By Karen Guice | Webster Parish Council on Aging
Yesterday, I saw a man! He was surrounded by years of pain and struggle.
His slightly bent frame shuffled along with the help of a cane.
His smile, ever so slight, gently lifted the wrinkles of worry and doubt.
His eyes and furrowed brow revealed a spark of mischief and life.
Though his steps were slow, and his days numbered he continued onward,
carefully choosing the path, so that he was able to avoid many obstacles.
He stopped momentarily to rest and to renew and gather strength,
So that he would be able to reach his destination and finish the journey.
I watched as he removed the old, tattered hat and his well-worn scarf,
Pulling his handkerchief from his vest pocket, he wiped the moisture,
From his forehead and took a deep breath, as if to inhale all that was about him.
He closed his eyes for a moment as if to pray for perseverance and grace.
I am sure it was only a few moments, but it seemed almost a lifetime!
He sat quietly – trembling a little – deep in meditation!
Perhaps, he was asking for guidance and direction for the remainder of the trip.
Or perhaps, he was just resting and preparing for the next turn in the road.
Finally, when it was time, he ever so slowly and with great effort, rose to his feet.
Slightly leaning as he did so – as if he were going to topple over, face forward.
I began to move toward him; and then stopped, just short of his view,
For, at the last second, he regained his balance and proudly moved toward me.
As he passed, he tipped his hat and smiled that mischievous grin.
I nodded my head, but neither of us spoke – not even a word.
Yet, I felt that I had known the old man forever as I watched him go out of sight.
Oh, what stories and experiences he could share…I wish I could have heard them.