I received a text message this morning from an unfamiliar telephone number. It included a photo of my mom sitting among the Halloween decorations at the nursing home. Shortly after I received the text message my mom called from her phone to tell me to expect a picture. I told her that I already had it. One of the staff members kindly shared the festive surroundings with my mom in the midst.
Since my mom broke her hip earlier this year it has been a long journey of recuperation. Sometimes it has been a step forward and five steps backward in the healing process. There are times when the difficult days outnumber the good days in regard to how she feels. This can be quite frustrating for an individual who just last year was living on her own and independent. The dramatic changes in life that come along can certainly be daunting.
Since I am 850 miles away I don't get to see my mom frequently. Although I talk to her each day on the phone it is good to see a picture so I can visually see how she is doing. The staff member was very gracious to take the time to snap the picture and send it to me (and give permission to use it on my blog). Acts of kindness like that do not go unnoticed.
It is too bad that our news cycles generally tend to focus on the negative aspects of life. Who messed up? Let's highlight that for all to see. I have heard the horror stories of elder abuse in some of our nursing homes. It is awful. However, it would be nice to celebrate all the many nursing home workers who go above and beyond the call of duty in caring for the residents with gentleness, compassion, and love.
Last month my brother-in-law died. After a series of strokes he spent his final days being cared for in a nursing home. I was there the day before he died and was amazed at the number of hugs his wife received while she sat by his bedside. The staff cared for her as much as they cared for her husband. The best of humanity was shown during those difficult days.
It has been the same in my mom's nursing home. During those times I get to visit I see staff members just poking their head in to say hello to my mom. There is genuine care and concern expressed by many. That helps put my mind at ease when I return home 850 miles away.
Today, I simply want to say THANK YOU to all those who work in nursing homes. Regardless of the position or job you hold, thank you for your love, concern, and commitment to making life as pleasant as possible for those entrusted to your care. There are days when I know your job is demanding and difficult. I also know you aren't getting rich in the process. However, I want you to know that you are making a positive difference in this world one person at a time. May God bless each of you abundantly for your ministry of healing!
Since my mom broke her hip earlier this year it has been a long journey of recuperation. Sometimes it has been a step forward and five steps backward in the healing process. There are times when the difficult days outnumber the good days in regard to how she feels. This can be quite frustrating for an individual who just last year was living on her own and independent. The dramatic changes in life that come along can certainly be daunting.
Since I am 850 miles away I don't get to see my mom frequently. Although I talk to her each day on the phone it is good to see a picture so I can visually see how she is doing. The staff member was very gracious to take the time to snap the picture and send it to me (and give permission to use it on my blog). Acts of kindness like that do not go unnoticed.
It is too bad that our news cycles generally tend to focus on the negative aspects of life. Who messed up? Let's highlight that for all to see. I have heard the horror stories of elder abuse in some of our nursing homes. It is awful. However, it would be nice to celebrate all the many nursing home workers who go above and beyond the call of duty in caring for the residents with gentleness, compassion, and love.
Last month my brother-in-law died. After a series of strokes he spent his final days being cared for in a nursing home. I was there the day before he died and was amazed at the number of hugs his wife received while she sat by his bedside. The staff cared for her as much as they cared for her husband. The best of humanity was shown during those difficult days.
It has been the same in my mom's nursing home. During those times I get to visit I see staff members just poking their head in to say hello to my mom. There is genuine care and concern expressed by many. That helps put my mind at ease when I return home 850 miles away.
Today, I simply want to say THANK YOU to all those who work in nursing homes. Regardless of the position or job you hold, thank you for your love, concern, and commitment to making life as pleasant as possible for those entrusted to your care. There are days when I know your job is demanding and difficult. I also know you aren't getting rich in the process. However, I want you to know that you are making a positive difference in this world one person at a time. May God bless each of you abundantly for your ministry of healing!
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