While digging through my external hard drive in search of the Harvard Milk Days Parade photo, I came across a little gem. The entire day was a slice of small town America and everywhere my photographer's eye looked I found another interesting scene.
The street had been coated with a mixture that transformed it into a white carpet. Families arrived early to stake their claim and arrange their chairs. Kids darted out onto the parade route, rushing back to their parents when the fire truck sirens signaled the arrival of the first marching band. The Farmer found his spot and held fast while I walked both sides of the street hunting down photo ops.
These adorable ladies had been transported to the parade route from their senior living facility. They were set up on a prime piece of real estate along the parade route, lined up under the awning of a local restaurant and provided with cold drinks. As you can see they got all dolled up for the event. It was a VERY HOT day and I was shocked to see them dressed in long pants and sweaters! I guess this is proof positive that hot flashes eventually subside and the internal thermostat runs in the opposite direction.
I was so drawn to the woman on the left. They were all characters, trust me, but the woman on the left was so engaged in telling her story and the man was so intent on listening. It was such a precious moment. I hope they didn't mind the intrusion of a camera lens.
Can you imagine her tale? Perhaps it was a memory from days gone by, or what she had for breakfast that morning. There's no way to know. The gentleman seemed truly interested in her words as if she were imparting some rare wisdom.
Don't we all hope to have someone to listen to our stories.....when we are old?
31 comments:
Oh this reminds me of when I was a little girl, spending the night at my great-gandparents house. I'd sit and listen to my great-grandpa tell me the stories of his childhood and working for the "3 C's" while my great-grandma fried us a delicious breakfast. He passed away several years ago, and my granny has alzheimers. But I still have those memories.
Wow - this photo reminds me of downtown Harrodsburg on a Saturday night. The little old ladies (and gentlemen) line their chairs on the sidewalk and watch the cars go by!
These people have so much wisdom and nobody wants it from them. At least in the real world. I love listening to their stories. And I love small town parades. Where I live, Mesa, AZ, they used to have miniature parades that children in schools made themselves and had it every March during the Orange Festival. Progress took care of that. Too many people move in and ruin small towns. It's sickening.
Imagine if you got them all blogging! Then they could really get cracking on telling their stories!
8-)
Suzanne,
I just love the seniors, they are so cute in this photo.Just looking at the photo I can just imagine what is being said in their conversations.Thank God for the man with listening ears, not everyone is so patient and kind.Thanks for sharing your art with me on this Monday morning, it made my day!
Nancy
That is just the most gorgeous picture. I love older people. I love their stories and their advice. I love talking to them and listening. I would love to be right in the middle of that group of beautiful ladies.
Oh how I wish I had taken the time to record all the stories my grandparents told me before they died. I loved staying at their houses and sitting on the swing or on my Mammaw's bed at night and just listening.
Granted, I'm really hormonal right now but this made me cry. What a sweet picture!! And yeah, I totally want to hear that lady's story. It must've been a really good one!
How precious are they? We go to a fourth of July parade every year and it is enjoyed by all, young and old.
I bet they do have some amazing stories to share! Great photo!
Happy day!
You have made me think of my Grandmother this morning. At 80 she told me that her mind, feelings and thoughts were that of her 30 year old self and that she only knew she was 80 when she looked in the mirror. How sad and yet how marvelous. xo
whaddya mean 'when we're old' ? I want someone to listen to my stories now too! LOL
And I'm eagerly awaiting the apron tutorial you promised this week (like I need another project) What a great way to give the girls a special apron from their daddy's shirts. He needs new ones anyway. LOL
Oh, what a great picture, the tales they could tell, priceless!
What a beautiful post! I'm so glad you took that picture. We really do need to slow down and take time for what's important. And that would be listening to our elders. Thank you so much!
And the woman on the right is an interesting character, too! :D
Of all these wonderful faces, I am most drawn to the gentleman's. He really does appear to be a gentleman, doesn't he?!
Very EDIE of you to post this! Great for my GREY GARDENS WEEK !
Suzanne dear, I have a little something for you over at my site, come by and visit!
I love elderly people. They really do have so much wisdom and insight yet so often they get over looked and not listened to for all that they know...way more than given credit for.
I love listening to their stories of times past and of how it was for them back in the day. When I was in high school I worked at a nursing home and loved it...the ladies and gentlemen that I cared for really did care about me and the other workers.
Great picture!
What a wonderful picture. And I do love the intent look on the man's face as he listens to the story. We have an elderly couple at church who arrived Sunday in their sweaters and turtle necks - I am always wondering about their internal thermostats!
What a great picture...and since I came over here after reading your comment on my blog about baby teeth, I just want to say that after seeing that picture, I hope I have MY teeth when I'm old so that I can have a conversation with anyone who will listen. ;)
What's not to love ... a parade, a row of adorable people, a small town with a big heart. Thanks for this!
What a great photo !!
I love spending time with older people. They have such great stories and so much wisdom to impart. They've already been there, done that, written the story and bought the t-shirt. I think we lose a lot, in not being a society that listens to and values our elderly.
Re the hot flashes ... according to my elderly neighbour, they do stop eventually. She was a little vague as to when though. :-)
What a lovely picture, It reminds me of my Daddy when he was in a Nursing Home, he passed away 2 yrs. ago. And when I would visit him I would meet the most interesting women and men, to sit and talk to some, wow what stories they told. We always took him to our county fair, he loved the food. Thank you for sharing the photo. Every one should take the time and listen to the wise and elderly.
Hugs;
Alaura
I love to sit and listen to stories. The way my mind is right now, I hope I can remember anything when I am that age. Do I want an alpaca,,,,I think so. I found a breeder about an hour from me. I think I will go visit and then I will give you my answer : )
Our small town's Memorial Day parade was cancelled this year -- incorporated into our township's parade. Boo Hoo!
Your photo is a wonderful slice of Americana, and a reminder of all the wonderful stories and experience out there, just waiting to be recorded.
xoxo,
Mary
Good morning Suzanne :)
I really like that picture. Those women know so much more than most people give them credit for. It's nice to see someone listening to one of them for a change :)
hugs,
rue
GREAT photo and post...I always tell my children that you never know where a senior citizen has been and what kinds of stories they have to tell.
What a beautiful post - absolutely love the photo!!
My grandma and I are really close. I absolutely love her to bits, and she is a fantastic story teller. (although she would never say so) Her wisdom is invaluable to me and I write so much of it down.
That picture made me think of her, and I called her. I can't say enough about her, she is wonderful.
I do hope someone will listen to my stories when I am old.
The photo says it all.
I want to be them when I am their age.
I seldom leave comments on blog, but I have been to this post which was recommend by my friend, lots of valuable details, thanks again.
Post a Comment