To make Enma’s eyes shine again.

Enma’s gaze is not the same. The eyes that had the power to illuminate everything, now seem to wander far away in another world, perhaps behind the spirited girl she used to be before.

Enma is lost in the distance, where youth brings her back to friends who have gone away, where she also finds the wings to fly without fear and the strength against all mistreatment.

Under the increasingly long lines drawn on her forehead, the immense and heavy eyelids of those who have grown tired of looking fall. Enma feels old and sad before the indifferent gestures of her grandchildren or the constant scolding of her daughter.

She feels like just another object in a corner of that immense living room where she used to gather the family with joy. From there he listens to travel plans with no return, comments too far ahead of his conscience and silently questions the past, the present and the future.

Today there are many Enmas. Old men and women who are damaged and misunderstood in any field; tired of searching in their homes or society for the confidence and security they need.

Verbal aggression and misunderstanding, physical and emotional isolation are other forms of mistreatment no less painful for those who are in the last stage of their journey.

Every June 15th, many voices are raised against such attitudes. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was an opportunity to claim the rights of this age group.

It is not wise to add spanking to those who increasingly feel the weight of their hearing loss, skin changes, diminished visual and intellectual capacity. Giving them love and understanding, involving them in our decisions and projects will always be the best way to give them vitality and joy; lest, as in that popular story on this subject, we find our children preparing for us a rustic wooden plate like the one we use to serve our elders.

Written by Jeidis Suárez García.