REMEMBER TO HUG SPECIAL WOMEN ON SPECIAL DAY
IN a world of war, hate, tragedy and sorrow it is sometimes difficult to embrace and reflect on the smothering of good in society; everyday people doing extraordinary things for strangers. Our story today on Kelly Casey and her quest to spread love and appreciation to the very people who forged a path to make this country what it is – the elderly – is one such example.
Ms Casey started Adopt a Grandparent after beginning a friendship with Tricare Cypress Gardens resident Joan Mcpherson.
As reported today, the mum of one knew that no matter anyone’s age or ailment, she could provide the best medicine for their greatest ill … her time to treat their loneliness.
Today Adopt a Grandparent liaises with facilities across the Coast, she organises, collects and distributes gifts and donations for the most vulnerable aged care residents. It will be amplified this weekend in a special push to pay tribute to grandmothers in aged care.
The elderly endured great hardship during the pandemic, suffering restriction after restriction, and long periods of isolation from loved ones. They are the fortunate ones. For many others, it is their life as younger family members prioritise more hectic schedules.
Grandmothers are a rock upon which families are built. After all, they are mothers themselves. Our earliest memories are of their maternal, loving embrace; they were the ones to patch up skinned knees, to cook our favourite meals, harbour our secrets and to pull us into line when we became too cheeky.
The origins of Mother’s Day extend back to ancient Greek and Roman times, although the commercialism that is a feature of the day – certainly in the Western world – is a relatively modern touch.
Do we mind the commercial twist? Not really. It pleases us to be able to give our mums and grandmothers a present, perhaps to take her out to lunch and buy her flowers.
In reality though, your mother and grandmother do not really mind what you give her.
As Kelly Casey is proving, it can be as simple and generous as a “hello” and cup of tea. We all should be thinking about that.