I'm never going to forget we did these things
Older adults behind glass, never to be touched. A picture is worth a thousand words. Here's several for you.
I believe this was all a terrible, horrible mistake:
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I believe this was all a terrible, horrible mistake:
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In the case of those who passed these couple of years, this misanthropic attempt at safety has robbed both the elders, and their families, of the unique experience of life's sunset moments.
Holding hands may seem a simple thing, but there is something special shared that should circumstances allow, no one should ever be deprived of. As the younger generation, the skin of your forebear has a cool, fragile, yet well worn feel. Those hands worked hard to give you a better opportunity than they had. You cannot forget how those hands felt.
The elder generation feels a warm and strong hand of the later generations, still capable of accomplishing more in this world. Holding the young hand brings back fond memories of both their progeny, and of themselves when they were younger. They don't want to let go because this little thing has become everything.
This is a connection and a joy that makes the inevitable cycle of life more tolerable, allowing that non-verbal exchange of gratitude and a feeling of familial appreciation and pride.
To deprive an elder of this simple dignity, and their family members of the associated fulfillment, as well as a better understanding of their own future, robs the dawn that should rise after the dark night of the soul.
So very sad. And so unnecessary.