THANKFUL in More Ways than One
You may remember brief little prayers that you were taught as a child. I think it was my Mother who taught me this one. Thank you for the world so sweet, Thank you for the food we eat. Thank you for the birds that sing, Thank you God for everything. (Author unknown)
Thankful is a significant word. Other meanings tied to it are: grateful, appreciative, pleased, or filled with gratitude.
Sadly, we rarely hear this word said in the news, on television, or by our government officials, or even in our day to day activities.
But when it comes right down to it, there is so much to be grateful for.
So, in light of my focus on senior care issues….. here are five of many things I’m thankful for.
#1 I’m thankful for family
• I am blessed to have close family ties all my life. Even though our parents have gone on to Heaven, my brothers and I stay in close touch.
• However, there are so many (of all ages) who have no family ties.
• I can’t help but think of that with respect to senior adults. Many live alone with no social contacts; others who live in a senior retirement apartment or in assisted living, have contact with other seniors and staff, but have no one who visits them. So……
#2 I’m grateful that there are so many who do care:
(and can take time out of our schedules to do simple things for senior such as):
• Visit for an hour
• Give them a call
• Take cookies or a meal to someone who is house bound
• Go for a walk, (even if the senior adult uses a walker)
• Take a drive to a park, or through the countryside
• Bring them to your home for a meal
#3 I’m thankful for friends
• Rich, true friendships get even better over time and I am so grateful for all of them.
• I know that many of my friends have been or still are caregivers in various capacities.
• I am thankful for their true example of love and respect for others.
#4 I’m grateful for the caregivers
• Whether they are family, friend or outside helpers, they are truly the mainstay.
• There’s no doubt in my mind that the energy and time they expend on behalf of our seniors,
the chronically ill, as well as those who are disabled, would add up to billions of dollars if they were paid.
• Most caregivers provide the caregiving because they want to; others because they have to.
• But caregivers don’t have to feel alone; there are answers out there, if we just know where to look.
#5 I’m thankful for those in the senior care profession
• They make such great contributions to the caregiving field.
• There is support and resources available. Check out Links & Resources for many examples.
And now, I thank you, the Reader. Thank you for caring enough to seek more information about the topic of senior care issues. Thank you for all you’re doing to take care of an aging parent, spouse, or other senior adult. May God bless you and your loved ones during this special “Thanksgiving” time of year.
“Joy is the feeling of grinning inside.” Dr. M. Colgrove
