By Erika Hoffman
“Dad, you have not been out
in the woods. How could there be a rock in
there?”I figured he was just complaining about a
twinge, a sudden pang of arthritis, or a turned
ankle. Maybe
he was getting antsy about his flight. Dad can be a Nervous Nellie whenever
there is a transition. And going to stay with my sister for a
few weeks might have him a bit unsettled. Yet, I
said, “I’ll check, Dad.”I find it is easier to humor old people
than argue with them. They are like little children sometimes,
and with them it is simpler to open the closet
door and prove there is no ghost than
pontificate on why Casper is not haunting
their bedroom. So, I knelt down before my dad. Show, don’t tell.
On creaking knees, I untied
the double knot on the right sneaker. I yanked off his footwear.
There in his sneaker lay
his metal wristwatch--- on its side, no less.
Bigger than a rock!
“Gees, no wonder your foot
hurt, Dad! Your doggone watch was tucked in your
shoe!”
He began laughing. I
laughed too. Soon all the folks seated around us
heehawed.
It’s a post 9-11 world!
And, for the elderly going through
airport security, it is just one more challenge
to face in old age. Yet, no snafu is without its
humor! And old folks who might forget a lot
don’t forget to laugh at the funny things that
happen to them because of their age and the
situation they are in. Thank Heavens for
laughter and good humor and amazing Grace! Especially when old and traveling the
friendly and skies!
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