Threads of Gold- Part 3

Threads of Gold- Part 3

~ Francine Chiasson ~

Some time ago, Mom stayed at The Home, in the vacation bed.  I told her: “You are having a vacation from me!”  She laughed at that and was so engaged with her fellow residents that she seemed like a staff member; chatting with this one, fixing that one’s hair, holding someone’s hand.  Her naiveté was so enchanting, like she was with family.

I, however, was crushed.  A million questions came to mind; questions like: Did I do the right thing?  Will she be lonesome?  What about her appetite?  How will she find her room?  When will she go to bed?  Feelings of sadness and relief overwhelmed me as we wove this new thread into our lives; sadness about leaving her and relief about her care and my need for rest.  Turns out, she had a good stay; I visited often, she ate well, but there were times when she felt lonely and got confused. 

I relied on the words of Jesus: “Come unto me all you that labour and are heavy-burdened and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28). His rest comes from having died on the cross, rising again to defeat death and bringing hope to a difficult world; a hope that delivers from sin and gives comfort, courage and joy. 

On one of my visits, there was live music and since my mom loves to dance, she had me up on the floor.  All at once she said: “Ask that man to dance.”  “But, mom…” Her admonishment: “I’ll find a new partner and we’ll liven up the place!”  Mom has been able to weave her life into the lives of those at The Home; I hope you can do the same.  Next time, we’ll talk about the nitty gritty of how to visit.   

Threads of Gold

~ Part 2 ~

In part two of this series, we are embarking on the journey of a lifetime of golden threads, woven by those who live in The Home.  So, why don’t we visit?  Some of our answers:

What do I say/bring/do?  I’ll have to help someone to the washroom.  They are always sleeping.  They can’t speak. Too busy.  Too heart-breaking.  Too scared. 

Without denying the reality of some of our fears, we complicate way too much.  Many years ago, straddling the trusses of the roof of our new barn, my grandfather taught me a timeless lesson: “Keep your eyes on the nail, not on the hammer.”  Visiting The Home is like that; keep focused on what’s most important, the person right in front of you.  Having been on several mission trips to three different countries, I was often asked: “Why not just send money?”  By personally bringing the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, we showed a deep love for them: “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land,” (Proverbs 25:25). 

On a recent visit to The Home, my Mom sat amongst the residents, as our church sang.  She told me: “Some people might think I actually live there!”  With a girlish, 93-year-old giggle she continued: “It’s good to come; who knows, one is never too old to meet a special someone.”  I’d say that’s the best reason for visiting I have ever heard.

Do you remember visiting your neighbour?  A cup of tea would be on the table, a pitcher of molasses at hand, with which to smother a freshly-baked buttered biscuit.  Can you taste it?  Can you remember some of the conversations?  This time ‘round, it would be us, bringing a Tim’s double-double to visit someone at The Home.  Will you join me?

Threads of Gold

For the next few months, I will be posting a series of articles that I have written for a local paper, called The Tri-County Extra.  The series is entitled: "Threads of Gold."  

THREADS OF GOLD 

~ Part 1~

I was 10 years old at the time. Walking into the Inverary Manor in Inverness, Nova Scotia, I had no idea how these little visits would affect my life. Mom took us to see ‘Jack Big Hughie,’ but then we would visit in most of the rooms, and sing ‘those old songs:’ “The Old Gray Mare She Ain’t What She Used to Be,” “Farewell to Nova Scotia,” and “How Great Thou Art,” to name a few. Fast forward thirty years, and I was still singing, (and praying), in Nursing Homes in Toronto, through my work at a church. The story of the Good Samaritan, (in Luke chapter 10), showed me that everyone whom I met was my neighbour, especially those in need of mercy and love. (And who, I wonder, is not in need of both)? Another twenty years has passed and I still get to sing in Homes for Special Care, back in Nova Scotia. Who knew? Thank you, Mom, for the wonderful legacy you passed on to me.

“Threads of Gold” is where I hope to encourage you to visit someone in “The Home;” to answer some questions you may have and to reap a great joy for both yourself and the one(s) whom you visit. Recently, my Mom and I were at The Home, and a dear lady said to me: “How nice that you brought your daughter!” I replied: “Oh, she wanted to come.” You see, my Mom, who is 93, is very young-looking. As we drove home I said: “Well, you really stole the show today, my dear.” She, of course, agreed.

Join me on this journey, as we seek to love those who have woven a lifetime of Golden Threads, whoever they are- family, friends, and yes, even strangers. By the way, you do not have to sing or pray, in case you were wondering about that part!

H.O.P.E.

HOPE

H. Hell to pay, but the
O. Opened grave
P. Proved Christ’s power to
E. Eternally save

In the First Light ~ GLAD ~  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOob4CRW8m0