4 to 94: issue one

This idea has been developing in my mind for the past couple of months. Mainly I think it is confused about what happened. I went to school for early childhood ed, student taught 3rd grade, taught preschool for a term, and now I find myself a direct care worker at an assisted living home. So now I can't help noticing some amazing similarities between these age groups who exist at such opposing ends of life's spectrum.

both 4 and 94 year-olds will point out the exact spot on their plate where they want their ketchup puddle for fry dunking

both 4 and 94 year olds try to play card games, but only one player remembers the rules and often changes them for their own benefit,

both 4 and 94 year olds can easily be distracted about having to do something they don't want to by being told "you GET to (fill in blank) now!"

both 4 and 94 year olds are extremely picky eaters

both 4 and 94 year olds think their favorite show should be on RIGHT NOW, just keep changing the channel, it has to be there somewhere.

both 4 and 94 year olds resist taking their bath, every week

both 4 and 94 year olds think their neighbor at the table got more mandarin oranges in their cup, even though you've counted the exact amount to be fair

this is the one that annoys me most:

both 4 and 94 year olds think they are the only person who really matters and I am there to serve and gravel at their feet.

okay, that one was a bit mean, I am a bit annoyed today about the expectant attitutes with little greatfulness. So here is some of the goodies:

both love hugs

both sneak candy

both love jokes

Some quotes:
4-year-old: (about the overly sticky homemade playdough) "This playdough is like mud on on a warm summer's day" (insert wistful little sigh)

94-year old:
Me: How are you feeling today?
her: "Why, I feel with my hands, every day."