The other day, a strange realization came to me. I was sitting on my porch. Simply sitting there doing nothing at all. I didn’t have ear buds in. I wasn’t surfing on my laptop. I wasn’t even looking through social media on my phone. I was just rocking in my white rocking chair enjoying the moment. A small sparrow flew right in my line of sight and startled me. That startle brought me back to the present. You see my realization was that I now understand why older adults can sit for long periods of time doing absolutely nothing, but extremely happy to just sit there.
When I was younger, I thought that those seniors may have had some mental challenges or they couldn’t communicate any longer. I found out that for the most part, that I’m completely wrong about my assessment. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this content, older generation. I understand, because I find myself sitting for long bouts of time and entirely happy to do it.
I haven’t interviewed anyone to ask what they were doing sitting there – just gazing into the distance. I didn’t check the internet for surveys about the subject. I just know what I know, mainly because it happens to me. The other part of this revelation is it can happen anywhere. The car. The bathroom. It can happen on the couch or on the porch. It simply can happen anywhere. All I need is some quiet stillness and then I am transported. You might be concerned about this “transported” situation – don’t be.
As I am sitting, anywhere, quiet and still. My mind begins to drift. It usually drifts to a happy place. Many times, I can see my little boys at play. I see my younger self agile and strong. I experience sights and sounds. I can feel the boys’ tiny little hands in mine. I see their beaming eyes looking at me with sweet love. Those days only stay alive in my memory. I enjoy a visit now and then. It fills my heart with great joy.
So, pay attention! When you see an older adult sitting quietly, seemingly completely oblivious to their surroundings. Don’t feel sorry for them. Smile and feel glad for them. They just might be enjoying a very special time in their life. Also, just wait, one of these days you will experience this “transportation” for yourself. Happy drifting.
LaDonna Fridenmaker~Writer 