Wisdom of the Aged


By Joseph Langen

'Age' is the acceptance of a term of years. But maturity is the glory of years.

~Martha Graham~

In my early years, several older people became very important to me and stayed that way throughout my childhood. They are all long dead but I still think of them from time to time and remember the hours I spent with each of them.

My grandmother was literally my second mother. My father was away in World War II and I spent my first few years at her house. I remember her gentle ways which my mother adopted. She was a quiet soul who preferred to be in the background rather than the center of attention. I remember large family gatherings throughout her house. She would sometimes withdraw to the kitchen for her single glass of beer. She would often invite me to sit quietly with her. I was away in the monastery when she died and I was not allowed to attend her funeral. That has always been one of my main regrets in life.

Her husband, my grandfather, was also jovial. I remember going to work with him at his drug store. Sometimes I sat in the back room with him as he counted out pills for his customers' prescription. I always found something to do in the drug store but always stopped to survey the candy counter, considering what candy I would choose when it became time to close up the store. At his funeral, talk turned to whether he had ever been angry in his life. Once when they were young two of my uncles chased each other through the house after being told not to. The second time they raced by, he got out of his chair but then sat back down chuckling, realizing he could not catch them.

Mr. and Mrs. Slater lived next to my aunt and uncle. They had first names I am sure but I never knew what they were. For some reason, they and my aunt and uncle did not get along well although I never learned why. Once when I was very young, I was visiting my aunt and uncle and playing with a ball in the back yard. It went over the fence into the Slaters' yard while they were entertaining guests. I sheepishly approached the hedge and was invited over to fetch my ball. I also stayed for watermelon and later visited them whenever I was in town. They had a copy of Land and Sea which I loved looking at with its drawings of real and imaginary sea beasts. I spent time with my favorite book whenever I visited. This was of course after our traditional cookies and milk. When I reached high school age, they gave me the book thinking I was old enough to care for it.

During my elementary school years, I met Mrs. Muckle, a widow who enjoyed sitting with me at her house sometimes after school. I don't remember how I met her but was glad I did. We adopted each other and became fast friends. When my family moved to the suburbs, I thought I would never see her again. Then she answered the door at the local parish rectory one day and we renewed our acquaintance.

I met other older people but these were the ones I remember most vividly. They were all peaceful people. I never learned if any of them had faced difficult times. I assume they did. I have learned that most everyone does. Now I have reached the age all of these favorite people had attained when I knew them. They all brought joy to my life and helped me forget my childhood cares. I hope I can be of some comfort and encouragement to children and others I encounter as these five did for to me.

Joseph G. Langen is the author of nine books, Commonsense Wisdom for Everyday Life, Young Man of the Cloth, Navigating Life, The Pastor's Inferno, Release Your Stress and Reclaim Your Life, Make the Best of Your Teen Years, From Violence to Peace, How to Transform your Anger and find Peace and Stress Briefly Noted. See more about his writing at http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-G.-Langen/e/B008TWW8M4/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Contact him at:  jglangen@gmail.com

Post a Comment

Informations From: Taun17

Previous Post Next Post
  • A Dark Horse - Part 4

    Jenny couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she did see Mr. Thompson gesture toward her. Soon after, they were gone. Jenny continued her session with Trey. When they were finished, she passed Kip in the barn aisle looking a bit miffed. “Happy now? It’s all your fault!” He scowled at her as he hi... Readmore

  • Penanaman

    Phil dan Bob telah berteman baik di sekolah menengah. Phil menikahi saudara perempuan Bob. Kedua pria itu tumbuh dengan tiga anak. Phil pindah ke Texas dan bekerja untuk sebuah perusahaan minyak setelah dia melakukan tugasnya di Angkatan Darat. Bob kuliah, lalu masuk ke Angkatan Darat selama dua ta... Readmore

  • Check-in, Take Two

          The dim lighting and drab furniture in the hotel’s lobby did nothing to brighten Peter Janowick’s mood. It was his first time in Louisville, and he had arrived on a late flight, packed with passengers.            Peter... Readmore

  • Nightmares

    My heart was pounding and sweat burned my eyes. There were 5 minutes left, and I had five questions left. This was not your typical multiple-choice exam, Each question required at least two paragraphs of analysis. I couldn’t possibly complete five analyses in five minutes. My chance of getting an ’A... Readmore

  • Who Created and Founded Ethereum?

    Ethereum, one of the most influential and widely adopted blockchain platforms in the world, has revolutionized the way we think about decentralized technology. But who is behind this groundbreaking innovation? The story of Ethereum is as fascinating as the technology itself, involvin... Readmore

  • The Impact of Stress on Your Oral Health

    Stress is a natural reaction to pressure, and everyone experiences varying levels. In today’s fast-paced world, stress levels have surged, fueled by demanding work environments, academic pressures, travel, and financial burdens. It's everywhere, and its effects on the body are far-reaching. What man... Readmore

  • A Stranger to Me

    Ricarda dates the header of a new page in her journal, October 9th 1978.  “Today, I met a man at the market. He was picking through the green chile peppers. I noticed him right away, his black hair danced in the breeze. The peppers he picked had a discoloration on the back that he didn’t see. ... Readmore

  • Exploring Generative AI Tools

    Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the way we approach creativity, offering a plethora of innovative solutions that empower users to explore their artistic potential in new and exciting ways. These cutting-edge technologies harness the power of algorithms and data to assist individuals in g... Readmore

  • Today's the Day

     Today’s the day. Today’s the day things are gonna happen — things are bound to change. 34 years and today’s the day. Monday, 7 in the morning. Shower, coffee, burnt toast, drive to work, small talk, get ignored, work, lunch (ham sandwich, yum!), more work, drive home, pasta and TV. Sleep. Tod... Readmore

  • I Dream of Red

    This story contains themes or mentions of mental health issues. A new set of eyes would fix everything. A different pair of shoes could take him farther than the norm of a nearby coffee shop. A change of hands, fingers, and even his brain could work the pages of his half-empty notebook. “Nothing ne... Readmore