A Great Example of Respecting Elders

The story of Marian Robinson, President Obama's mother-in-law, moving into the White House to help with the grandchildren is a great example of respecting elders and of sage-ing.  In some cultures, it is common and expected for grandparents to move in with their adult children when they can't quite take care of themselves or when help is needed with grandchildren.  In the Western culture, it is more common for elders to move into retirement villages if they can afford it.  We tend to hide our elders and not appreciate them as we should.  When they are in "hiding," everyone loses.

How can we pass on our legacy to future generations when we rarely see them or talk to them?  Spending time with people allow opportunities to share wisdom and to ask for advice.  While we can do this over the telephone or email, it is not the same as "breaking bread" and having some actual face time with our elders.

When Mrs. Robinson was asked how she like living in the White House and if she was enjoying her new life, she replied:

"I really am. You want to know why?  Because my children are good parents.  It makes it very easy to be a grandmother when your children are good parents."  Then Mrs. Obama returned the compliment.

Just think about all of the good memories they are creating for everyone--especially the children.  They will remember their days in the White House as special because of the precious time they spent with their grandmother.  

We can all learn from this example.  

Jann's Note:  Intergenerational living and learning is a key to sage-ing.  Organizations such as churches where people of all generations interact is important in the sage-ing process because it provides opportunities to teach and learn from each other.   

Comments

[Susan Mazza]

I grew up with 3/4 of my grandparents living with our family at one time or another. It always made our lives richer and I would not hesitate to do the same thing when any of our parent's no longer want to live on their own. Living in FL I am actually seeing a trend of people returning north to live with their children and I think that is a very good thing.

[Jann Freed]

I think it is a nice trend because spending time with people is really the only way to get to know them. My grandparents lived only five miles away so it was as if they lived with us. We saw them all of the time. Since my grandmother lived to be 102 and was mentally and physically well until 100, I felt as if she would live forever because she was such a big part of my life. Thanks