This fine Saint Paul, Minnesota morning, as I stepped out on my back porch, I was greeted by a balmy +27ºF temperature, at least according to my replica “Pruett’s Pig Powders” thermometer. And by a decidedly balmy Jay whose exquisitely-timed arrival was announced by the motion sensor controlled yard light and the words “Out of coffee—need coffee.”
Sensing the emergency nature of the situation, I quickly retreated inside, and grabbed the vintage “Codger Collectible Mug – January Edition” Jay prefers, and filled it with today’s organically & shade grown, free trade, French Roast (with just a hint ginger) coffee to jump-start Jay’s few remaining brain synapses into synapting.
After enjoying our coffee, we drove over to Joe’s Café & Coffee (“Pretty Good Food & Great Coffee!). There we found Fred & Carl solving the city’s problems with their usual sage advice—too bad nobody was listening. Or perhaps not.
“OK Jay,” Carl rumbled in greeting, “you subjected us the ‘cliff hanger routine’ of the ‘Danger Bay’ stories…”
“…it’s time for you,” Fred interrupted, “to tell your tale of Thanksgiving.”
“Oh, I’d hoped that you old guys had forgotten,” Jay replied with a stricken look on his face, “I’d rather not.”
“Jay!” both replied in unison.
“OK—well,” Jay began, “I was locked in my room, the computer that was always there was removed, my phone was taken away, and when they finally released me for dinner, I had to sit by myself. If that wasn’t enough…”
“Jay…” I interrupted.
“I’m not done yet,” Jay snapped, “If that wasn’t enough…”
“JAY STOP!” I shouted, “I can see steam coming from Fred’s ears, and the veins are popping out on Carl’s temples. You’re taking this too far—you already got them.”
“Oops,” Jay said sheepishly, “sorry guys. But everything I said was true—as far as it went.”
“Jay,” Fred, smoldering, said, “It was beginning to sound like senior abuse to me.”
“If this is your idea of a joke,” Carl began, “it is not funny. Wait—you really were locked in your room?”
“I was—the door knob fell off, and when I tried to replace it, the rest of the assembly fell off outside the door.”
“The computer was removed?”
“Hard drive failed.”
“Your phone was taken away?” Fred asked.
“My grandson borrowed it.”
“You had to sit by yourself? Wait, I know this one—at the head of the table, right?” Carl added, answering his own question.
“That’s right,” Jay answered, “Look, you guys know me, you know my sons—I am very surprised that you bought into this tall tale.”
“We’ve been had,” Carl smiled, “royally had!”
“Yes,” Jay said quietly, “but I cheated. You guys are correct, this is much too serious a subject to make into a joke. I apologize.”
“But, your ‘tall tale’ does illustrate something Jay,” Fred said, “Senior abuse is serious, and it seems that we hear of it all too often.”
“Senior or elder abuse does seem to become more apparent during the holidays, especially abuse by family members,” Carl said, “when you’d think it might be less of a problem.”
“When it occurs—it’s ALWAYS wrong, holiday or not!”
INDEED! If you suspect senior abuse—report it! National Center on Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-677-1116, or if you sense immediate danger: 911
Jay DID have us going for awhile!
I was all ready to whup up on somebody, too.
I knew better
Welcome back Jay!
Who makes your cartoons???? Love them!
Sarah: There are “somebodies” who need “whupping up!” Just not my wonderful family
Lysa: Of course you did, and, really so did the fellas – but I thought this might be a way to approach this very important topic.
Boston: Boomer Jack & I draw them. Thank you!
Well, I can’t stand for that. West Virginia is one of the “oldest” states, we have an aging population. They need to be safe and loved, not worried. It’s tough enough getting old.
Is it OK if I write about senior abuse on the Scoop and link to you? I’m learning to use my words to fight for other people. It’s like a secret power.
Of course it’s OK.
Sarah: You use words well, and that you care shows in your posts.
Jay, I thought of that this morning while getting ready for work. The first time I heard of Elder Abuse was when I was watching Quincy a long time ago. I couldn’t believe it, I was so angry. I really dislike it when people hurt the defenseless. OK I more then dislike it… This was an excellent way to bring this up. I’m looking forward to Sarah’s Posts, I know she will do a great job!
You guys almost made me cry. I would give my left arm to have my grandfather with me. I would have a backup hard drive, no door on his bedroom and would smother him with hugs and kisses all day long. (maybe it’s better that he’s not here….the poor guy would be in trouble)
Okay, I’m not sure where Jay is lurking. I can tell you that no codger was abused in this story. You know that, ‘though. It is a disgusting thing that those who we should most revere, regardless of how sick they may become, are the ones so terribly mistreated.