angry old man

we were walking out of the market this morning after breakfast when, at the ramp leading to the car park, we came faced with an elderly gentleman walking very slowly down the ramp. the old man was walking with a walking stick and he was accompanied by his daughter, a lady in her late-50s/ early-60s. and as he was walking in the middle of the path, we decided to simply wait at the start of the ramp and for him to get to the end before we do so.

the lady saw us and advised the father to walk a little faster. she explained that there was a wheelchair waiting behind. i thought it was a fair advice and request, but unexpectedly the old man burst out at her. can you not see i have problems walking? you want me to fall down is it?... and he went on and on non-stop about her request, half-grumbling, half chiding. it was obvious he did not think the request was reasonable. his raised voiced had attracted quite a bit of attention of the many people around and everyone was staring at us. no, papa, please don't say this. nobody wants you to fall down. i am only saying there is a wheelchair and people are waiting. so that's why i asked for you to walk a little faster... the lady answered in perfect english, half-pleading, and to a small extent, in a rather indignant manner.

it was not often that i get into such situations. i felt a little embarrassed for causing the little exchange between the lady and her father. i rushed up to the lady and quietly told her it was ok and to let uncle take his time. she apologised, as her father continued berating her. i could see she was in a rather awkward position and i didn't want to make things worst for her. soon enough, the old man reached the end of the ramp and we made our way down. i thanked her again and went on my way.

really, being a primary caregiver for an elderly person with mobility and mental challenges, i can understand her dilemma and challenges. i totally empathised with her. it's not easy. elderly people can be highly irritable and difficult at times. and this is made worst when they feel they are being unfairly treated. just need to be patient with them. and i thank my mum for giving me the constant opportunities to cultivate my patience.