Casey's Wit and Wisdom-better known as more ramblings

In general I am not fond of generalities. There are many out there about kindness to old folks and children. Face it folks, Old Folks and Children are people. Some you like and are comfortable with, some you don't and aren't. Now if you want to do it and are capable of it I think it is wonderful to get through to the ones who have serious problems relating to others. I have even been known to do it myself at times. I believe one should be gentle with both under most circumstances. However, I do not like all of either and choose not to spend my time with people I don't like.

I traced back the idle thought that lead to this blog. I was thinking about the neighbor's grandson who is visiting them this week-end. When I first met him I liked him fine and spent quite a bit of time with him. It soon became apparent that he is extremely needy but not responsive to learning how to give back. He is a taker. I know he's been raised in such a way that that tendency in him is fostered but I don't have the power to change things for him in any significant way.

I am friendly but do not encourage him to visit as he steals things.

This wasn't a problem at first because the things he wanted I was willing to give. It became a problem when I was not willing to part with what he wanted without some exchange. He is old enough to work and do a job well but he won't do it. Thus I do not want or need him here.

These thoughts made me wonder what older people thought about me when I was a child.
I remembered Chick and Clyde, neighbors of my grandparents in a country community in Noble, OK sometime in the 1950s. They were the first really overweight and less than clean older people I'd ever known but they were kind to me. Generally they did not like children (they'd turn their light off on Halloween and called Trick or Treaters "little beggars"). I remember my grandmother commenting that she was surprised how they'd "taken" to me. I'd sit with them on their front porch and chat. I can't imagine a five to six year old had much conversation but they listened.

A great aunt of Grandma Macs once told her it looked like I missed my parents (I was staying a week with Grandma and Grandpa and hanging on Grandma's leg). I remember Grandma saying "no, she's always like this" or something to that effect. I'm still a cuddler and a hugger.

I was a rather quiet and shy child back then (how things have changed!). I'd had older friends before. A neighbor across the street from us on Skip Circle in Midwest City about that same time used to sit out in his front yard in a lawn chair smoking cigars. I would sit at his feet and chat. I don't remember stories told to me or anything but I do remember a feeling of friendship and comfort in both situations.

My Dad's parents (the neighbors of Chick and Clyde)were big doers. Grandma gardened, canned, raised a pig every year for sausage and hams until the doctor took them off pork. Grandpa was a master carpenter and he would tat the loveliest lace while Grandma crocheted and embroidered. They loved wrestling and thought it was all real. At least Grandma did.

They took us fishing, berry picking and picnicing often. Both were always busy at something. They would rent houses and Grandpa would practically rebuild them with better walls, fancy cabinets, built in dressers and such then they'd move on to another house that needed work.
Grandma raised chickens and fishing worms. And the gardens!! Oh the vegetables and herbs were fabulous! Her front porch was always lined with coffee cans full of moss roses (portulaca). I love portulaca!!

For many years they had a chihuahua/manchester named Skeeter. Grandpa would feed that dog from his plate at every meal. Spoiled her unmercifully they did. And we kids all loved her.

My Mom's parents were less involved with the kids. They were older, I think. I used to stand behind Grandpa's chair and brush the little bit of hair he had for as long as his poor head could take it. Thank goodness for soft hair brushes! Grandma let me whip the cream for dinner. I learned not to whip it too long or it would turn to butter. Grandpa would milk the cows and tried to teach me. I never learned. I am still afraid of cows and cannot eat tongue 'cause I remember the calves licking me and giggling. I giggled, the calves didn't.

Now I'm their age, it is my position in life to be what they were but I have no grandchildren. That is really ok. If I ever get any I'll be happy but am quite content with my life now.

From time to time I sign up to teach children things. IN GENERAL, I like children but am quite happy not to have the responsibility for one all the time. IN GENERAL I like people of all kinds but am also very happy not to have the responsibility for anyone but myself.

All my life I've been responsible for someone and that was good. Now I'm not and that's good also.

So ends today's ramblings. I hope you enjoyed my stroll down memory lane.

Remember something, friends. You do not have to be the smartest, most talented or richest person to enrich other lives. Just being yourself and sharing as much of you as is comfortable does that. Thanks for sharing my life.