Awareness Around Me

Years ago, I wrote a piece of prose that spoke about a woman with no hope, no purpose left in her life...no one visited her, and she could not find reason to do the things that she did in her earlier life. Her glasses were out of date, and all music had gone from her life. Reading the piece over today, makes me look over the past year or so of my life. Being retired, and on a set income, I have been living among more and more elderly people, often with no transportation,and with a limited route when they use the bus service. It seems the only security they often have is the firm grip on their walkers. and the highlight of their day is congregating at the mailbox, waiting for the mailman to come...even waiting for a couple hours at a time. They often cannot keep themselves up with getting teeth, which would even help with their confidence and dignity. As nice as my little apartment is, and being youngspirited, dating and enjoying shopping and getting out, it grieves me so much to see them so stuck in this world they have, with no dreams to look forward to, and no way to really grab hold of life anymore. Like one man stated, "...we have no choice." The inprisonment of the human being, without being incarcerated! I am fighting so hard to never cross over that line! I see so many walk the halls with their plastic smiles, never mentioning a word about romance, or how much they would like a mate to give a hug to. I am convinced that romance is the key element that gives the spirit that flight above hopelessness, which eventually will drain the spirit until it can't go on, and dies. Why do we see a mate pass on, often soon after the other dies? There is that bond, that goes so deep, and gives more to the quality of life than most care to admit. I believe it is like a "demon" that finds one alone, and takes them to the doctor on countless visits, or to the hospital, as the spirit is so grieved from the loneliness. I find myself trying to escape any little gatherings that take place for the older folks where I live, as I can't get into this dreaded existence! Living on a lower scale income, and coming from a nice, quality life, has literally put me into shock! I truly believe that having romance in ones life as they get older is so very vital! I am convinced that a person can TRY to fill this need in with hobby, family, church, and various other things...but, deep down the need for romance and the companionship cuts deep like a knife. It is a vital key to staying happy and healthy and feeling young until the end of our days! Two are better than one! Eternal youth can be found in romance!