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.
Thanks for this inspiring post and the reminder to appreciate life in the moment. I just heard from the son of my long-time penpal in Scotland that she recently passed away so this message speaks to me.
ReplyDeleteRobbie
So sorry you lost your pen pal, Robbie. Her memory lives on in your heart as you are reminded of the meaningful correspondence you had with each other.
DeleteYour post is bursting with joy--and hope, Elfrieda. I like Pope Leo's words: "Our affection for our loved ones...does not fade when our strength wanes." You are indeed on the move--making presentations and socializing with all ages, including your family during your week at a cottage.
ReplyDeleteThis morning United Healthcare gave me points (which can convert to US dollars) for walking and for socializing, computed monthly. Yes!
I am curious about the challenging game played with what looks like large legos. Maybe you can tell me more.
You post gave me a lift today. Thank you!
Thank you, Marian. I can't remember the name of the game but it is a balancing skill where you carefully pull out one block at a time without the rest falling apart.
ReplyDeleteImpressive!
DeleteBlowing bubbles with you was a cottage highlight Oma!!
ReplyDeleteI had fun doing it as well. I’m glad someone supplied the soap bubbles. Opa always had them ready to go and they are still here but I forgot them! Thanks for taking time to read my post and reply!
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know about the pope's message. I had not read it before. And it was a delight to see pictures from your wonderful annual family vacation. Your love and vitality shine through every word. So glad we could meet in person in Winnipeg.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shirley! I wish we could have had more one on one time, but it was a full schedule and you were a presenter, so not enough time with everyone! But I am happy to have met you and a few others I knew online but had never met personally.
ReplyDeleteBravo.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteSo uplifting - aging gracefully and happily!! Cheers to that🎉🎉
ReplyDeleteAn old adage: “what doesn’t kill you makes you strong!”
DeleteI love your opening paragraph....."Hope is a constant source of joy, whatever the age". How true! Your experience with the elderly is an amazing service and also a learning time. Being elderly myself, even though still living independently, I always enjoy hearing something new and encouraging. It is good to hear how you enjoyed giving your presentation to people who are in a retirement home. This brings HOPE to people living there.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Helen, you are a great example of how to age gracefully!
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