I was touched by the recent letter to the editor in The NEWS by a young adult (‘A Little Respect’ by Callum Sinclair Stuart in the April 23 edition), saying that the courtesy extended to seniors in Qualicum Beach is not given to him or reciprocated by older people when he smiles.
I am middle-aged now, and I notice this too. The elderly seem to want to stay in their own world and my solution is to let them.
When I was Callum’s age, I asked a caregiver why she was so ‘off’ with me, and she answered: “because your life is just beginning and mine has ended.”
Just being joyful can offend some people, so remember — this is their problem, created by their attitude, not yours. Keep shining — the world, not just Qualicum, needs this light.
Victoria Fabling
Qualicum Beach