Threads of Gold
~ Francine Chiasson ~
“Forget-me-nots”
After a year
of waiting, my mom has moved into a home for special care - The Home. It’s quite surreal, not having breakfast
together; an inversion of the empty nest syndrome. Stopping in to see her the next day, we
brought family photos. “I’ve never seen
that picture before,” she exclaimed, as we put up a familiar wedding photo of
her and dad. “And who owns all those lovely
clothes?” My heart was both warmed and
saddened, delighting in her new discovery of the old, but chagrined at the loss
of memory.
I was
reminded that, like me and like you, my mom is precious in the sight of God, no
matter what age, health condition, or circumstance. In Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus said: “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the
ground apart from your Father. But the
very hairs on your head are all numbered, therefore do not fear; you are of more
value than many sparrows.” Our
inherent value, being made in the image of God, means everyone deserves a
visit. But how to go about doing so?
What not to
ask:
(1) “How are you?” Some people will feel trapped, others will
not comprehend, and still others will be fine with this. I’d start with: “Hi. I am so glad to see you.”
(2) “You remember me, don’t you?” Some will remember, others will be
confused. Rather, you could say: “Good
morning, (say their name). It’s Francine.”
These seem
like simple suggestions, but I like the K.I.S.S. method: “Keep It Simple, S’il
vous Plaît.” I showed mom the dandelions
growing in the courtyard, knowing that she considers them as public enemy
number one. Her simple solution: “Off
with their heads!” Is she ever going to
have a field day!
Until next time…
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