Actions paint picture of life's experiences
By Matt Skates, nw news editor

     Ever wonder how the elderly stay sane? Ever wonder what they do to keep from getting bored, what keeps them from pulling out what’s left of their hair?
     Its not hard to see why growing old has attained infectious disease status.
     The general public seem to think that all the elderly do is sit around, take meds and feel bad about their hum-drum position in life, that they really have no reason for continuing to live.
     Don’t worry; I’m not about to plunge into a rant about the mistreatment of today’s elderly.
     More than that, I would make an aphorism. But first, allow me share its beginnings.
I’ve always enjoyed talking with my grandmother about topics of interest: work, school, politics, etc.
     Well, perhaps talking isn’t the word here because that entails lengthy retorts on both sides.
I     t would be more accurate to say we have speeches in which she is the speaker and I simply ask questions.
     One day over lunch she got to talking about past events in her life and her belief in karma or, in her words, “what goes around comes around.”
     I told her how, to an uncanny degree, that statement was true. And to that she replied, “give it another 50 years; then you’ll really understand what that means.”
     And of course all I can do is imagine what I’ll be like 50 years from now, but the statement made me see things in a way I never had before.
     Life is a beautiful picture you paint with experiences, and for me, the work is just beginning to take shape.
     I see the sketches of a fine piece of work, but as of yet I cannot fully realize the potential of fortune’s paintbrush.
     On the other hand, my grandmother has completed most of her painting and can now spend her time reveling in its perfection, and giving me tips on mine.
     How gratifying it must be to look at such perfection. I would go as far as saying I am jealous of her.
     Maybe this outlook on life is too far-fetched for the left-brainers out there, but for me it helps keep me out of the “there’s nothing good in my life” rut.
     Some would say that their lives weren’t so beautiful and that the prevailing bad taints their would-be masterpiece, but I believe it is skillful use of both light and dark, the good and the bad, that gives art and life depth.
     Of course there is no way for me to know exactly how the elderly think, but maybe when they just sit on the front porch, staring at the street, they’re not simply comatose, they’re watching and admiring life.
     And maybe the dispensing of nostalgia by the experienced members of society is just their way of putting into words what is to come for those of us less experienced in the dealings of life.
     And the best part is, my Grandma knows exactly what I am talking about. She knows exactly how I feel right now.
     And it reaches far past nostalgia. It is an admiration for the work and beautiful detail put into every day of my life.