You may have seen an elder quietly sitting at the dinner table, saying very little... or noticed their eyes drifting and voice softening when talking about the past.
You might think they simply don’t like to talk.
But perhaps — they’ve been hurt or disappointed, and just don’t know how to express it.
👂🏻 So… how can we care for a Sobby Onion elder?
💜 1. Use memories as a gentle invitation to open up
Try asking:
“What’s one of your most unforgettable memories?”
“When you were young, did you ever feel really wronged?”
✅ Talking about the past doesn’t reopen wounds — it gives them a chance to process what they’ve been through.
💜 2. Don’t rush to comfort — show them they’re understood
Gently respond with:
“That must’ve been really hard for you.”
“Thank you for sharing that with me.”
✅ Sadness doesn’t need to be fixed right away — it just needs to be heard.
💜 3. Respect their past, and offer choices in the present
Don’t say things like “You shouldn’t still think about that.”
Instead try: “If you’re open to it, I’d love to walk through that part of your story with you.”
✅ Acceptance isn’t burying the pain — it’s allowing healing to unfold gently.
💜 Sobby Onion Elder Quotes
“Sorry… I find it hard to talk, but just knowing you’re listening comforts me.”
“I didn’t expect anyone would still care about my story.”
“I didn’t know I could still be cared for.”