July 27th of this year was World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. In anticipation of this special day Pope Leo wrote that "hope is a constant source of joy, whatever our age", adding, "when that hope has also been tempered by fire over the course of a long life, it proves a source of deep happiness." Pope Leo encourages the elderly to hope, affirming that even in old age, everyone is able to love and to pray. "Our affection for our loved ones...does not fade when our strength wanes" but instead "revives our energy and brings us hope and comfort."
Recently my daughter, in charge of a seniors' day club, asked me to speak to them on the topic of "People on the move." Since I'm a poster child for that subject I was happy to oblige, using examples from my own life as a child refugee and later as a church worker in the Congo.
I did the presentation twice and since I was dependent on my daughter for transportation I spent the whole day there each time and had lunch with the members. I was profoundly moved by this experience and couldn't stop thinking about it. Many of the members had fairly major physical challenges. One person enjoyed a successful and busy career as an ophthalmologist, but after his stroke he had to have a catheter bag and each move he made proved to be a challenge. A former history professor had Parkinson's and could not speak above a whisper. Yet here they were, socializing and relating as best they could under the circumstances! That takes courage and resilience! So does working with them, encouraging and helping them cheerfully and patiently.
Christine and her co worker setting up a challenging game.
Christine, centre, and I with some happy members working on a craft
A few weeks later I had the opposite experience, spending a week at a cottage with my children and seven of my amazing grandchildren.
One of my grandchildren sent me this beautiful photo of a dragonfly. To me it is a reminder to meet life's challenges, embrace change and live in the moment.
