When I first started The midnight Raider, I thought it was going to be a light hearted, story. A playful portrayal of the nocturnal adventures of a mouse raiding a house. But true to form, I always find myself writing with a social message. As I wrote, the idea of the house belonging to an elderly woman in need of care, allowed the story to bring a moral message of kindness. It became the pivotal point of reflection both for the mouse and the reader. Understanding that we need to show compassion, and care for our senior citizens.
The elderly in our society are so often neglected and alone or put into facilities that do not always respectfully care for them. Old age has a perception of “burden”. Why?
Furthermore, we witness daily the ridiculous measures people go to, in their attempt to stop the aging process. Do we fear aging because we have rendered it worthless and burdensome? At what point did the social consciousness decide that aging was a problem instead or a natural progression of the lived experience?
When I think about my grandparents I am filled with memories of warmth, love and quality time together. The joyful exchange between the aged and the young is a beautiful and enriching experience for both age groups. May we all extend kindness and compassion to the elderly so they may live the last of their years with dignity, love and companionship.
Susie Sotiropoulos 