The boy has developed an irrational fear of elderly people, specifically elderly women.
It all began when our sweet elderly neighbor staggered over to our house two months ago. She was suffering from extremely high blood pressure and a debilitating headache. While the hubby tried to comfort her, I called an ambulance.
The boy was used to seeing our neighbor under different circumstances. Although she has had some health problems, she brought a treat to the beast almost daily, loved to get out and go for a stroll at dusk and always enjoyed chatting with the neighborhood children. This day was distinctly different.
The poor woman was out of her mind because of the pain. The boy, understandably, was extremely upset by the event. He hid in his room for over an hour.
Since then, every time there is a knock at our door, the boy sprints back to his room to hide. He is convinced that another one of our elderly neighbors is popping by to ask for help (we have several). Poor little guy.
He also tries to avoid our front yard for fear that our 94-year-old neighbor will see him and come outside. She had two red-haired children of her own and, as a result, is crazy about our boy.
I'm hoping that the boy will outgrow this fear as time passes. He has been kind enough to reassure me that he won't be afraid of me when I grow old, even when I start to look "creepy." Isn't that nice?
I am one lucky lady.
2 comment(s). Leave yours!:
Yet another reason to continue to color my hair :) I'll try to act young when I come for a visit. I wouldn't want to cause additional trauma to the boy.
Nana wants to know:
At what point does the old age or elderly label enter the picture?
50s? 60s? 70s? 80s? 90s?
Do I fit the profile?
Should I worry?
Is he already afraid of me?
Nana says, "Be sure to explain that age is only a number, and that mature people are young at heart and in spirit."
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