The Forgotten

Leviticus 19:32 "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor of the face of the old man."

This week I said a final goodbye to the sweetest lady: an 85 year old neighbor whom I've known less than three months.  When I moved to this new location, I knew no one. I knocked on the door of this sweet woman and we immediately connected. Not having my own mother here on earth, I adopted her. 
Unfortunately, she is moving away to live with family in another state. Just a few days together;  I loved my chats with her and will miss her so much!!

One thing that so many older people tell me is that they feel lonely because most of their old friends have passed on. They spend a lot of time alone.  I purposed I would try to change that. 

I feel privileged to have some quality time at the feet of the elderly. I feel like I don't have much to offer them:  just time and maybe a bowl of homemade soup. But they have so much to give. I really try to soak it up...it means so much to me!! Their memories, their stories, their values, their advice!!

I asked this dear neighbor lady if I could host a "farewell" tea for her. She said she didn't have a lot of friends and not to worry. So I went on a mission to uncover her friends, celebrate and wish her well. Oh yes, 15 ladies graciously came and made tributes to Ms Betty. Of course, she was tearfully touched and surprised that people still remembered wonderful things about her contrubution to their life!! I think she was so blessed to know she was still loved...

We have a dear couple in the south that are another set of parents to my husband and I. Every time we call to let them know we haven't forgotten them, they don't know we cherish those last words they say to us most every time, " You all are so important to us. We love you." I anticipate connecting with them and value any time or words I can share with them.

I have some widows in the congregation we presently worship with. They are so wise, so sweet and their arms so warm. I want to run to them every time I walk through the doors. I need them and I tell them that as often as I can.

I just connected with a little lady in Canada last evening. Just every so often, I get a yearning to talk to her and dispel her quiet existence in an assisted living residence. I love to hear her voice perk up when she hears mine. She spends so much time alone.

My challenge to all of us. Remember the lonely, the forgotten. They were there for us. Let's be there for them. These friendships are so rare, so precious. Let's preserve and treasure them. It's a wonderful way to bless and be blessed!

I want to thank them for being such a big part of my life's story!!