Friday, August 22, 2008

REFLECTIONS

I went to a funeral the other day. It was for a lady I had the privilege of helping to take care of for the last two years. It was a beautiful service. The sun was shining and a nice breeze blowing and you looked real hard you could see her listening to the beautiful service. Her grandson played his guitar and sang a song to her. They played a song from Celine Dion which just flowed over the church so beautifully. Than her other grandson said a few words about what she had taught him. It was so nice to hear about this lady I never knew before. When I cared for her she was always worrying about her husband and her family. You never heard her complain about herself. She just wanted everyone to be ok. She was so proud of her family.
I was so used to hearing people complain about their problems it became normal. I reflected about a lot of things on my way home. This family is so close to each other. They never argued or had cross words to say about each other or other people. When I was working and cooked a meal I was expected to eat with the family. I became a part of this family. All the caregivers were treated so nice.
Whenever I went to work it was with a smile on my face because I enjoyed all of the family so much. This lady had meals served at the table. There were candles and cloth napkins and everything looked so beautiful. Before every meal Norm said a prayer and then he would very gently kiss the back of her hand. There was no TV on and it was always nice conversations going. He called her Bunny and she called him Brer Rabbit and this had been going on for 68 years.
Thinking about these things made me realize how fast life goes. When you realize you forgot to stop and smell the roses than you know you better slow down.
Have you really been listening to other people or just going through the motions?
I never want to fall into that rut so I try to listen. When I am caring for someone I have to figure out what is really going on. Men never want to tell you. It is this thing about you can’t complain.
Men think they are invincible until something goes wrong. Then they deny it if you ask. Women usually will tell another woman their problems.
I know this is short but just remember, gentle reader, tell someone you love them or give someone a hug and kiss. Life is just so short and we all have a lot to do.


Until the next time,


Love Ruth