In this 1er October, International Seniors Day, I remember you. I remember this country made of gruyere cheese that is your memory, Alice, my little mama. I remember your remains on the raft of your CHSLD bed, Gilles, my little daddy.
On this International Day of Elders, I remember that I belong to a lineage that is bright and earthy and filled with blood. And I walk and walk on behalf of those I know and those I don’t know. I remember and I walk and I move forward. My steps are inhabited by the looks full of strength and hope of all those old people whose paths I have crossed, those old people who want to continue living and who act with me.
On this International Day of Older Adults, I remember, hand in hand, with those who have acted, those who are acting and those who will act. I remember and walk and move forward on behalf of those who believe there is deep value in caring for those who made our world. Those who take and will take care of these elders who are not ours. I remember and I walk and move forward to bring to the surface what is buried in open-eyed denial of my human nature.
On this International Seniors Day, I remember that I am nature, that I am heaven and earth and piss and blood and tears and laughter. I remember and I walk and I move forward with the knowledge in my palms that we can no longer be alone; with in my orbits, the clear vision of our belonging; with in my heart, the impetus given by the fact of knowing that we are going to grow old and die; with in my feet, in my legs, the idea of a path that leads to concerted action towards tenderness, care, attention, love.
I remember and I walk and I move forward because in aging and old age there is also beauty. I remember to dream realistically. To claim sovereignty over the world that inhabits me. I remember and I walk and I move forward because I can no longer sit and wait. Wait for what ? Have others do something? I remember and I walk and I move forward, because I want to remember my mother, my father and all those who made the world where I can still live.
On this International Seniors Day, I remember, I walk, I move forward because the old, the old people are not the others. The old people, it’s me, it’s us, with each day, each hour, each passing second.