Treasures

Quite recently I stumbled upon a breakfast programme on TV that set me thinking. The panellists were discussing who or what ought to be considered a "National Treasure". One of them came up with the idea that anyone who reaches a hundred years of age, should be deemed worthy of "National Treasure" status. Very, very interesting, indeed.

There's a popular song with the refrain: "Only the good die young". Not necessarily true, I believe. But what seems more likely is that when people die young, most of us still living experience a tragic loss (and waste) of life. Think of the hopes dashed, we say; think of the aspirations unfulfilled, think of the lives shattered.

On the other side, when an elder passes, we talk about a life well lived, about how he/she was an inspiration to many, and how the void created would take ages to heal. Rarely, very uncommonly, would we come across the comment that "it was high time".

Think of it, all these thoughts and words are just that--fleeting breath! Do we really care? Be brutally honest, dear Reader. Have we done anything to honour, cherish and respect our CENTENARIANS? Will we ever?

How many modern-day "centurions" have you come upon in your life, so far? As for me and my house, we have met and shared conversations with only one, the charming Mrs Barbara Oliver. And what is even more amazing is that Aunt Barbara lives and dwells amongst us. Yes, here, right here, in our beloved Veteran Lines. Think of how appropriate the name of our habitation is. Think also about the fact that we are all blessed to have her in our midst and, possibly, in our lives.

How many centenarians do you think still live in our city, in our state, in our country? Not too many, is my guess. Why can't we, in our neighbourhoods, in our gated communities, in our localities, honour and revere our super-super seniors? Let this become a people's movement to show that we really do care. Let them become for us, who are still living and partly living, "living treasures", the ones who have seen so much history pass them by. Will we take the initiative? Amen and Amen. ⁰