Rightly Compassionate

 Though staying away from media is known to improve one's health, this example of compassion begs to be shared for those interested in the welface of all.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/G/GA_EVICTION_OF_103_YEAR_OLD_GAOL-?SITE=GAGAI&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Elders looking after elders, time again trying to do the next best thing, struggling with extended life, an economy gone beserk - or is it the lack of leadership from both sides of the aisle.   Shouting matches, rolled eyes prevent arms to reach out or ears to listen as they are meant to do.

 This photo reminds me of my father's pharmacy he purchased in 1939, the year of my birth.  How fortunate I was to be told all my life that  I was his good luck charm.  Three minute conversations between my dad and his customers when they came to pick up their prescriptions did more for each other's soul than any chemical concoction.  Dr. Swartz, they used to call him.   What would my dad have done, in his 60 years of serving the public if he learned of these women's plight, if they came into the store or shared their plight when he made a delivery?  What would you do?  What can we do at the grass roots level.

Yesterday I went for my dental hygiene appointment.   Near the end the hygenist remarked, "This isn't easy for you, is it?"   My response was, "Actually I was thinking of a pair of black tennis shoes."  She said, "You're kidding! Why?"  "To go with my black warm-up suit."  "Treat yourself.   I bought all my Christmas presents and told my husband to wrap them", she said with a laugh.   How insensitve that sounded to me who preferred to spend $400 on my grandchildren's presents instead of meeting obligations of tree removal.  Every life has a story.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v0RhvZ3lvY

What better gift than one of listening, holding a hand, asking "How can I help you.  Can I bring something from the store," or share a home-cooked meal from your heart.  Not only at Christmas, Chanukah, or Kawanza, but throughout the year.   Writing in gratitude, humbled, and seeking your perspective.



Windows to the World

My dynamic friend, an administrator in her 50s, remarked how she enjoys cleaning windows to catch the sparkle when the sun hits the panes just right.  When once she laid the foundation and built her home in Wyoming with her husband, now she rents a rustic cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Her energy, renewed by faith, family, friends and colleagues, reminds me of transitions in my life when Windexing and seeing more clearly lifted my spirits.


Thanksgiving approaches. Gift exchanges are near for Christmas, Chanukah, and Kawanza.  With a passion for the elder population, I cannot help but think about small gestures that could make a big difference in an elder's life.  How many elders would enjoy having their windows cleaned - inside only, if that is what weather permits?  Or a senior or assisted living community or nursing home receiving a fresh box of holiday cards that might support a local non-profit that they can use as deemed appropriate.  What life is not enhanced by art?

 As I was blogging I was Skyped by my daughter, 38, who told me she could talk for a short while before going for a walk with her dad, 77. "He's sad.  He failed his driving test at the hospital, the one they give for memory loss.  Though I gave her examples of full lives being led by other dementia patients and caregivers, I caught myself and expressed, "It is different when it is your parent."  As some of you have followed, my mother remains in hospice in S FL where gratefully the revolving door of visits from grandchildren have lifted her spirits and theirs.

It filled my soul today to read that 2400 families are recipients of turkey dinners through an EarthFare program.  I hope that further recognition of our neighbors' plight, transitions in families caused by our economy will breed more community partnerships.  Let's adopt a 365 day caring program. Be the transportation for someone, gift a mattress, fresh linens, bring a homemade dinner or two and place them in a freezer, be creative in the soup category and make extra quarts for others.  

 Consider giving a manicure where you will give the warmth of holding a hand and reminisce - how about recording some of the reminiscence for family members or for an organization whose history would not be the same without that person's contribution.

My Thanksgiving?  My significant other of five years and I are driving to Jonesville NC, one hour from Boone and from Greensboro NC to share a Thanksgiving meal at Cracker Barrel.  Afterward, the men will tend to family gravesites, weather permitting.   I was fortunate to be with two of my children and three grandchildren near Atlanta last Saturday.  When I asked my s/o what he liked best about the trip he said, "You always ask me that.  What I liked best is your expressing your appreciation of driving down (5 hours)."    Who have you thanked today? 

What gift have you gently proffered saving one's dignity and celebrating his/her life?