03/02/2026
Beautiful words from a beautiful soul who recently left Belong Morris Feinmann for her adventure in Spain.
In Brazil, I worked in NGOs that supported people in vulnerable social situations, and I also worked in the area of Diversity and Inclusion. In Manchester, I volunteered with people experiencing food insecurity; however, working as a caregiver for elderly people with dementia was never in my plans, but it was a rewarding opportunity that reinforced one of my main values: serving others, not money.
I met people over a hundred years old—imagine, I learned proper English from centenarians—those accents you see on the BBC. I saw bodies in their natural ageing process for the first time, and it was so beautiful. Without any vanity or ego. It's human nature in its most intimate sense; each wrinkle carries a story, the white hair like cotton or a snowy day in the UK, the slow walk—which contrasts sharply with our hurried society.
I met retired history, English, and drama teachers, a mayor, psychologists, scientific researchers, dentists, doctors, and a whole host of other retirees from diverse fields. The highlight was when I met and supported elderly people who had migrated from Germany, fleeing the Holocaust. I had a true history lesson from the perspective of those who survived it.
I shared many joys and laughs. But I also saw, for the first time, people passing away. I witnessed their final moments, their longings, their relief, their serene passing. I was extremely curious to see how the British celebrate the lives of those who have departed. The affection. The respect. What an incredible – and indescribable – moment the British funeral rite is.
I loved having the famous British afternoon tea, with milk – of course – and looking at photo albums with the elderly. It's priceless to see them remember their families, the countries they travelled to. Or when they talked about what Manchester was like decades ago. We revisited memories, but we also created many new ones. Another thing I loved was how spectacular the high-quality clothes of the elderly were, made in another era, with different stitching, made to last. I could easily wear any of those sweaters from 50 years ago. So each day I would choose an outfit that I would like to wear and dress the residents in it.
I also learned a bit about Jewish culture and celebrations.
I ate a lot of British food and desserts (by the way, I was very good at it), and it was very chic to see how they held cutlery, how they set the table. I started listening to Frank Sinatra (and really liking it) and realised that music is therapeutic, because even those with Alzheimer's sang all the lyrics and even danced, a little unsteadily, but it was beautiful to see that joy.
I met incredible families, some of whom I still keep in touch with. They were so generous in sharing their loved ones with me; because of that, I had more than 12 grandparents in Manchester. The most beautiful thing was starting a workday with oatmeal while being greeted with a "bom dia, amiga" (yes, I taught Portuguese), accompanied by a smile that made their eyes widen.
I am also immensely grateful to the friends I made at work. People from England, Nepal, India, Nigeria, Jamaica, and so many other countries, who shared their cultures and were very kind to me, teaching me and working hard.
My job was my second home in England, for which I will be eternally grateful. I matured 20 years in the last two years. Working with the elderly was so meaningful; lucky are those who have the opportunity to experience this. I have given new meaning to life. I recently met my paternal grandmother, who has Alzheimer's; I feel that life took care of preparing me for this encounter ❤
