| How many of you have parents, friends, or other | | | | way society has changed and how they have been |
| loved ones that are advanced in age? How many of | | | | treated. |
| them live alone or are in assisted living or nursing | | | | If you want to have a fun filled day with them, take |
| homes? Have you taken them out to eat to find | | | | them on a picnic. They are going to feel right at |
| that there is a number of issues, such as access, | | | | home wherever you go because this is something |
| seating, low salt diet, etc.? Have your children | | | | familiar to them. When you prepare the picnic basket |
| resisted going to visit because it is boring? Have you | | | | you can pack special items for them if necessary, |
| visited them and thought that you were going | | | | such as low sodium foods, diet drinks, softer foods |
| through the motions and although you both enjoyed | | | | for those with dentures, etc., if you're not sure about |
| the time together you wished there was something | | | | what to take, asked them what they would like. It |
| more you could do? There is. And it is quite simple. | | | | doesn't hurt to let them know in advance, it gives |
| Let me explain. You need to think about what they | | | | them something to think about and look forward to. |
| enjoyed doing in their younger days and how society | | | | Any park will do and there are a number of nice |
| entertained themselves then. Their social life focused | | | | facilities in all areas of the nation that offer |
| on family and friends and food. They didn't watch | | | | handicapped access. |
| much television, if at all, and through the week they | | | | What about your children? What kid doesn't like to |
| were working, either at their place of employment or | | | | play outdoors and enjoy picnic food? And elderly |
| at home. When the weekend came they were ready | | | | people love to watch kids play. Your children will bond |
| for, and needed, the camaraderie of their friends and | | | | with them more because they are both on common |
| family. Church socials, family reunions, and picnics | | | | ground. Plus you will find that your children understand |
| were the main sources of entertainment. I remember | | | | their weaknesses better than you think. Kids will |
| driving past the "County Home "as it was called, and | | | | make allowances so that they can find something to |
| seeing the people sitting on benches chatting and | | | | do that they both will enjoy. They will play closer to |
| watching the traffic go by. | | | | them or will sit by them and talk about the birds they |
| I would always wave, and they were watching, | | | | both see, or ask them questions about any number |
| because they would all wave back. Growing up they | | | | of things that are present. |
| spent most of their time in the outdoors and they | | | | Unfortunately none of us survive forever so we |
| were comfortable there. And even though we didn't | | | | need to make the most of the time that we have |
| know one another, they always waved back at me | | | | with these folks. Take them on a picnic and enjoy |
| because that was the proper thing to do. When they | | | | the time with them, perhaps you and the children will |
| grew up people always gave others the benefit of | | | | get a little insight into how life was for them. Above |
| the doubt until proven otherwise. They were cordial, | | | | all, don't live to regret not spending time with them |
| polite, and respectful of others. Perhaps you don't | | | | while you could. |
| see them that way now but that is because of the | | | | |