Elderly People Full of Pride But in Need

Westbrook on Aug 22, 2008

Tags: attitude, convalescence, elderly, Experience, feelings, genuine, Happiness, help, joy, lonesome, love, nursing homes, pride, Rest, reward, worthiness

This world is full of lonesome and seemingly helpless elderly people who are so full of pride, but reaching out to these people is very rewarding.

I was walking down the street one day, hand in my pocket playing with a bunch of change, all dressed up in new clothes, just parked a beautiful, shiny car and feeling as though I was on top of the world. I was feeling so proud and very good about myself when I approached an old man who was obviously down on his luck. He was standing there by a city trash barrel. Ignoring all the people and traffic passing by, he lifted the lid and began rummaging around in the trash. I believed he was looking for bottles to cash in for the deposit. I’ve seen people do this before, but this was different; my heart sank and I felt sick as I saw him pushing his wheel chair - holding onto it for balance - as he dragged his legs.

This world is full of lonely and seemingly helpless elderly people who are so full of pride but in real need. They are real, and have feelings, the same as younger people, but they are often neglected, mistreated and misunderstood. If I could, I would take care of all of them, but that is impossible…that is God’s territory.

I have always wanted to go into Rest/Convalescence and Nursing Homes a few hours a week just to visit some of these lonely souls. It is often painful to observe some of them, but bringing some happiness into their lives is very rewarding to one’s own soul.

I would very much enjoy having someone like you to experience such things with me. I believe it would be the greatest therapy you could ever receive. You may not see the connection at this time, but you would, if you were involved. Seeing theses people, connecting with them and convincing them that they are not alone and that people care for them changes one’s attitude about so many things in one’s life. It causes one to become genuine and feel worthiness. It can be the greatest thing one can do…to help bring happiness to others, especially those who are alone, old, sick and in need.

I visited a Rest Home this evening; my heart is so full of love for those elderly people. I intend to do it as often. I wish you could feel the joy of such a great experience…

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Comments (8)

Mary Contrary on Aug 22, 2008
You are so very correct, I also go to the VA for the same reasons. It’s amazing how forgotten thise people feel in both locations and how far just a simple smile goes. It sometimes makes me angry at how selfish so many of us have become over simple stupid things that we take for granted. Kudos for what you are doing and writing about it to remind the rest of us that it needs to be done, and not just at the holidays, but everyday! Bless you!
Darla Smith on Nov 25, 2008
This holiday season I’m planning to help out an elderly person here in my neighborhood by taking them a gift basket for Christmas and baking them something special for the holiday. I don’t have the money to do a lot, but I want to do whatever I can.
Westbrook on Nov 25, 2008
What a great person Darla! That’s what life is all about. I do not think many people know the loneliness some elderly people experience. I think I will write another article on the subject.
K Kristie on Nov 27, 2008
Very true. I’m currently taking care of my grandparents. It taught me patience and humility.
Westbrook on Nov 28, 2008
Remember, your grandparents are young people in old bodies. They need to be respected and not reminded of how old and frail they are.
gabbic1219 on Nov 29, 2008
this is so very true, I did inhome care for the elderly for 4yrs.
It was rewarding and sad but when i made them smile or brushed their hair and made lunch,their faces lit up!
I can tell you a bag of goodies from the bakery always made the one lady smile and she loved when iput a nice smelling lotion on her hands…it was the little things that made them feel special!
most I took care of were window and lonley and couln not get around well so i was there to makee a difference and it did! the down side to this job was I get attached and a yr. or 2 later they die…I went to like 4 funerals of the ppl. i cared for,very sad! i was just happy to know i made a differenc in their life and there family saw that as well:)
gabbic1219 on Nov 29, 2008
window was to be widow…and some type errors!sorry but im in a rush due to a parade im going to w/ the kids,im sure you’ll see the words and put the missing letters…Lol
Westbrook on Nov 30, 2008
There is always a price to pay for love. I knew this one woman when she was still on her feet and active. She became a friend. Unfortunately, she got to where she could not take care of herself and her family put her in a care home. She worsened and began to slip away mentally. Toward the end, she was in bed !00% of the time; talking to her was like talking to the wall. I don’t think she was registering anymore. She finally passed away. I still have hard feelings for her family for just dropping her off some place, to get her out of their way, as you might do with an unwanted animal. She had been a very friendly and generous woman. It seems so wrong that people cannot take care of their own. My feeling is she died lonely, I don’t believe she had many visitors.

Elderly People Full of Pride But in Need

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