"...am I too old."

"What can an old man like me do anymore?" said an 88 year old man this morning. I often heard from elderly individuals, saying sentences such as: "I am old," "an old lady like me," and "I am too old."
Nonetheless there are sentences such as "I don't considered myself old," "I feel I am only sixty and not eighty," and "well age is only number(s)."
Yes, it is often very interesting to hear from elderly individuals. As for me whatever they said, "either negative or positive about themselves," I respect elderly individuals.

Let us continue to listen...

Pastoral Care Week for 2008
October 20-26, 2008
"PASTORAL CARE: Listening Presence”
Pastoral Care Week gives opportunities for organizations and institutions of all kinds and types to recognize the spiritual caregivers in their midst and the ministry which the caregivers provide.
http://www.pastoralcareweek.org

...how adult children can help aging parents?"

I am pondering each day, "how adult children can help aging parents?"

Caring our elderly parents is rewarding!

I have just finished reading this book "Another Country" Navigating the Emotional Terrain of our Elders" by Mary Pipher, Ph. D

I highly recommend this book, it is down to earth! Dr. Abas

Soul stories help elders weave life tapestries

SOUL STORIES HELP ELDERS WEAVE LIFE TAPESTARIES

I just finished reading the write up about the above "Soul stories help elders weave life tapestaries" by Anne E. Streaty Wimberly. She is the author of Soul Stories: African American Christian Education, revised edition (Abingdon, 2005), and is professor of Christian Education and church musice at the Inter-denominational Theological Center in Atlanta. This article is based on her presentation at the 2008 Aging in America Conference of the American Society and Aging and national Council of Aging.

Just an outline:

The Tapestry Threads:

The Thread of Identity

The Thread of Social Context

The Thread of Interpersonal Relationships

The Thead of Life Events

The Thread of Life Meaning

The Thread of Life's Unfolding Design (Anne E. Streaty Wimberly, Aging Today, July-August 2008)

...words of "wisdom" for the day...

"What I saw, what I heard, what I tasted and what I said, I lift everything to God." A 78 year old woman shared this sentence to me at the lunch table today. I am very thankful to her for sharing her joyful day with me today.

"I am tired and depressed."

"I know I love my mother but I am unable to give more time with her. I am really tired and depressed. Why are my other siblings do not see our mother's needs?" Voice from a daughter who is a caregiver.

Yes it is uphill, when only one person tries to be responsible for everything. Responsibilities need to be divided among each person. Nonetheless, how many of us see this situation of caring our parent as a burden? P. ABAS

"I do not know why I am here...?"

A 99 year old women said, "I don't know why I am here in this (IDL) Independent Daily Living?" God must has purpose for me to be in this place.

I responded, "you have done so much for the society and for others, it is time for you to relax and be in solitude with God." She replied, "that must be the journey that I need to follow."

We all question our own daily journey of where we are aheading, often we are unclear but by sharing and talking to other(s), we might be able to see the path that we need to follow each day. It was such a wonderful time to be with this wonderful woman.

"The fatal metaphor of progress, which means leaving things behind us, has utterly obscured the real idea of growth, which means leaving things inside us." G. K. CHESTERTON

"it is a blessing...." "What more can I ask..."

This morning was a joyful occasion, two women celebrated their 90th birthday. I have the opportunity to ask both of them about their feelings.
One happily said, "It is a blessing to reach to this age, God is very good." The other person with a joyful smile said, "What more can I ask from God, I am 90 year old today."

It is really a blessing for me to have share the joy with these two wonderful and spirit-filled women. Praise the Lord.

Some questions to get started:

Some questions that can help elderly individual to reflect his/her life.

1. As I look back on the day what were the most significant events?

2. In what ways was this day unique, different from other days?

3. Did I have any particulay significant conversations?

"They are never alone that are accompanied with noble thoughts."

* Sir Philip Sidney (1554 - 1586)