Let's Protect Our Senior Citizens

I decided to spend one afternoon enjoying the weather and listening to music outdoors.

I went to the local grocery store, making purchases to complete my dinner. While standing in the check out line, I noticed an elderly man and woman ahead of me. The elderly woman started to count out a large amount of coins to complete her purchase of ingredients for making some dinner and breakfast products. I watched the elderly woman face when she realized, the purchase was more than she had.

The cashier had a look on her face of complete sorrow for this couple, as many other in the line showed the same. The husband told her, “What do we have to do now?” Her response was, “We have to put something back.”

My heart went out for this couple and the slight embarrassment both had shown. I informed the cashier to bag their groceries and add their total to my groceries. The elderly gentlemen looked at me and said, “Young man thank you, but we will make it work somehow.” I informed the gentlemen, “I insist because you have earned the title of senior and remind me of my dad and grandfather.”

He gave me a firm (very firm) handshake and his wife while crying gave me a very tight hug, while saying “bless you.” He further stated, "Our pastor told us today, God has commanded his angels to watch over you today."

When I went to the parking lot and started to load my groceries. The couple drove next to my car. Driving an older model compact station wagon, the elderly couple told me to give them my number, so they can pay me back. I told them both, it was my pleasure to be a blessing to them.

I noticed a window sticker showing “veteran” and another sticker, “United States Marine.” This sparked my interest into a conversation about the husband's military time and career.

He stated, “My wife never worked except with raising our one son and taking care of the home." He further stated, “I did my tour in Vietnam and a retired from a steel company.”

The couple resides in Rich Township. I asked if they had ever gone to the township pantry for food, etc. The couple was not aware of this “pantry.” I informed them as to where the office is and how to get help there. The woman told me, “We will go there tomorrow and talk with them.” She also told me she makes a great sweet potato pie (one of my favorites).

It’s time for elected officials to keep their senior citizens in touch with programs. So many times they speak of “protecting senior citizens and children” and “better education for children.”

The talk has been going on for years. How about action?

Disadvantaged children who apply for scholarships are overlooked. Poor communities have libraries that need assistance. There's no help until the media is there with cameras burning.

It’s time to s**t or get off the pot. No more smoke screens, broken promises, running business out of the state and counties. We speak about change, but where is the change. It’s the same old game, just a few new players. Is this how Illinois treat their seniors, veterans and children?

It's time to keep jobs in Illinois! Stop the layoff’s of entry level employers. Time to stop showing up around election time and feeding our seniors coffee and donuts, stop handing our children school bags for "back to school." You stepped up to the plate and say what you are doing.

Let’s deliver the pitch and strike phony dormant officials out of office. Stand with me and let’s make it happen.