At Bao’s age, it is inevitable to suffer from long-term illnesses. He had regurgitation of the heart valve, degeneration of the joints in his limbs, and cataracts in both eyes, leading to blurred vision. However, his family did not arrange surgery for him. Instead, they spent money at a private hospital to remove his two testicles a few years ago. Since his family was afraid that he would get lost, they asked the housemaid to hold him at all times when he went for a walk in the park every day.
The park environment has remained the same for ten years, without new facilities for many years, but Bao is very excited every time he comes to the park. When he sees the greenery, he walks over and smells them. He seems very curious, like “a country boy in the city.” When he sees neighbors, no matter their ethnicity, no matter their height, or appearance, he takes the initiative to say hello. Even though there was a time when he had to wear a trumpet-like neck brace on the street, Bao did not feel inferior or jealous when he saw the neighbors who walked lightly and dressed gorgeously.
He didn’t fall back, still holding his head high, like an election candidate canvassing for votes. Sometimes, he is too enthusiastic towards others. He will get too close and his nose will bump into the other person. The other person will yell, scaring Bao. Bao will immediately retreat. Afterward, he will just stick out his tongue and smile stupidly. He doesn’t hold any grudge for this and soon starts talking to the other person again. When he sees the security guard, he will show a sincere and warm look in his eyes, and then ask for snacks.
Bao will be 14 years old this month! For a Schnauzer, he is already an elder. He doesn’t have a career or education, and he doesn’t have a rich family, but he is still a successful elder. He speaks another language, so everyone cannot hear him talk about the philosophy of life, but actions are the most practical. The secret of his success has been demonstrated in his every gesture. Although Bao has lost some of his youthful vitality, he has not lost his original heart. Time will inevitably cause his heart valves to degenerate, but fortunately, he does not have a heart that compares with others, so he does not suffer from inferiority and jealousy. He can calmly interact with others and share happiness.
Living in Hong Kong, a crowded and tense city. No matter you are a person or a pet, if you lose your original heart when you get older, you will easily feel that everything is uninteresting, lose motivation, and stay at home every day, becoming depressed all day long. Only complaining. If you always compare yourself with others, you will inevitably feel inferior and jealous, full of depression and anger, and even have suicidal tendencies. Even if you have great wealth, great achievements, and many children and grandchildren, you are still not considered a successful elder.
(Details of the story have been modified to protect the privacy of the elder)
Written by: Dr. William Chui
Translated by: Cheuk Long Chan
