an older-than-younger
society and bring happiness and fulfillment to all.
Lord, grant us the wisdom, strength, and understanding to faithfully mentor young people by our actions and example. Help us guide our youth in making the right decisions and in understanding Your will for their lives. Amen
