I pray the rosary...

A Filipina in her 80s poignantly describes the loneliness that can confront older immigrants, even in multigenerational households:

"I get lonely because my husband died. Especially when I am left home alone...I do nothing sometimes, just staring out the window or pray...I pray the novena, and when it 's time to sleep, I pray the rosary three times...I don't like it when it's nightime and I'm alone. I get scared. Maybe there will be a burglar or ghost or something. (laughs).

Excerpt taken from Generations, Winter 2008-2009, Four Myths About Older Adults in America' Immigration Families.

...with my Ina (mother) when I was at home-Borneo Island

After 7 weeks of treatment this is how my Ina (mother) looks at this moment.

I pray that she will continue to gain her strength.

Thanks for all your prayers.

A Prayer for the Elderly

A Prayer for the Elderly

My God and my Father,from my experience of life,
I know you are a loving Fatherwho cares for your children,
your sons and daughters,in a loving way.
I have turned to youin good times and in bad,and you have always been thereto enfold me in your loving embrace.
I now turn to you, my loving Fatheras I grow old.
You are the fountain of all wisdom,and therefore,
you know my needsbefore I ask and you understand myignorance in even asking.
I find that I am besetwith the weaknesses of age.
And so I turn again to you and ask that in your loving care
you have compassion on my weaknesses,
and grant me those things,which in my unworthiness and blindness,
I dare not and cannot ask for.
My God, and most especially my Father,
I ask this of you through the worthiness of your Son and my Brother and Lord now and forever.Amen.

the word lonely used in Psalm 25:16-18

Psalm 25:16-18

Turn to me and be gracious to me,

For I am lonely and afflited.

The troubles of my heart are enlarged;

Bring me out of my distresses.

Look upon my affliction and my trouble,

And forgive all my sins.

...nature is beautiful...

Today while eating my lunch, I was sitting with four women (ages 85-90) and one of them asked me this question? "How do you describe your day today?" I told her, "my day is like the green grasses surrounding the small little pond."

She further asked, "why green grasses?" I responded, "I love nature and as I see green grasses, I am reminded of my childhood."

...respect the elderly...

An 88 year old woman said, "I only can eat this much today, I am not feeling well." Yes, each day is a kind of challenging for a person who is not in good health. This woman was very honest when she said, "I only can eat this much today."

Sacred Stories

SAMPLE OF EXPRESSION
SACRED STORIES - HEALING JOURNEYS

Sacred Stories is a Workshop given by Fr. Peter Abas.It is an Opportunity to Express Emotionsin a Safe and Supportive Environment.

The painting is the combined work of 12 participants (ages 65-85)who expressed their emotions on canvas over 8 weekly sessions. It is a powerful expression of their healing journey.

Are you willing to share your sacred stories? If so, this might be the session you are searching for...
· Enhances sense of community among elders.
· Creates engaging & positive experiences for elders.
· Communicates your deep seated commitment to the spiritual well being of elderly people.

If interested, contact:
Fr. Peter Abas, Ed.D., L.S.L
Saint Cecilia Church
2732 Culver Road
Rochester, N.Y. 14622
Email: Bavang@Aol.com.

A wonderful reminder...

Today a 100 year old woman said, "Be glad that we are alive each day." This is a profound statement because often I do forget to thank God for the blessing I received each day.

...it is a dream...

...it is a dream...

A "dream" that this type of wooden house will be built in Borneo. This will be known as the "Aging Research Institute" in Borneo. It might take time to get this simple wooden building to be actualized but I do hope this "dream" will come true in the near future.

By reading this blog someone might be inspired to render some advices of how to start this project.

A blessing from the Lord

Today a woman celebrates her 86th birthday. She was very happy when the community said, "May the blessing of the Lord be upon you." Then the "Happy Birthday" song was also sang.