I mentioned that we gave away several of the little cakes I made. There’s an old guy in the neighborhood – several really and both of them got cakes, but one in particular – I don’t know all the details but from what I’ve gathered, he can be a bit difficult; most of his family is gone and those that are around don’t spend much time with him. Not sure if they even live around here. I do have a friend and she and her husband help him out with some things. He doesn’t drive so I don’t even know how he gets the things he needs or how he goes to the doctor . . I just don’t know and I’m not comfortable trying to help or really even in getting to know him. Vince doesn’t want to get involved with him and, as a woman, I don’t feel it’s something I should get involved with.
But, I asked my friend, since she and her husband deal with him fairly often, if she would mind giving him a cake. She said sure (I offered her a cake too but she had just brought some desserts home from a dinner they had attended) so we took a cake over for her to give to him.
Yesterday I got this message from her:
I often have leftover food that we could take to him but, I’m not going to his house alone. I don’t even know if he has a microwave and he would probably think my food is too spicy. It made me feel good that giving him the cake made him happy. I wish I could do more. It makes me sad that I can . . but yet I can’t.
When I was talking to my friend about it, we both agreed that we don’t want to be 90 years old and lonely. I think about my uncle who is 91 and he’s very social. He has several groups of guys that he has breakfast with several days a week. He has a step-daughter who lives within walking distance and she takes very good care of him. He has a very nice neighbor on one side who checks on him every day. I want to be like my uncle . . not like the old guy in the neighborhood!
Elle says
Judy, I reckon it’s always better to give and if your gift is rebuffed then that’s OK too. It must be dreadfully sad if no-one ever offers you a kindness – you may just need one occasionally. They may not want anyone to think they can’t manage, but knowing someone really does care can make all the difference to their happiness. When you have extra your special meals send a portion via your friend,she can tell him it came from the cake lady who she enjoys cooking and sharing. It can’t hurt, he may be very happy to accept the idea that someone knows he’s there, and cares. I know I would. Enjoying your blog, as usual! You make me feel very lazy compared to you………Do I care????
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I had thought about that but the friend who is in a position to deliver to him is very busy and it’s not often in town. Right now, I think if Vince isn’t in favor of it, I best not do it.
No need to compare what anyone else does to what I do. If you saw all the things I don’t get done, you’d think I’m a lazy slug. 🙂
Susan says
You thought and you acted. Another chance may, or may not come up. You’ll know what to do.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
That’s what I’m thinking . . I’ll know how much to do and when to do it.
Sheryl says
..What a sweet thing for you to do. Of course, I’m sitting here crying my eyes out. Do what feels right to you. You have a good soul.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Oh . . you’re too sweet! I feel so bad for people who are 90+ years old and pretty much all alone and don’t want to be all alone.