Snowflakes who melted my heart
THE ‘snowflake’ generation of young people are often criticised for suffering from social anxiety and being afraid to talk to anyone in person, rather than on their mobile phones. It’s also said that this generation of so-called social justice warriors are unable to find any joy in this country’s past achievements. I have been forced to admit I was wrong in believing all young people are like this. On St Patrick’s Day, my mother, who has dementia, reached her 100th birthday. My cousin and I decided to take her out to The Rudds Arms at Marton, near Middlesbrough, to celebrate. A large group of young people, complete with novelty St Patrick’s Day hats, then came into the pub, intent on having a good time. On spotting Mum’s 100th birthday balloon and her card from the Queen, they came over to wish her happy birthday. They were thrilled to meet her, and showered her with affection and kisses. They patiently took time to talk to her, held her hand and posed for photos with her. By their kind actions, these young people turned our nice day out into a truly wonderful and memorable occasion we will treasure. Maybe there is hope for this country if everyone follows the lead of these generous, caring young men and women.
Mrs V. EVANS, Guisborough, N. Yorks. YES, we should put the elderly and vulnerable first (Mail). If you don’t already consider it a priority, you will come to realise it one day! However it doesn’t help when care providers are not included in the proposals for reform. The people who provide the care that others depend on must be properly treated, too, with decent pay so they can support themselves and their families. The hourly rates of pay in the care sector are shockingly low and it’s work that is mainly carried out by women. There’s a lot of scrutiny around pay equality in top jobs, but remarkably little about the scandal of low pay in the care sector.
ANGELA PEACOCK, Salisbury, Wilts.