07/02/2024
People ask me how I became involved in elder care, and why we would choose to open our home and our lives to caring for others 24/7.
Many answers could apply: the love I get to show others every single day, the pride we have in being the family for many who otherwise wouldn’t have any during their last years, but my favorite reason, is definitely their stories.
Older people (even those with dementia) have so many wonderful and insightful stories. They rawly open their hearts to us, tell us about the many adventures of their lives and all that they’ve done.
My brain is a ten year, compilation of unwritten history from patients I’ve cared for. I’ve seen photo albums from Vietnam, heard tales of true love, cared for singers from vaudeville who went on to perform on the stage, learned about family businesses in California, tales of lives lived all over the world. We get to hold the memoires of their lives in our hearts forever.
Many people dismiss their tales, tired of hearing the same repetitive stories, but it’s my favorite part of doing what I’m doing. Some tales are tragic, some make you well with tears of joy, but every person I’ve ever cared for lives on in my heart with a wonderful story of what made them who they are and that is the greatest privilege anyone can have. Those pieces of them will live with me forever, and their memory will never die so long as I keep them.
So when grandma starts talking, pull up a chair and listen. Attentively listen. Even if you’ve heard it one million times before. Ask questions and soak in all the lovely details of what gave her every single line and wrinkle. Write her story in your heart because sooner or later those stories will be all you have. The world is changing fast and we could all use that timeless wisdom of people who have already lived before we did. Chances are, you’ll find humor, sadness, and lots of life lessons if you do. 🩷
