No Sir, You Are Not a Burden
Wearily slumped over in a wheelchair, the elderly man I see is tired and filled with despair. His wrinkled face rests in calloused hands as the anguish inside of him gives way to tears. He is uncertain of the future and has lost the pride and strength of his past. He has forgotten the importance of his history and sees no purpose in his present. His dependence on others leaves him believing he is a burden, his confidence eroding bit by bit with each reluctant request for help. His journey is not solitary though he feels detached from the world that flows around him.
Many others travel along this same path. A fact of life that brings little comfort to protect against the fear and sadness that infiltrates his heart and mind. He clings to the memory of who he was, not realizing the value of who he is. Raise your head, look in my eyes and allow me to sincerely remind you of your worth. You never stop being a role model to your children. The strength and determination you have exhibited as time rages an assault on your flesh continue to inspire the lives you touch.
The person you were is not who you see in the mirror, but the man you remember is not gone. That man is alive in the kind heart, the moral fiber and the mindful fortitude of the children he nurtured into conscientious adults. Your generation has guided my generation through temper tantrums and teenage angst, preparing us for the responsibilities of adulthood. In childhood we emulated you, in young adulthood, we admired your work ethic and commitment to family and community.
The sacrifices you made to serve your country and your family were not in vain. As sons, husbands, and fathers, your generation has laid the groundwork for who we are. Your unwavering diligence to remain on the path of integrity and honor has not gone unnoticed. The mark you have made on the world is a solid foundation of principled reliability.
We see you. We know you. And our memories are long.
The legacy that you will leave behind is not that of a weak man. We come from strong people. Are you a burden? No sir, you are not a burden and you are not alone. Your presence continues to add value to our lives as you accept life with grace and dignity. Dry your tears and hold your head high. Be proud of your hard-earned wrinkles and confident in the strength of your calloused hands.
It is an honor and a privilege to stand beside you. The watchful eyes of the next generations are upon us as we follow in your footsteps, shaping their character as they journey along the path to adulthood.
Originally published at Medium.com on 4-15-2019.
