Just for giggles, let’s pretend that life is a theater.
The theater looks however you want it to look – that’s not the important part.
All theaters are different yet one thing remains the same. It’s the character that gets overlooked – the elderly. They’re the best characters in the whole theater if you ask me. They’re quirky and full of wisdom. They offer comic relief in a drama that is very serious without them.
Pretend you’re the writer of the drama that will play out in the theater of life though. There may be a whole lot of laughter despite there being a very serious subplot playing out. That being – their pilgrimage to find independence as they age. Go pop some popcorn and settle into your theater seats. Together, let’s discuss the humor of it all. There could be no humor to it if we didn’t first address the antagonist in the play – technology!
The curtain opens with Gram and Gramp trying to navigate the perplexing world of smartphones, social media and those ever changing credit/debit card machines in stores. Though this is a theater, it sure would make a phenomenal sitcom! From accidently facetiming the dog or their foot to posting cryptic messages on Facebook – they might not always get it right. I give them huge credit just for trying! The neat thing is that they may just go viral without even trying and maybe sometimes for the wrong reasons.
Then there is the matter of mobility. Gram just might not move as quickly as she used to, but that doesn’t mean she’s not ready to trade her vehicle for a walker yet. Cue the comedy (of errors) as she attempts to parrallel park her vintage, very long Buick in a space meant for one of those super-compact electric mobiles that need electricity boosts just to drive! It’s a scene straight out of a slapstick comedy – complete with honking horns and awestruck bystanders. Still, Gram is determined to maintain her independence even if it means a few dented fenders and a ticket from a policeperson.
Of course, we cannot forget those pesky household chores. Watching Grandpa attempt to fix a leaky faucet is like watching a DIY disaster about to happen. Bless his heart for attempting to do what the most learned plumber won’t even attempt all in the name of proving that age is just a number. Grandpa, armed with duct tape and a can-do disposition – he’s ready to try his hand at any home repairs that come his way. Sure, it may result in a flooded bathroom but at least he tried. That’s the epitome of independence if you ask me.
One of the most eternal struggles is staying connected with friends and family. Grandma attempts to send a text to her grandson but instead it goes to her BINGO friend. Grandma attempts to decipher autocorrect and huge mishaps happen when she types, “I love ewes and I can’t wait to hug you and feed you caramel rolls.”
The BINGO friend finds this entirely awkward. Gram has no idea. That’s how rumors start.
Yesterday, I spent my day with an 85 year old in the throws of exercising his independence. His wife died before he could say, “I love you.” He spent his life a very distinguished character. He lives in a long term care facility but has an apartment on the side across the street to keep his independence intact. He hosted me so fine by pouring me a Dr. Pepper. I told him I didn’t need a glass but quickly realized it was important for me to allow him to. So he did. Ice, too. We visited for two hours. As I was readying to leave he said, “My wife died. I loved her but I hardly ever said it. It was assumed. Assumptions are not good. So before you leave, I bought something for you.” I opened the box to find a hand-blown glass heart necklace on a silver chain.
“I love you Jodi Rae. I commit to always telling people that if I believe it so nobody has to die without knowing. Thank you for your friendship.” Humor turns to tears right quick. Let’s embrace the humor, celebrate the quirks and above all-cherish every moment with them. Because soon it will be us. When the curtain of our theater of life closes – we will know that we practiced being love. Time for intermission!
Go find an elderly person and allow them to be independent in your midst!
The Blonde on the Prairie is a lover of ND. She is an author and motivational speaker, owner of “Monkey Balls” food truck and Joyologist to the elderly, the disabled and, now, also to children wherever she is needed.
