Reaching old age is a privilege. But make no mistake, it can be a sensitive phase.
Have you ever heard the saying, 'It takes a village to raise a child'? Well, I believe this also applies to those ageing around us.
Eventually, our parents and those who have been in our lives forever become older. This can lead to a role reversal. Those who once cared for us are now looking to us for support. This can be hard for everyone concerned to accept. We must be there for our ageing family and friends. They deserve our quality time for their health, safety and well-being.
In this article, I'd like you to meet one of my elderly clients, Mr Arthur Coburn. Mr Coburn calls in regularly, and we are the best of mates.
Arthur Coburn was born here in Swan Hill on 14 November 1929. He was one of 18 children in his family. His working life began building roads with his dad. He then got a job with Swan Hill Council, and he was employed by them for 25 years.
He met his wife in Swan Hill, and they had four children. They moved to Robinvale, where they spent most of their married life. After the passing of his wife, he moved to live with his daughter in Melbourne. But it soon became apparent that you can take the boy out of the Mallee, but you can't take the Mallee out of the boy, and the decision was made to return to Swan Hill. Not only did Mr Coburn return, but so did his daughter and son-in-law.
Mr Coburn visits me to have his hardworking feet tended to. I wanted to share his story with you as proof that beauty services are for everyone, not just for the young and glamorous.
As a beautician, I have the privilege of working with clients from all ages and stages of life. Well-travelled feet and hardworking hands need pedicures and manicures as much as the beautiful young people around us.
By caring for your elderly, you show your humanity. It's so gratifying when I know I've turned a client's day into a beautiful one full of pampering, laughter and sharing stories and happy memories from days gone by.
My clients often thank me for the laughs on their way out. But I am the luckiest of all. When I know I've made someone's day, they've made mine ten times over.