I just can’t help but blog about my day today. I think it’s funny that, right after the Lord convicts me of my unpleasant attitude about my place of employment, I have such a wonderful day at work with my residents. Now, I should say that when you take a position in a nursing home, they tell you that you should NOT form emotional attachments with the residents. I realize that most people don’t share the same propensity and passion for our adorable elders, but I find this not only offensive, but also distinctively impossible to abide by. (However my hateful coworkers don’t seem to have a problem. 🙂
One of my favorite residents, Francis, will carry on a conversation about absolutely nothing… for hours. She never makes eye contact, and rarely says anything that makes sense. She is delightful. This morning, after getting Francis up and dressed for the day, she was sitting in her wheelchair in the hall, very quiet, with her head down, and looking somewhat downcast. I knelt down in front of her and put my elbows on her knees and my hands around her waist, and I said “Francis? …I love you.” She raised her head and looked me straight in the eye. Her eyes filled with tears, she touched my face, and she said very slowly “I love you too.”
I lost it.
Right there in the hall at 5:45 in the morning, Francis and I had a little cry-fest. It didn’t matter what else happened for the rest of the day, Francis made my day. Before the sun even rose.
I wonder, did Frances achieve her hopes and dreams? Was her husband kind? Does she know the Lord? Did she live a full and happy life? Does her mind still give her access to any memories? Why doesn’t her family ever come to visit? Even though she’s happily confused, does she realize that no one ever comes to see her in the nursing home?
I hope that I can make a difference in her here and now.
(Sorry this posting is without photos. Privacy laws prohibit)
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Wow Bethany…this is incredibly touching. It is a tremendous blessing to that facility to have you in their company. I have seen far too many people get hardened by the losses…but to lose and feel sad means you had a genuine connection to lose – and isn’t a part of life about having genuine connections and love?
Your blog is lovely – certainly I am rooting for you as you discover the country girl in you!
Much love,
Dani, John, Sean and Connor
Dear Bethany,
I hope when my time comes to be in a nursing home, there will be a person like you there, who will love me and care that I am a person. What a blessing you are.
You know the verses that tell us to honor our fathers and mothers? I would say you are fulfilling that every day you love people the way you do.
May God richly bless your ministry. May you be encouraged as you love your people. May you find hope in sharing Jesus with those who are forgotten. May you understand the depth of your impact.
Wow. Thank you.
I got teary-eyed just reading about your day! You’re a blessed woman, Beth! Your residence are soo lucky to have you… Thank you for sharing your heart with them. I hope people like you are taking care of me when I can’t!