I hate forwards. Hate them! Hate them! Hate them! Especially ones that say “forward this to 10 people and in 5 minutes” — yeah, right.
Occasionally though I read through one that has some meaning. Such is the one that my sister sent me. I checked to see if the story was true and unfortunately, it’s not.
But that doesn’t take away from the sentiment. It’s called Crabby Old Man.
Supposedly written by a man who was in a nursing home, died and the nurses found this among his belongings. I can’t find who the real author is.
Crabby Old Man
“What do you see nurses? What do you see?
What are you thinking when you’re looking at me?
A crabby old man, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice ‘I do wish you’d try!’
Who seems not to notice the things that you do.
And forever is losing a sock or a shoe?
Who, resisting or not lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding the long day to fill?
Is that what you’re thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes nurse cause you’re not looking at me.
I’ll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding as I eat at your will.
I’m a small child of ten with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters who love one another.
A young boy of sixteen with wings on his feet..
Dreaming that soon now a lover he’ll meet.
A groom soon at twenty my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows that I promised to keep.
At twenty-five, now I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide them and secure a happy home.
A man of thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my woman’s beside me to see I don’t mourn.
At fifty, once more, babies play ’round my knee,
Again, we know children my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me my wife is now dead.
I look at the future and shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own.
And I think of the years and the love that I’ve known.
I’m now an old man and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles grace and vigor depart.
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young guy still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain.
And I’m loving and living life over again.
I think of the years, all too few gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people, open and see.
Not a crabby old man ~ Look closer ~ See ME!!”
(Author Unknown)
When I read this, it spoke to my heart. Most of my friends are “older.” I don’t know how common that is.
But I enjoy sitting with them, talking and spending time with them.
They truly appreciate having my company. Especially the ones who can’t get out of their homes or are in nursing homes or adult family homes.
I find that even if people aren’t elderly, they enjoy knowing that someone cares about them. A card, a call, a smile. It takes so little to make someone’s day.
