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Senior citizens have much to share

Lloyd Kvam

Minot

Looking at a snow flake, one can put life on hold but for just a second. Every snowfall brings purity and hope. Each snow flake is very fragile yet each one has its own identity.  There are no two alike.

We take most of God’s creations for granted, including life itself.

I’m from the old school. I can write about what I’ve been through and hope that the next generation will not make the same mistakes that I have made. Grandparents, of which I’m one, are often left to fend for ourselves. There used to be more caring and sharing. We don’t have the same respect that we had in the past. There is not much in the words “Honor Your Father and Mother” anymore let alone apply that to grandparents. Younger people are just too busy or they just haven’t been brought up like I was.

Unlike the past, many homes today have an extra bedroom or two. However, it seems more convenient to put mom and/or dad in a group home or even a nursing home.  Sometimes cost doesn’t even enter into the conversation.  Young adults don’t realize what we as grandparents can offer to the family. Building relationships as a young person with older adults can be invaluable. Just going shopping together as a family is very much appreciated by us older folks.

When is the last time that you wanted to split something but there was nobody to split with. Today a lot of items are packaged in a two-pack or a six-pack for example. Even at Costco, I can’t buy one loaf of bread.

Meals present another concern. According to recent food bank records, a fifth adult person costs only about 35 cents when dining with two other adults and two children. Of course seniors don’t even eat as much as a regular adult.

It is refreshing to note that North Dakota seems to have a better grip on family life. Just moving here from Arizona, I’ve noticed a drastic difference. Here, an old guy has a better chance to get to know his grandkids, or so it seems to me.

Churches also play a very important role in family life just as in the past. However, don’t expect them to raise your kids for you. Some people rely too heavily on church and school to act as parents. One should have to take care of their family first so the church doesn’t have to take care of you.

I have been blessed. For 38 years my wife was my snow flake. Even today, after she has been gone for 9 years, she melts my heart.  I thank God daily for having had her as a partner in this life.

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