The Walker
You now use a walker,
I want to say:
“Remember!
Remember who last used a walker
in this house.”
I remember you saying
you could not stand the
clang, clang
of her walker.
You would go through other rooms
so you would not have to
confront Mama
and her disability.
I hope you did not mean to be that mean.
But there is something in me that wants to shout:
“See, see what it feels like!”
And don’t you hope the younger ones
view you
with more compassion
than you gave Mama?
MBS: 9/7/11
6 comments:
This is such a good reminder. As I watch my parents age I find that I lose my patience when they walk slow or do something that they would have never done when they were younger and more alert. We will all be "The Walker" and I must learn to be more patient and understanding!
Very poignant, Mary. On the one hand it serves as a reminder to have more patience for we're all bound to slow down someday and on the other, it reminds us of the urgency of youth to move fast and not waste a single minute.
When my grandmother's health began to decline and every day tasks became difficult and frustrating for her, I tried so hard to not lose patience with her. But there was the one time I did and made her cry. I was never so ashamed of myself. This is what I remember when someone is shuffling as fast as they can in front of me. And I slow down.
Yes, Annie and Jen patience and understanding seem to always need practice. Thank you for your time and comments.
Mary, I think of this type of thing every day as I age. The many times I was short with my mother when she forgot or became confused or ran out of breath - all things happening to me now.
Beautifully and poignantly written.
Thank you Marcia. I appreciate your time and comments. I am glad that it brought back memories and emotions in you.
Great reminder. Thankfully my mom never had to use a walker and my grandmother needed one but she preferred to use a person as her walker and when I took her somewhere for the little woman she was, I remember how heavy she seemed and I was so afraid of letting her fall. My hubby is getting to the point that he will need one as his knees and muscles are not what they use to be, and we're not looking forward to that day.
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