.jpg)
While I was jogging one morning, I saw my friend’s father sitting alone on the roadside bench. He was exactly opposite to the way that I was jogging, so I had to cross the road to wish him a good morning.As I approached him, he was very delighted to see me, and his warm smile made me sit next to him. He said it was nice of me to come and chat with him.
Then he remarked, "At this stage of my life, it feels very lonely here. Anybody sharing a few heartfelt moments mean a lot to me."
This line hit me hard and I wondered: What could be that little thing that I can do to make his life different?
I knew he was a painter, so I started to inquire into his latest painting experiences. Painting is a passionate topic for him, and he started speaking loads on it. I asked him, "Can you teach me to paint?"
He was overwhelmed and agreed instantly.
Now, every other day, I go to learn how to paint from him. We paint a lot and talk a lot. He says he feels better, and he waits for me. I say I feel better. After all, I'm the one getting so much wisdom from a man who is nearing the horizon of his life with so much experience!
3121 Reads
- Posted by neetis19691
- Sep 15, 2013
- Comments (23)
Readers Comments
proActive wrote: Wow. You did a good job. It's a way of saying, "i appreciate your talent! "
Thanks for sharing your story. I hope i could be like you.
Thanks for sharing your story. I hope i could be like you.
sandra wrote: I don't know why age seems to bring on a feeling of lonliness, but it does. I'm aging so i do know about how the gentleman felt. Part of it is no longer feeling needed - you gained a skill and a friend, and filled a void in his life. May god bless you both.
NiceNora wrote: This kind of loneliness isn't restricted to the "older" generation. It's surprising how many middle age and younger people feel just like your friends father. Good luck with your painting lessons.
Aurelia wrote: So heartwarming. I'm so glad you took time to stop and chat! It's funny how things happen when we take time to follow our hearts. Have fun learning to paint and spending time with some one who definitely has a lot to give. If only others can learn that we need the elderly as much as they need us. You made me smile with this great story. :0) ~aurelia
Willy wrote: You act of giving ended up rewarding you with more wealth of knowledge. I applaud you of discovering that wisdom is hidden within our senior citizens. Most of the time they sit there looking for someone to off load too. Have taken notes from your experience.
Dee wrote: I really love this. You can feel lonelly no matter what your age. I would love to meet someone like this and have this experience - particularly painting or art related as it is one of my passions! So happy that you took time to go and speak to your friends father and i bet he is as well. ;-)
julib3 wrote: Seniors are often forgotten, it was a generous gift of time and energy.
RAYOFHOPE wrote: That was so sweet of you! Keep up dear!
Rionajmc wrote: This is beautiful - and i particularly appreciate the fact that you both gain from this. Many people can forget that they have something to share - your friend's father might have been feeling a bit like he wasn't useful anymore and you helped remind him it wasn't true!
Patt wrote: I too am older, live alone and am lonely. It is so nice to have someone visit and spend time with you. It sure helps pass the day. Thank you for the joy you are giving this gentleman.
