Orange Memories Musings: How do you see us?

By Beth Robertson

We have taken a different tact with this news item.  As you walk through the door to visit our home at Orange Memories, who do you see and how do you see us?  With aging, I have learned that how folks "out there" see us is not how we see ourselves. I asked our Activity Co-ordinator, McKenna, if she would solicit two words from each resident that describe how they see themselves. I then used those words to write a poem. It was a time of introspection for residents and the answers might surprise you.  Read on. The words suggested by residents are in italics.  I hope it will provide some insight about growing older. The poem might even bring tears to  you eyes.

Looking at Ourselves

As you walk in the door at our residence and see all that curly white hair,
Heads that are balding, shoulders all rounded, faces all wrinkled with care.
Do not be deceived for it's all just deception,
We're full of wit, wisdom and smarts.
You'll find some great joy and real vibrant souls,
if you really look into our hearts.

We're naughhty, observant, creative and grateful.
We're reliable, humble and kind,
We're friendly, generous, honest and thoughtful
We're your friends and the best you can find.

We are good listeners, determined, hilarious,
We're clever, creative, sublime,
We're compassionate, playful, sometimes we're sarcastic--
(Well, you can't be nice all the time.)

Sometimes we are sleepy, sometimes we are not
Sometimes we are right out to lunch,
We are loyal, inquisitive, musical, talented,
We're really a very fine bunch.

We admit that sometimes we are wobbly,
too old, sleepy and slow.
If you love a good chuckle with someone who's cheerful
It's us--we're your best friends,  you know.

We're a jack of all trades, master of none,
motherly, loving as well.
They once called me Thumper and once called me Sparrow--
the source of which no one will tell.

We are feisty, determined, stubborn, particular,
We have a true love for the land.
We're community minded and if we were able,
We'd come out to lend you a hand.

So next time you visit, look past the white hair
and the bodies that years have denied,
Look past all the wrinkles and unseeing eyes
to see what is truly inside.

We've spelled it out clearly, we're really quite fine,
Look carefully and see what you think-
Look into our hearts and listen with care,
We're convinced that we're all 'in the pink'.

— Beth Robertson 2026