09/28/2026
OUR FORGOTTEN NEIGHBORS
I think we should all be a little bit bothered by reports that two elderly McCreary Countians died, home alone, their bodies not discovered until several days after their deaths. The two natural deaths reportedly occurred over a period of about three weeks.
It doesn't seem possible for something like that to happen here, in what is a small, supposedly close-knit, community.
And maybe it calls into question, how we, as an overall society and community, treat our elderly...especially those who live alone, have no family, and/or have limited financial resources.
Ironically, without knowing it, this weekend's "Pastor's Pen" and the following Dean B. Kaner piece indirectly addressed these two tragic deaths.
The Pastor's Pen spoke of looking for those who are missing from church. If that is taken one step further, we can show love for our neighbors by searching out anyone who is elderly, alone, neglected, in poor health, or in need. They are the ones for whom the simplest act of kindness can do a world of good...and for whom the simplest act of kindness can save a life.
Kaner's piece examines kindness, and specifically mentions kindness to the elderly.
We have a tendency to focus on youth, and that is not a bad thing. However, I can't help but wonder if our youth might be better served to see us, as a society and as a community, focus on our elders-especially those who are alone, in poor health, or have limited resources.
I wonder if we might need to learn a thing or two from Japan, Norway, Switzerland, and Sweden, where the elderly are culturally respected, visible instead of sidelined, cared for, and respected for their experience and their wisdom.
What greater gift can we give our youth than to show honor to those who came before? A daily phone call to the elder who lives alone, a helping hand with chores that age or poor health have made too difficult to complete, a shared meal, or perhaps just a cheery wave to brighten the day.
It's something to think about.
Checking on a neighbor takes just a minute, but it can truly save a life. When we take time to knock on a door, send a text, or make a call, we do more than help keep someone safe, we bring a sense of connection and comfort that brightens our day, and we set a good example for our young people.
And if the person we check on is older, we teach our young people that honoring our elders is something to be done on a daily basis, not just once a year or on holidays.
A stong community begins with small moments of care, and looking out for one another makes us all feel less alone.
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Kindness
by Dean B. Kaner
Kindness is defined as doing good things, even when it is hard. It involves helping others without expecting anything in return. There is not a day that goes by when I don’t read or hear about people being rescued by others at the risk of their own lives from a burning house or flood, animals rescued from abuse, soldiers under enemy fire saving their comrades. These are extraordinary acts of kindness.
There are many things that go unnoticed like texting friends to let them know you care if they are sick or having a difficult time in life. I always carry many water bottles in my car to handout to the homeless seeking help on street corners. Especially in
the hot summer months when staying hydrated can mean life or death.
Last week, I called a friend of mine named Kathy who is a senior citizen living on a fixed income in a small Mississippi town. She didn’t answer her phone, so I left a message. Two days passed
without hearing back. I assumed something was wrong before receiving a text. She had been busy taking seniors to doctor appointments and grocery shopping since they could no longer
drive. Many were handicapped so she even cooked an ample supply of meals so they wouldn’t go hungry.
I asked, “How did they pay you?” Kathy replied, “Nothing. They needed help.”
Not all of us are retired and have a lot of spare me. However, there are little things we can do to make this world a better place.
Smile and say hello as you walk pass someone. Hold a door
for a person behind you. Let someone go first in a line or in traffic. Pickup a piece of litter and throw it away. Support a local cause through volunteering. Give to a favorite charity.
I always remember my late father telling me the story of when he was a soldier in World War 2. His battalion arrived in England in the dead of night red and cold. And there to greet the troops
was the Salvation Army handing out a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie.
I’ve never forgotten that act of kindness and give a generous donation on to their organization every year.
There is the old saying, “It’s better to give than receive.” The more you do for others, the more you do for yourself.
