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Writer's pictureMj Pettengill

Honor the "Elderly"

(I Insist)

Farmer and Children, Library of Congress, WPA
Farmer and Children, Library of Congress, WPA

Some of you may know that I facilitate various workshops and teach. It is a way of life for me. One of the more recent workshops I facilitate is the" Honoring Elders Project." It is an ongoing group of people who meet to share and hear stories told by elders. A few years ago, I realized that many elders drift off and vanish in the shadows. What a crime!


We, as a species, have lost touch with the art of sharing, singing, dancing, and storytelling. We are cut off from our ancestors, our past, and previous events that, with or without our consent or knowledge, are passed on to us. It doesn't begin with us. Use your compass if necessary.


Knowing the stories of those who came before us is essential to the listeners (future generations) and the narrator because their lives and experiences are valid. Who knows? We may learn a thing or two.


We may figure out why something triggers us or why we are so good at something we never knew was a skill in our family history. The storyteller may unlock possible unknown mysteries that they have carried deep within. We are humans.


When we stop sharing and caring, we are in trouble.

There were cultures, tribes, and societies in our distant and not-too-distant past that not only honored their wise elders but they honored the feminine too. My ancestors' council consisted of wise elders. I would be deeply honored to sit amongst them, if only as an observer. And if only for a brief passing of time.


The Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine were balanced, united as One. We are currently navigating the bumpy, dark, unknown pathway to healing this dilemma. We may not remember, but we do know our way in the dark. Maintain faith.


So, much of the content of my writing is connected to elders. I am a social historian and healer. I will not only use the term "ELDERS," but I will celebrate it and them.


Editing Software Suggestion, Screenshot
Editing Software Suggestion, Screenshot

My editing software has strongly urged me to consider using another term instead of "Elder" or "Elderly" because it may offend some of the population.


NEWS FLASH: I AM OFFENDED BY THIS SUGGESTION.

The same is true for the term "POOR."


It is not going away.

As a wordsmith, I see these suggestions getting more absurd each day. It's called censorship.

I proclaim (once again) that I will stand in my truth.

God bless you.

And if you are an elder, double the blessings. You are honored.

Mj-Generated

© Daisyfields Press 2023 NOTE: Future meetings of the Honoring Elders Project will be posted and shared.

10 Comments


smartierana-8
smartierana-8
May 04, 2023

Any offence metered out is from those anonymous , faceless, myoepic, word police, I am doubly offended, firstly by those I have described ( who no doubt will use AI to do their dirty work,)

and secondly by insinuating that MJP is causing offence herself who by discovering and sharing the past is honouring the elderly . I am slow to anger normally , but this is not normal, we should protest lest it becomes the new normal.

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Mj Pettengill
Mj Pettengill
May 04, 2023
Replying to

Absolutely. We must not bury our heads in the sand. Humanity is at risk.

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goddardeke
May 04, 2023

I think it’s wonderful to honor our elders, especially learning the stories and ways. And I’m glad you are standing up to the censorship.

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Mj Pettengill
Mj Pettengill
May 04, 2023
Replying to

It is wonderful. The stories are the fabric of our origins. To cut them off is severing our roots. Thank you. :-)

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Barbara Sinclair
Barbara Sinclair
May 03, 2023

Oh my God, get a life, Grammarly. I love trashing their "suggestions." I'm thankful that there are still some young people who honor and respect their elders, realizing the wisdom that they hold.

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Mj Pettengill
Mj Pettengill
May 03, 2023
Replying to

Isn't is ridiculous? This happens in my writing on all levels. I will continue to stand up for the "Elderly." I will use terms that I have used all of my life and worry about whether or not my boundaries have been crossed. I am polite, educated, and aware. I do not need to be schooled on my terms. No thanks. ;-)

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forestry
May 03, 2023

Message from Gary Kutcher --- 😀 Lovely post. Very important ideas explained. Much to consider! Thank you!!

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Mj Pettengill
Mj Pettengill
May 03, 2023
Replying to

Thank you, Gary.

I hope that you are aligned and understand the importance of words. They have been used for and against us in so many ways throughout the ages. They matter. FYI:

I cross-post on Substack, which is either a voice-over or podcast.



https://mjpettengill.substack.com/publish/post/119130937 Thank you for your ongoing support.

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