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Remember us, please!
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Posted on Nov 22 2011
Culturally, older people were respected, loved, and actually treasured. At parties, I would see them seated prominently, highly respected, and absolutely everyone would mangingi them. They were the center of attention. Everyone was so happy their elders were in their midst. As an American teacher from Oregon, I was fascinated by the love shown by families toward not only their parents but also to extended families and any aged friends. My mother had always told me to watch your husband-to-be. A man tends to treat his wife like he treats his mother. Such sweetness, kindness, and caring between family members here intrigued me. I fell in love with Saipan, I forgot to go home!
That was 30 years ago. What has changed? What has happened to our culture? Returning from seeing Oregon doctors, I am appalled by news of our retirement program about to collapse. I mean collapse! Financially collapse! I know we live in paradise, but even in paradise it’s necessary to have money to buy food, pay the utilities, keep up with insurance and medicines, and simply care for your home and family. What did we do? Where did we go wrong? I am now one of those elders who rely on retirement resources. My husband and his family are so very good to me. My former students seem never to forget. Accomplishments, promotions, awards, trips, the latest baby are all talked about as we meet. How wonderful to be included in their circle of love. We are cared for and loved, but not one of us planned to be a burden to our children and families. We need desperately to be able to care mostly for ourselves for as long as we can, to give ourselves to our grandchildren, to help our families, to contribute to the community. We must continue to receive the resources we have earned. We are still here, functioning adults, albeit a little slower, but still functioning. Please don’t take away our independence. We will need your care soon enough. Please let us enjoy our lives for as long as we are able. Remember us with respect and love and the necessary monies to live. We will appreciate and thank you every day. God bless!
[B]
Joan Kani[/B]
[I]Tanapag, Saipan[/I]
