Time to Go...

Well, my car is packed up and my time in Nashville has come to an end for now. A few short months ago I was nursing a great disappointment and frustration that things had not worked as I thought they would, but this summer has been extraordinary proof that God never closes one door without opening another, and never without purpose. For multiple reasons I was supposed to land in Nashville for these nine weeks. I feel like I have grown in maturity, spirituality, and confidence. I am confident now that I know what I am to do with my life, and that I am capable of succeeding at it, as well. I will miss my new friends, both young and old. One of my favorties was a little old lady I refer to as "the tornado." Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine someone could be so destructive in such a short amount of time. I learned to be very skeptical of nap time. On several occasions my little friend would go to nap and it never failed when it was time to wake her for dinner, I would find her and her room to be in utter chaos. She would hide her shoes, put on multiple pairs of socks, empty her dresser drawers, pull off her bed covers, etc, etc, etc. It was a sight to see. I usually spent great deals of time cleaning up her destruction. And her reasoning was always so incoherent. I know it is sad, but she always seemed so proud of herself so I'd smile and say "Well, it looks like you got the job done! Now lets go to dinner." The selfish side of me is sad that while I will miss so many of them, they will not remember to give me a second thought. I guess it is for the best. I also believe it has taught me true humility. It is a test of one's self to continuously work in an environment when recognition of one's best work is hardly acknowledged. But that is what we are always supposed to do. We don't love and care and nurture for the recognition, we do it because it is what God commands of us. I still can't help but think my little friend favored me over some of the others. Haha. One night one of the workers gave her a hug and she said "please don't do that," and then took my hand for me to take her to bed. On the day I said goodbye I asked her for a hug and she stood up, gave me a big hug, and told me she loved me. When I turned around, two of the other residents were standing with arms open wide to give me a hug, as well. I hadn't told them I wasn't coming back, there wasn't a whole lot of point. They also didn't know why my friend had just hugged me, they were just following cues. I hugged them and cherished the moment, nonetheless. Needless to say, my heart has grown tremendously in nine weeks. I know there are countless ways that we can share God's love around this world. I have found my way and I trust that God will be opening doors for me again soon. I can't wait to see where they take me. My prayer is that I am willing always to walk through them.

Well, it has been a few weeks since I wrote my first blog. It is amazing what you can learn in that short of a time span. I have laughed hysterically, taken pictures, gotten teary-eyed, had to take a time out (for the purpose of counting to ten), left work exhausted, left work feeling refreshed, etc. The point is...everyday has been different. There have been a few occasions when I thought "What in the world have I gotten into?" But, I was reminded of a Psalms I came across not too long ago. It was an old man's plea with the Lord. He cries out,"Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come." We have so much to learn from people. Everyone can teach you something. One fellow in the alzheimer's unit is quite a character. He always has a witty reply of some sort. He never quits, and to be perfectly honest, I think it is partially because he can't remember what he has already said. The other day he was having a particularly tough time recalling details about his life. He wanted to know where he was, why he was there, even at times what his name was. It was pitiful. I really didn't know how to answer every time. I was honestly getting frustrated. After a few hours I heard him ask, "Where's my momma and daddy?" I was a hesitant to answer, but before I could reply he said, "Well...I reckon they've kicked the bucket." I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but it was a memorable moment for me, nonetheless. I remembered that verse in Psalms 71 where the old man says, "In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion." It reminded me that no person ever desires to get to a point of confusion, or even to become elderly. I can't count how many times over the years I have heard, "I never thought I'd get to the point where someone would have to take care of me..." My buddy at the Arbors reminded me of how thankful I should be for my life and how precious every moment and every memory truly is. I hope that we all will remember to cherish the little things and to not worry about tomorrow. Because after all, tomorrow will worry about itself.

Mission

I have a mission in life...we all do. It has taken me a long time to come to the realization of what mine is, but I know now! I grew up in an environment surrounded by the elderly. For a long time, I allowed this to be something that weighed me down. Although I seemed to have had a natural ability to serve bestowed upon me, I became frustrated that my mother continuously insisted that I go to work with her, work for her, and constantly be in the Assisted Living Facility with all of those "old people." However, I know now beyond the shadow of a doubt that God was preparing me for one of the most tremendous blessings that I have received to date. My plans for the summer initially consisted of sleeping late, lying by the pool all day, and perhaps putting in a few hours here and there for the Etheridge House. It was going to be a tough summer. God had other plans. Through a series of intricate details coming together, I landed in Nashville for the summer working in an Alzheimer's unit. This is my first experience with this level of care of demetia residents. From the very first day my heart was overjoyed by the interactions I had with these folks. I was given the opportunity to truly see how precious all stages of life are. Many times these residents are just like little children. They need constant cues on things like brushing their teeth and combing their hair. And sometimes it is to the point where you have to physically show them what a toothbrush is for. So often we get caught up in the "job" and forget that these people had lives, families, mommas, and daddies, brothers and sisters, and even children. Ever so often though, one will surprise you. Right in the middle of telling someone not only to take a pill, but how to swallow it, your heart can be blessed by a random story of a childhood many years ago or a life that seemed like only yesterday. I cannot begin to tell you how overwhelming it is to catch these glimpses. Even when I go all day and don't get this opportunity, I have learned the value and importance of always treating a resident as though they are fully capable of walking out of that building at any moment and resuming their past life. Every single one of them has earned the right to live their lives to the fullest respect of dignity possible. This may include talking to them in a respectful manner, giving them a shower, or even painting their nails. Today I took a lady by the hand and she willingly followed with the trust of a child, and I led her to the beauty shop. I got her in the chair and proceeded to wash her hair. I massaged her head and she giggled and talked about how wonderful it felt. She may not know her first name or even how she got there, but she remembers the emotions felt when being pampered or treated as if she were special. I then washed her hands and put some lotion on them and she talked about how good she smelled. It was a blessing to my heart and I knew that God had placed me in an environment growing up that would show me the purpose of taking care of others. My days have been filled for many years with hilarious stories, moments of frustration, and even the emptiness that accompanies befriending someone only to lose them in a what seems like the blink of an eye. These days were given to me to teach me many lessons. I am thankful that God knows so much more than I ever will, and I pray that I can continue to give Him the control of my life. The joy I receive is far greater than the temporary happiness I have found when I attempt to take matters into my own hands. I cannot wait to see where this journey will lead.