Can you imagine a neighbor peeking through the bushes to see what you are doing, a window curtain moving or the shade that goes up a notch as you walk by?
Some do say that older folks are just plain nosey, but of course a person doesn't have to be aged to have that reputation.
Perhaps this is true in some cases but, then too, if a motive is one of neighborly love and concern, then just perhaps the "peeper" has your best interest at heart.
In some communities, there are neighborhood watches _ people who are alert and watchful for any wrong doing or a need. This is a protection not only for property but also lives.
Not too long ago when walking in Oneonta's East End residential area I noticed several tepee-style signs standing along side the road. The concerned homeowners had painted "SLOW _ Children at Play" on large sandwich board signs.
The bright colors would not be missed by any passing vehicle perhaps going too fast. The neighbors saw a need, and they acted. That good idea deserves an A-plus.
Growing old with dignity is two fold: One of respect and understanding on the onlookers' part and certainly one of attitude and conduct on the oldsters part.
A person "reaps what he sows," and with that Biblical principle in mind then our way of life should reflect what we expect in return.
Keeping busy with helpful worthwhile activities brings much enjoyment not only to ourselves, but to others and with a feeling of accomplishment. There are many places to volunteer time and energies in every community, even if it's so mundane as picking up litter or pulling a weed.
It seems like just yesterday when "the shoe was on the other foot" _ so to speak.
We were younger then and had two very close elderly friends who dearly wanted to stay in their cozy home as they aged. We grouped together to help with housework, laundry, traveling etc. All was going well until "unpleasant circumstances" sadly took their toll to the extent of the label: "adult abuse." (This was not nice to watch.)
It was so sad to see their lifestyle deteriorate, and our hands seemed tied since the problems actually came from family members who supposedly should have been helpful and not abusive.
But where there's a will, there's a way, and doing the right thing was on our side.
The Office for the Aging was notified, an investigation was forthcoming, justice was meted out and all turned out well. A very happy ending, and much of the credit given to our county employees and of course, watchful friends. (Another A-plus.)
Many years ago it was so nice to see the youths knock on an elderly person's door to offer help in shoveling snow or raking the leaves. Many a time a youngster would push his father's lawn mower looking for a small job for a few dollars.
Years ago we lived a few blocks from a dairy farm. The village youths had part-time jobs helping with haying and milking. A few dollars here, a few dollars there taught a child good economics.
Our children took advantage of this, along with a newspaper route. Our son even sold night-crawlers during fishing season. I remember him late at night on hands and knees picking up those wiggly creatures as they slithered through the wetted grass. (The girls were not interested in that endeavor at all, but the local fishermen were most appreciative).
Between allowances for attending to assigned home chores and the few odd jobs here and there, the children were able to learn money management and good shopping habits. An education well learned with an A-plus.
The youth assist the elderly, the elderly help the youth, especially by being good role models. It's a two-way street in life.
It is said that experience is the best teacher, and the elderly certainly have that market cornered. So it is most wise to be attuned to what the elderly have to say and glean from the many things that have happened in their lifetime.
One learned friend once said, "Life is a school of learning: As you go through the difficult situations _ take the lessons with you," and you might add: Help someone else.
I'm most certain that we all can earn some A-pluses.
Elaine W. Kniskern is a 76-year-old resident of Schenevus and a grandmother of
five. She can reached at ralphkniskern@stny.rr.com.
