GROW OLD ALONG WITH ME..............................

Americans have many expressions about growing older - as we live in the "youth culture" of this century, like:
    - The old grey mare ain't what she used to be!
    - Old age ain't for sissies!
    - Grow old along with me - the best is yet to be!

Modern American society tends to  push aside the elderly, hoping that perhaps their children or the government will somehow take care of their needs.  Special communities are planned where only people "over 55" can live, an abnormal kind of place where the voices of little children are seldom heard unless someone's grandchildren come for a visit. 

In the United States, aging parents used to live with one of their children.  Dad remembers his Pierce grandparents living in his home when the children were growing up.  In other societies, the older generation is revered, looked to for advice, caretakers of the small children, storytellers and the repository for the family history.  They remain very valued members of the family until their death.  In our Bobo culture, an old person has a  funeral lasting many days,  and people come from other villages to greet the still living for the honored dead. 

But American society has changed and homes and apartments are smaller, everyone works outside the home and life seems more complicatd.  And so special provision is made for the elderly to live together.  Older parents are perhaps more independant than they used to be.  So those 55+ communities - and whole neighborhoods - flourish in our American society today, places where the elderly can live - and die - togther.  It is a different world. 

At this point, I need to add that you, our five children and spouses, have always had open homes for us, and even wanted us to live closer to you when we retired.  We chose the home we live in, made friends here, and have never been sorry we did.  You sons and families have long since moved away from the area,  and we feel at home where we are.  All of our children are good Africans and keep in touch with us and provide for many of our needs.  We salute you for your love and care.

I remember an old friend - a former missionary from Africa - who was starting to lose her memory when we visited her in Carlisle.  She tried to remember something and couldn't, and she said to me, laughing, "Don't ever grow old, Nancy!"  Well, guess what?  It comes to all of us.  We still live a full interesting life together, but we do have to help each other remember dates and events sometimes! 

We watched Grandma Kennedy's body and mind deteriorate each time we visited her in Carlisle. (The Lord mercifully spared Grandpa K. as he would not have aged gracefully.  He was able to preach right up to close to the time he died suddenly, and he is now rejoicing in Heaven.) Some things seemed to be buried deep in Grandma's once keen mind.  I loved to say to her, "Mom sing a song for me in Jula." And without hesitation, she would sing out lustily one of her favorite African songs, not missing a word!  The Carlisle nurses did not know that she had ever known another language and one day I had her sing her song for them - and they were astounded!   Grandma could remember those Jula words, but she had no idea what she had done yesterday, and it was a celestial deliverance for her when she transferred to Heaven!

Alliance pastors, Kenneth and Sarah Liu have started Caleb & Co., which is an annual gathering for retired Alliance missionaries.  Each year we enjoy times of good messages, fun and laughter, and the renewing of  lifelong friendships. We exchange stories of our pasts overseas, and enjoy updates from our Aliance leaders who also attend the conference. We pray together.  This has become a much appreciated ministry to all of us "oldies" by the Liu's.

Dad and I have been most fortunate to be together as we age and live on our own in our own home.  Our ministries have changed but we keep involved - in our local church, through prayer, and by ministering to needy people in the local jail each week.  We love our connections with you, our children, and feel blessed to have so many wonderful grandchildren and even great grandchildren. Many people of our age do not have loving caring family members as we do.  We are most grateful for your continued participation in our lives.  Thank you!!