Old People
So I was at the doctor's office in the waiting room, and there was an elderly woman who had just gotten out of her appointment. She ambled over slowly and sat down, pulling out a battered red checkbook and writing in her usual amount, breathing heavily from the ten foot walk from the exam room to her chair. She had what must have been her husband sitting in the next chair. The receptionist got off the phone and called to her gently. I don't remember her name, so for now I'll just name her Dolores. Receptionist said 'Dolores honey, did you already write the check? The amount is a little different today...' Dolores didn't hear her because she was trying to stand up. She had her hands out in front of her and rocked back and forth to gain enough momentum to stand. It took her three or four times, and I felt horrible. I egged her on in my mind, but I feel like I should have done more. Like run over and offer her my arm. I didn't though, and I could've cried. Once up, she promised to pay the remainder of the amount owed next time, because Dolores had obviously already made out the check. She was a little confused, but fine. Then, fancy cane in hand, she left with her husband. Slowly, and I hope not painfully.
I don't think I want to get old. I know, I know- not the most original thought I've ever had. I don't want to gain momentum to stand, or have it sound like a group of tap dancers just fell down the stairs when I move a joint. Or be so behind the times and technology that I just give up. People (including me) always say how 'cute' old people are, especially couples. I've always said life is a cycle- diapers, semi-dependence, out on own, decline, semi-dependence, diapers. It's cruel, and I know a lot of older people that are angry that they can't take care of themselves anymore, hate the childlike dependence and burden they are to a family member, no matter how willing and loving that family member is. All their life they've worked for what they have, for their children, their love, home, land... and then... *sigh* I pity them, and I'm also sure that many wouldn't want my useless and degrading pity anyways. They all deserve respect. Every one of them, nothing less.
The Classics...
I'm not thinking about cars or anything like that- I'm talking (typing?) about the old movies. The ones on the TCM channel on TV. Black and whiters, when movies weren't only made because Tom Cruise needs another history movie, or Paris Hilton demands a walk on role, ext. The old movies are the only movies, as I always say. I do make exceptions for certain modern(ish) films, like Ever After, The Little Princess, The Notebook, and those afore-mentioned revenge movies. But seriously, why don't many more people know the classics, the backbones, the first Hollywood stars? It's a crying shame, I tell you, a shame!
Kathrine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Carey Grant, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Spencer Tracey, Fred Astier, Jack Lemmon, ext. I have only named a skimpy few of the greats of the olden days. A very, very, scantily clad skimpy few of them. And you know what? I bet none of my friends know any of them!
Pity... they just don't make 'em like they used to.
