WE see them and we hear them

The woman was old, and ragged, and gray, and bent with the chill of the Winter's day; the street was wet with the recent snow, the woman's feet were aged and slow. She stood at the crossing and waited long. Alone, uncared for amid the throng of human beings who passed her by, nor heeded the glance of her anxious eye. 
Down the street, with laughter and shout, glad in the freedom of “school let out," came the boys like a flock of sheep, hailing the snow piled wide and deep; past the woman so old and gray hastened the children on their way. Nor offered a helping hand to her, so meek, so timid, afraid to stir, lest the carriage wheels or the horses' feet should crowd her down in the slippery street.
 At last came one of the merry troop, the happiest lad of all the group; he paused beside her and whispered low, "I'll help you across if you wish to go." Her aged hand on his strong young arm she placed, and so, without hurt or harm, he guides her trembling feet along, proud that his own were firm and strong. Back again to his friends he went, his young heart happy and well content." She's somebody's mother, boys, you know, for all she's aged, and poor, and slow. And I hope some fella will lend a hand to help my mother, you understand, if ever she’s old and gray, and her own dear boy is far away.”                   
Mabel Down Northam Brine
 
Dear Friends of Harbor House,
As the Holidays come upon us, the staff of Harbor House continue to deal with a great many elderly folks, particularly women, who are living on $900 to $1200 each month. As the cost-of-living skyrockets, these elderly have a fixed income that is quickly growing less significant in the shadow of rising inflation. Everything in their life is more expensive – their rent, groceries, and healthcare costs. Harbor House is working to keep these fragile people in their homes.
With each elderly person we meet, I am reminded of this famous poem that I learned as a child. At Harbor House we don’t want our elderly to ever feel forgotten or invisible to us. Please remember us as 2022 winds down. Somebody’s mother is out there. We want them to know that we see them and we hear them.
Peace to each of you and deep gratitude for all the ways you bless our work,
Happy Holidays! The Weary World Rejoices!
 
Denise Cortes