I've just been taken out for Sunday lunch by an old friend who knows exactly how independent I am and how far from my dotage. I'm glad of the help as, for the shortest time possible (believe me!) I am using sticks to keep the pressure off my knee and it's always nice to be taken out to lunch BUT.....
I now fully understand the title of a radio programme aimed at disabled or older people:
"Does he take sugar?"
Even in a town where I am well known as something of an independent "so and so", I have been treated as simple minded, invisible or otherwise incapable of managing myself - and that includes the behaviour of my old friend!
Do we really do this? When people show signs of weakness, do we unconsciously attempt to kill them with kindness or worse - with thinly veiled contempt? I think, as a people, Brits are kind and considerate but how long a step is it from that - to asking an older person, in public, if they have performed their bodily functions normally?
Something to reflect on as I champ at the bit here, unable to drive for the moment and trying to arrange a family funeral!!
A family photo
Sun shining!
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