Auntie Charo's Soapbox

KUAM's Samantha Lynott reported last night that the National Family Caregiver Support Program in coollaboration with the division of senior citizens will be celebrating those who have reached a hundred years of age. It'll be a small party, to be sure, but there'll be tons of family who'll tag along pretending that they're taking good care of Tan Lole and Tun Jose. According to Lynott, there will be a proclamation signing(sigh, another proclamation) designating a month for these centenarians....and as you've probably guessed, the agency of Senior Citizens is asking the public to come up with those who have reached the age of a hundred...you can give the information to any of the twelve senior centers around the island or to the department of Public Health in Mangilao.

Oh.........and while you're at it, the agency is also seeking food and drink sponsors for the party..................like........we're throwing a party.....and, you're invited and if you want to drink, better bring your favorite brew and if you want to eat, better bring your favorite food.......how's that for celebrating those who have lived long enough to reach the age of 100! Good thing most of them are in their second childhood and don't know the difference, huh?

Unfortunately, these people will probably be given a party and every one will make a big deal over them for a few hours then they'll be shoved back into some hell hole where they'll get minimal care, bed sores and very limited affection and or attention. If you don't believe me, take a trip to St. Dominics and ask the nuns how frequently the families visit the fifty or so clients there....then think about your own mortality and wonder who'll be there when you get old and useless and some dumb organization wants to throw you a party because you've reached a hundred and they'll have to ask for food and drinks in order to throw that party.
Perhaps you could change your karma by visiting those fifty people at St.Dominics and seeing to their needs. Quite basic, actually, socks, tee-shirts, lotion, baby oil, fruits maybe some old magazines and videos, working radio and things that need to be repaired. If you own a hotel, you can give away your old blankets, sheets and the like..otherwise, you can picture yourself all alone one day, sitting in a wheelchair watching the sunset....waiting for some dumb organization to recognize that you've reached the age of 100!