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midnightmisty · 11-09-2000, 01:46 PM

Thank you, Young Stranger!

What a lovely and powerful message! I couldn't agree more!

I was a full-time volunteer at a community
for the elderly for 2 years. After that it was just part-time for a year and a half.
It was an honour, a privledge and a joy to know those people. (they've all passed on. that's just one of the difficult parts, but it was worth it)

It came about after hubby was grumbling about the condition of the world. I said,
"Don't like it? Then MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Any
difference! Give one hour a week to a lonely old gentleman who may be facing the end of his life alone. Play checkers with him. Listen to him talk. Be his friend." So he did. It lasted for 2 visits. Then I took over. It was so wonderful that I kept putting in more and more hours. I did everything I could think of for these wonderful people. I'd leave my full-time job (as a part-time volunteer) and head for the hosp. to feed a favorite friend who couldn't feed herself & would only eat for me. The most insignificant gestures were never forgotten. The appreciation was so great that I really felt as though I was making a difference!

I've always loved the elderly & those lyrics
go straight to my heart, too.....

Those lovely people were so much fun and had
life all figured out. They had their priorities straight. When I'm well again, I intend to pick up where I left off. So many
have the impression that "it's too depressing." Yes, you take some hits when you become fond of so many that age. But it
was mostly joyful and meaningful. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life!

Thanks, Young Stranger and Gord Lightfoot for
reminding me about the things that really matter in life. "I wonder how the old folks are tonight......."

BTW....my hubby is a most compassionate,
sensitive and loving soul. He saw some things that really upset him during his only 2 visits. Things he could not control or make
a difference with. I can understand why this is not for everyone. Consequently, for me...
my experiences have taught me to be absolutely terrified of old age. It's about a thousand times worse than I had imagined.
Appreciate your youth, while you can, everyone....

midnitemisty

[This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited November 09, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited November 09, 2000).]

11-09-2000, 01:46 PM	#22
midnightmisty Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 160	Thank you, Young Stranger! What a lovely and powerful message! I couldn't agree more! I was a full-time volunteer at a community for the elderly for 2 years. After that it was just part-time for a year and a half. It was an honour, a privledge and a joy to know those people. (they've all passed on. that's just one of the difficult parts, but it was worth it) It came about after hubby was grumbling about the condition of the world. I said, "Don't like it? Then MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Any difference! Give one hour a week to a lonely old gentleman who may be facing the end of his life alone. Play checkers with him. Listen to him talk. Be his friend." So he did. It lasted for 2 visits. Then I took over. It was so wonderful that I kept putting in more and more hours. I did everything I could think of for these wonderful people. I'd leave my full-time job (as a part-time volunteer) and head for the hosp. to feed a favorite friend who couldn't feed herself & would only eat for me. The most insignificant gestures were never forgotten. The appreciation was so great that I really felt as though I was making a difference! I've always loved the elderly & those lyrics go straight to my heart, too..... Those lovely people were so much fun and had life all figured out. They had their priorities straight. When I'm well again, I intend to pick up where I left off. So many have the impression that "it's too depressing." Yes, you take some hits when you become fond of so many that age. But it was mostly joyful and meaningful. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life! Thanks, Young Stranger and Gord Lightfoot for reminding me about the things that really matter in life. "I wonder how the old folks are tonight......." BTW....my hubby is a most compassionate, sensitive and loving soul. He saw some things that really upset him during his only 2 visits. Things he could not control or make a difference with. I can understand why this is not for everyone. Consequently, for me... my experiences have taught me to be absolutely terrified of old age. It's about a thousand times worse than I had imagined. Appreciate your youth, while you can, everyone.... midnitemisty [This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited November 09, 2000).] [This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited November 09, 2000).]