Our seniors deserve our respect and love

[moosmom]

Pam,

WOW!! I saw so much of my Dad in that poem. I printed it out and will frame it along side my Dad's portrait.

You'll be happy to know that Shortie and I are volunteers at the Riverside Nursing Home. We go visit the patients there. She needs the exposure to people and it's good for both of us.

The two wings I want to concentrate on most are the Dimentia and Ahlzheimer's wings. They need the stimulation and I love to watch the looks in their eyes when they feel Shortie's fur.

Lovely poem, Pam. Well worth passing on.

[Pam]

Lovely poem, Pam. Well worth passing on.

Thanks Donna. I know there are quite a few of us here with aging parents and some who have lost their parents. Each week as I visit my mom I look around at some of the other residents and I imagine how they must have been before age and illness took its toll. My main prayer for my mom each day is that she is treated with respect. Thankfully one nurse in particular has taken her under his wing. They adore each other and for that I am so grateful.

I have taken Ripley occasionally to visit when I go. The faces of the residents all light up when a furry one arrives. Good for you Donna. Keep being a blessing to all of those people. I am glad the poem meant something to you. It sure did to me.

[sirrahbed]

Thanks Pam - good timing too as my own dad is suddenly, unexpectedly in a nursing home following failed back surgery. He is about as cranky as they come at his best, and I keep praying daily that he has caregivers around him that are able to see past that. I would send him the poem, but it would probably make him mad that it made me think of him

How wonderful and comforting that a nurse at your mom's residence has taken a special liking to her

[caseysmom]

I meant to reply to this earlier Pam, I volunteered at the bingo hall for my daughters gymnastics and I enjoyed the older customers so much, what is more interesting than someone who has lived all those year.

[kimlovescats]

I am now sobbing in tears as my mother slips further into dementia and / or Alzheimer's. My poor father is in some MAJOR denial and I don't know how much longer he is going to be able to care for her at home. One of the things she has always stated as long as I can remember growing up, was that she never wanted to be put in a nursing home! Sometimes we just don't realize how very difficult some illnesses are and that our loved ones often have no other choice. I know that my Dad is not only concerned about the expense but also about honoring her wishes!

Thank you for sharing this eye-opening poem.

Kim

[shepgirl]

Wow...this is one poem that I want to keep with a picture of my parents who are now gone. I want to make a copy for the nursing home where I visit patients during the week.