Greetings~
I hope all is well with you today.
Seniors and the very sick
So, when people are either seniors, very sick or both, we tend to have more compassion and patience. We are gentle with them physically and emotionally. We want to cradle their heads in our hands. We pat them on the back and stroke their shoulder. We talk nicely and gently. We have a gentle smile on our face. We want to do nice things for them. We want to grant them a wish. We want to give them happiness even if only for awhile.
We give them more time to cross the street. We give them more time to pay at the check out line. We pick up the item they dropped. We hold the door open longer so they can get through.
Why are we this way with them? Well, we see a gentle person who at the very least does not feel 100%. There are the common aches and pains of being a senior. And the very sick, well, they may be in considerable pain. They may have to endure medical treatments and therapy which drain their energy. So. we are compassionate. We are reminded about how precious life is, and we don’t want to waste it. We know that we too will be a senior and or very sick. We treat them the way we would like to be treated.
Adults 18-65 and the healthy
So, this is the rest of us. And how do we treat each other? Well, sometimes we treat each other very well. But, we are busy. We are tired. We have things to take care of. We don’t see the fragility of life when we are with people under a certain age or who are at least outwardly healthy. So, we sort of let others “fend” for them selves.
We don’t see that need for that gentle touch. We don’t see the need for that special care and patience. But I disagree.
Most anyone at any given moment could use that same compassion. You never know when someone could use a hug. Could use a pat on the back or a stroke on the shoulder. Now don’t get me wrong. I am not suggesting that you go up to strangers and give them a hug or a pat on the back. That would be strange. But what I am saying is that you look to people, all people with the same compassion and love as you do the seniors and the very sick.
Smile a compassionate smile rather than a condescending smile. I see those all the time. Don’t be impatient. Be gentle. Be kind. Treat them as if there is no tomorrow. Do little things. If someone is trying to load heavy things in the back of a truck or van and they are alone, offer help. If they drop something and have their hands full, jump in an pick it up. And if they look sad, tell them, “take care”.
My mom
My mom had a bad stroke. She, at times, had to be in nursing homes for medical care I could not give. I visited her every day when she was not at home. It tore me up. I wanted to see her, but leaving was so hard. I knew how much she needed my company. In those last 13 months, I was very gentle. I treated her like a delicate china doll. Those last months I wanted so much to make her days as good as possible. In the end, a bowl of a favorite flavor of ice cream was something for which she was grateful.
My mom and I had a very good relationship before her stroke. But our bond grew even stronger those last months. My love for her grew because of my intense desire to make her last days as happy and filled with as much love as a person can generate.
If we all did this, had compassion and patience for all, what a nice place it would be.
Wishing you a very nice day.
And as a reminder, the holiday season is either a very happy time or a very sad and lonely time. Two thoughts: One, if you know someone who will be alone, for what ever reason, and if you are having a nice family gathering, if you can, offer this person a seat at your table or even just time in your home for coffee, hot chocolate or hot cider and dessert or something. A little time to hang out with a family can make the world of difference. And if they turn you down, frankly, the invitation itself could make the difference. Two, since I care so much for the sad and lonely people, I am available if you would like to talk. If you need a friend, you know where to find me.
www.facebook.com/lisaylifecoach
Take Care!
Lisa Y life coach