I’ve been volunteering at a local senior center here in the White Mountains of Arizona, for over 8 years now. I’ve seen it go through a name change, new owners (twice) and of course, residents that come and go. In today’s world, it seems that so many don’t even take the time to give respect to the elderly, as my generation was always taught. “Respect your elders” – who remembers hearing that often? In today’s modern age, it seems that the kids either don’t see them (since they are texting on their phones, etc.), or just don’t think that the time spent away from what they are usually doing is worth it. Oh, they are so wrong!!
Being able to take time out of my life, which for the centers’ schedule and my own, takes about an hour a week, makes such a difference. Getting to spend time with these sweet people and learn about their history and hear about what they are facing today, really helps me to value life. From what some of these great people have been through, in regards to wars, family and life itself, sometimes make the minute things that I’m dealing with seem like a hay ride!
Now I know we always hear the “I don’t have time”, “I have other things to do”, from so many people, and I understand that. Myself, being able to work from home and have a little extra time during the week, it really makes a difference. I remember getting to volunteer with the staff at the center, when they took some of the residents out on a picnic at a nearby lake. You would have thought that it was Christmas, the smiles on their faces and the laughter you could hear on the way there, that was irreplaceable.
Getting to the lake and being able to see them enjoy a simple picnic lunch on their paper plates, with napkins blowing in the wind (that I was picked to fetch), as well as hear the stories of how they used to go fishing, camping, etc. with their long lost spouse or family, those were times to cherish.
It is so heartbreaking sometimes to enter the senior center, and see these sweet people sitting in a corner looking so alone. I try to take a stroll around and just say hi to as many as I can that morning. I will never forget when I first started going there, I had a lady tell me that she hadn’t had someone visit her in years. What a shame! It doesn’t take that long to come and say hi!! What was even worse, was that I found out her family was local. Let’s change this way of life and make sure that our parents and grandparents know that they are important to us.
I could not imagine their feelings. After the years of raising us, and dealing with our issues as children, teens and young adults, how is it that the families can not take a minute to see how their relatives are doing? I don’t know, I guess I grew up in a different time. My maternal grandmother meant the world to me and I’m now getting closer to my paternal grandmother. Both of my grandfathers left this world when I was a lot younger, so I was never able to get very close to them. If I hadn’t have been able to spend time with my “Grama”, as I called her, I truthfully don’t know where I’d be today. She was always a light to me and helped me through so much. I’m thankful that by her love, I can now look at others that are elderly and see that their lives mean so much, and all they want is a bit of our time. Try and take a minute to do this, and see how the time you spend there ends up meaning so much more to you!
I found this poem online and it really makes you think about what you can be doing to make an impact on someone’s life:
Blessed are they…
Blessed are they who understand
My faltering step and shaking hand.
Blessed are they who know my ears today
Must strain to hear the things they say.
Blessed are they who seem to know
My eyes are dim and my answers slow.
Blessed are they who look away
When my tea was spilled at the table today.
Blessed are they who with a cheery smile
Will stop to chat for a little while.
Blessed are they who never say
“You’ve told that story twice today.”
Blessed are they who know my ways
And bring back memories of yesterdays.
Blessed are they who ease the days
And care for me in loving ways.
Blessed are they who make it known
I’m loved, respected and not alone.
Author Unknown
If you are interested in finding out how you can help with making a difference in someone’s life, check out:
http://createthegood.org/campaign/volunteeringwithseniors
& http://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/get-involved/
Hi! I found you on the promote a post from the IBA website. This post is so true and such a good reminder. I presently care for my grandmother, and such a joy it is to just spend time with her. It is a joy for her too, I know. My mom was in a nursing home for a time as well. We visited her often, but I found that a lot of others who were there had no one to see them. Thanks for bringing awareness to this subject.
Thanks for visiting Kelly!! I so love being a part of the #ibabloggers family!! Bless you for caring for your Grandma, these are for sure times you will keep with you forever!!
What a sweet opportunity you have!
When it comes to my elders I am always doing whats best for them. Standing up so the can have my chair, holding the doors open, help loading food in car!
What a beautiful poem! I was raised the same as you!
That’s very kind of you. I wish when I get old, there are so many kind people around me and does what you do.
They all look so happy 🙂 It is so great that you are helping them! I think there needs to be a lot more people doing the same. Including me. Thanks for sharing!
We should be respecting them and listening to them. This breaks my heart.
that’s great that you volunteer, it’s such a great thing.
I am retired now. However I used to be a nurse and my husband is a nurse also. He works in an assisted living home and it breaks his heart to see so many people neglected by their loved one. I am hopefully teaching my children to respect their elders and their wisdom.
Wow, bless you and your husband for what you’ve done – people like you really make a difference Misty!
I would love to be able to volunteer my time, hopefully when my kids are in school.I’m definitely going to check out the websites you recommended!
It’s a lot of fun Trisha – even bringing the kids brings a smile to their faces that you will never forget!!
Volunteering like that is fantastic! I work with a lot of nurses who do hospice and eldercare and they are some of the most caring people I’ve ever met!
As a long term care nurse, I have seen many elders not get the respect they deserve. It is sad to me that many people don’t see the value in their time on this earth and lessons they have learned.
I agree Stefany – they have so much to offer and the time spent blesses us more than them, usually! 🙂
I completely agree…I cannot stand how the elderly are treated nowadays. What really gets to me is when I see older children caring for their elderly parents and being so short, mean, and impatient. Their tone of voice towards them is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. I feel so bad for the parent.
I agree Yona – for all they did to put up with us? Whoooo…my parents deserve a LOT!! ha/ha
This was very well said. Take time to visit with older people. My son house cleans for a couple of seniors and he gets “it” and I like to talk to seniors while I am out walking and shopping. This means so much to them
That’s so nice, Tara – what a difference both of you are making in someone’s life. Like they say, all good deeds will be repaid! 🙂