Time. As I’ve aged, sometimes fear has crept in, wondering what I’d do with my time, my minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years remaining. I’ve imagined myself sitting on a couch using the TV as my companion, my cat as my only communication with others, the phone or doorbell never ringing, adult children I never see and holidays that come and go.
It would be a very lonely way to spend the end of life years but it is the life of many people, many seniors I’ve visited over the last decades of my working with them. Working in a job I did not design for myself but rather stumbled into when I needed work I began to meet those who needed extra care, cleaning done, meals made, visiting, a walk around the block, a pat on the cheek, a hug and some love.
Now that I am changing direction and ‘retired’ from looking after the elderly I’m recognizing I was given a gift – the opportunity to love those that are sometimes forgotten. In return I’ve been loved. Accepted. Trusted. I am grateful.
Though some of you are no longer here, some of you need more care than I can give, and likely none of you will ever read this post, I want to say thank you. In the midst of my entering your homes, your most vulnerable spaces and needs, I was given tools on how to age with dignity because you showed the way. Thank you.
I’m changing direction and opening doors of opportunity and peeking in…more than that I’ve taken a couple of steps inside to see what is there because the view wasn’t clear enough. I see there is more for me to do, experience, learn, explore and I am about to swing wide the door and embrace the next step.
Today, the rush in my head feels like there is not enough time to accomplish all that needs doing but it’s all good and I’m going to have a great day. No time to sit on the couch…
Living in Truth 