The Dying of the Light

As a community volunteer for several years, I have come to know many elderly people, to listen to the stories of their lives, and to witness their needs and complaints. Some are no longer with us, of course, but others soldier on, enduring life's challenges, suffering ungrateful children, and combating an indifferent society. One important discovery I have made is that it is elemental to listen. The listening is the best and most affirmative part of my service to the elderly. Hardly anyone actually cares what they say or what they think. It is necessary that their voices be heard. What I have tried to do in The Dying of the Light is to restore their voices.