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Funeral Retirement Party

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For all the aging Americans who still can't retire. God bless you. ~
Construction workers, fishermen, hands broadened, reddened cracks in the wintertime, teachers, office workers, a standing cashier feels aging in her legs, careers extended. Can it be just a few more years til they have freedom, to live on Social Security? Paying off mortgages, and children's student loans, paying, paying. Arthritis cream and knee replacement surgeries, their funeral will be their retirement party. Groceries, housing costs have gone up, while adult children still ask for financial help. Hoping their vehicles last a few more years, hoping, hoping. Their grandchildren depend on them, when their parents don't fill the gaps, aging in America, not for the faint hearted, the sympathetic Lord will see them through, as they hold on tightly, Sunday dinner thanking Him for their endurance. Their funeral will be their retirement party. A gleaming white locomotive in the mists on the railway- no work today, as it stops for them to come aboard to Heaven. ~

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 5/29/2024 8:49:00 PM
Captures the hearts and minds of so many today. Strains of Willy Loman ('Death of a Salesman') as well. ~ Free. Free. Free at Last! ~ gw
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Regina Elliott
Date: 5/30/2024 5:53:00 AM
My deep thanks, Gershon, for you taking the time to read and comment on my poem. It's such a sad state of affairs when many elderly can't afford to retire. Shalom good friend. :)
Date: 5/8/2024 12:55:00 PM
This is VERY good because it's one that many Americans in their 50's and early 60's can relate to. I am so glad I finally reached that golden 66 and a half age so that I could get medicare and S.S. Sadly, they say it will run out soon and with our govt. spending so foolishly, I fear for all my friends and my sisters younger than me and for myself too if the economy goes bust. Really important poem, Regina
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Regina Elliott
Date: 5/12/2024 3:25:00 PM
Thank you so much, Andrea. This is a sobering reminder that aging in America is not financially easy for many people. Happy Mother's Day. :)
Date: 5/8/2024 1:52:00 AM
We live in a world of loans and mortgages. Living beyond our means and shunning work to dabble in alcoholism. Great observations.
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Regina Elliott
Date: 5/12/2024 3:28:00 PM
Thank you, Victor. Life can deal us some tough times. Thank God for some of thr good things in our lives' journeys. Blessings ~
Date: 5/6/2024 11:23:00 AM
You are a sensitivsoul . I know that after a pioint one cannot support their children. A 50 year old is not a child.And, it is THE parents, not the grandparents job to pay for kids.Each elderly person must know their limits. There are welfare programs for kids, Regina! Sane grandparents need to let their children grow up! I know we see things differently! Nonetheless, you expressed your feelings as you see them. and that is admirable. Hugs, Pangie
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Panagiota Romios
Date: 5/6/2024 11:51:00 AM
Thank you, I think most grandparents know better, And for me, writers do mot research facts, they like to wrench our hearts! After all, victimhood is one of the biggesr sellers.. as is death.yuck. Pangie
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Regina Elliott
Date: 5/6/2024 11:42:00 AM
Thank you, good friend. After reading a few recent news articles on the dilemma some aging Americans are going through, such as giving money to their grown children, I felt compelled to write this poem. It's heartbreaking. xoxx

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry