Years etch lines
upon the face of youth,
slowly forming
intricate details
of living art,
soft and silken
to the touch.

Hands of strength
once fast and sure,
now fragile
flowers
of delicate lace
to hold
and to
cherish.

Auburn locks
from days
long past
blow silver
in the wind,
graceful wings
of elegance,
soft as
whispered song.

Eyes once bright
and brilliant
slowly fade to
water color
windows,
reflecting
a lifetime
of knowledge,
and wisdom,
and truth.

Beauty
transcends
time,
merely
changing,
never
fading.

CrC

For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older — places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity. President Ronald Reagan – August 19, 1988 Proclamation 5847

One day we will grow old.

Not everyone has the privilege of a life long and well lived, but for those who do, the last chapter should be filled with comfort and care. Sadly, for so many, it isn’t.

Today, on National Senior Citizens Day, I can’t help but think of the alone and the lonely among them. This is a thought that passes through my mind often.

When I was a child, my mother would visit and care for the elderly, she had a gift of patience and compassion and love she willingly gave. She tought my sister and I to do the same. The gift of time is so easy to give.

Today, and every day you can give that gift.

Spend time with elderly family, friends, and neighbors.

Mow their lawns.

Ask if they need anything when you head off to the store.

Read to them.

Listen and learn from them.

Make meals.

Clean their homes

Volunteer at a local senior center.

Teach your children their value, teach them to respect them.

Call for no reason, just to say ‘I’m thinking about you.’

Be patient and kind and compassionate.

Sit and hold their hands.

Don’t forget . . .

One day, we will grow old.