This was beautifully written. The care and compassion that Daniel has and shows for the seniors moved me to tears. I'm watching my dad age, and the idea of someone deeply giving a shit about his dignity, feelings and safety really got to me this morning. I hope our senior homes are filled with people like Daniel. (I fear they are not, but let's not go there. Let's relish in this beautiful example.)
In my experience, when someone says to me something along the lines of “don’t get old,” I often get a positive response from saying something like, “yeah, it seems pretty hard,” or “it seems like it might feel surprising and kind of insulting,” or otherwise just empathize with them. It’s tempting to sort of tip-toe around what they’re saying, which is basically “this sucks,” and it has helped me to imagine how much it really does suck and just openly talk with them about it. Ask questions, be curious, etc.
Thank you for this. I loved the reminder not to show off by walking too quickly. I hear that line ‘don’t get old so often’ and the thought behind what it really means was very beautiful.
what a beautiful, beautiful read
Isn't it so lovely??
This was great. Thank you, Daniel and Mikala <3
Thank you for reading!
This was beautifully written. The care and compassion that Daniel has and shows for the seniors moved me to tears. I'm watching my dad age, and the idea of someone deeply giving a shit about his dignity, feelings and safety really got to me this morning. I hope our senior homes are filled with people like Daniel. (I fear they are not, but let's not go there. Let's relish in this beautiful example.)
In my experience, when someone says to me something along the lines of “don’t get old,” I often get a positive response from saying something like, “yeah, it seems pretty hard,” or “it seems like it might feel surprising and kind of insulting,” or otherwise just empathize with them. It’s tempting to sort of tip-toe around what they’re saying, which is basically “this sucks,” and it has helped me to imagine how much it really does suck and just openly talk with them about it. Ask questions, be curious, etc.
I always appreciate your writing so much, Daniel!
Thank you for this. I loved the reminder not to show off by walking too quickly. I hear that line ‘don’t get old so often’ and the thought behind what it really means was very beautiful.