Poignant.....

[julesapple]

My oldest son works for the Citizen's Advice Bureau. They deal with all sorts of things, but this morning was a 'drop-in' session for anyone with quick problems.

#1 Son had already helped quite a few people, and was going off for his 15 min break, when the receptionist asked if he could help a very elderly man who was in the waiting area. He was smartly dressed, but #1 said there was an air of slight neglect about him.

So the son took him into an empty office and asked him to take a seat. The gentleman began to explain his problem, producing from his overcoat pocket a small alarm clock.

Three weeks ago his wife had died. She had looked after him for the past sixty years. Every morning the alarm clock went off at 5.30am, and the old man would get up and make himself a cup of tea. This was something his wife used to do every morning - get up and make them both tea at 5.30am.

He needed #1 Son to show him how to turn the alarm off - his wife had always been in charge of the clock, it sat on her bedside table - and he had no idea how to work it. He didn't want to take the batteries out or throw it away, because it reminded him of his wife. And he didn't want to ask his son or daughter to sort out the clock because he was afraid they would suggest putting him into a home.

Poor soul. I was nearly in tears.....

[Seahorse]

I'm nearly in tears just reading it. Poor old soul

[julesapple]

I am glad to say that #1 Son treated the gentleman with complete respect, showed him how to use it, and even found some instructions on the internet, which he printed out for the gentleman to take home, bless him.

[Bren In Pots]

Jules that gentleman isn't going to forget the kindness your sons shown him.

[Florence Fennel]

I bet you're really proud of your son Jules, what a lovely boy.

[scarey55]

Poor man, that's so sad, pass the tissues please. As Flo said, you should be very proud of your son, and yourself for bringing him up to be compassionate.

I used to work with a woman whose husband died very suddenly. She couldn't do anything for herself because he used to do everything for her. She couldn't change the clocks, or a light-bulb and had absolutely no idea how to work the video machine. When I told my Oh this, he said "there, you don't realise how good I am to you letting you do everything!"

[julesapple]

Well, yes....he does take after his mother

Seriously though, I am very proud. #1 was sadly lacking in people skills and not a very understanding person, until we persuaded him to volunteer at CAB. He is now much wiser and much more compassionate. And he loves what he does.

The elderly chap told #1 he'd been getting up faithfully at 5.30 every morning and making a cuppa and taking it back to bed, fully expecting to see his wife there. It must be an awful adjustment to have to make - does make you appreciate the folk you have rather more. Even if they do insult your dress sense.....

[ancee]

Ah bless him x How sad that he had to go to the cab for advice

[julesapple]

I thought about that, Ancee. I wondered how long it had taken him to work out where he could possibly go for help. It's terribly sad. And how awful to think that, at the slightest sign of weakness, your children would want to stick you in a home. I do hope his children aren't actually like that.

[ancee]

It makes you wonder why he couldn't just pop to his neighbours, or the people across the street or even the local shop? I hope his kids aren't like that too

[mrswadders]

i'm actually blubbing, poor old boy and what a very proud mother you must be. What a horrible thing to think thathis children would consider putting him in a home for something like that.What that gentleman needs is all us grapes to lok after him!

[SlugLobber]

I'm nearly in tears just reading it. Poor old soul

Me too.

[cardiffsteve]

See you did raise your family with good values.
Glad #1 enjoys his work

[Hans Mum]

I'm nearly in tears just reading it. Poor old soul

Me too ......

[Creemteez]

Bless their hearts! The elderly chap and your son, for treating him so nicely.