"Nearing Home"

i am reading the book "Nearing Home" by Billy Graham to my 93 yr old Mom.  This book is for all ages but is incredibly helpful to those in their 80's 90's +++.  i have never read anything so encouraging ....and i am only on page 36.  It is sensitive to elder suffering which is a suffering all its own.  Too often we younger ones think we know everything when the older generation shares their deepest thoughts and emotions....the only thing i have learned in caring for my elders is we know NOTHING!  And we think we have an intellectual answer for everything they say and/or do.

He wrote this book at 93 and will be 99 shortly so he has the right to speak to them/us because he speaks from experience.  He is compassionate to suffering listing well the list of pains of growing older...while not letting one dwell there.  He then takes the Word of God and uses it to help us soar upward toward our purpose even if we are older.  The book is my recommendation to all ages.  If you do have an elder in your life, by all means read it to them and discuss it together.  These are the great moments caregivers/family/friends get to share on a daily basis...these deep beautiful sharing of ideas...opinions...prayer...don't miss that time with your loved ones....be willing to change your priorities and schedule for what matters...people...before they are gone!  i have seen it too well...especially in my Mom's case and all those who are privileged to live into their 90s that i know and serve...family forget you exist...or you are just important 3-4 times a year for a holiday if that much.  Yesterday was Grandparents Day and many elders were ignored by their own grandchildren because they are so wrapped up in their little children's grandparents, that they forget they themselves still have  living grandparents.

After reading these few pages....i wrote this in the front cover of the book...and continued to encourage my Mom with these words....

"YOU CAN BE BLESSED, YOU CAN BE CHOSEN, BUT TO LIVE INTO YOUR 90s...A LONG LIFE...IS TO BE FAVORED BY GOD BECAUSE IT IS A PRIVILEGE DENIED TO MANY!!

Every life matters!!!..Billy writes,"Sadly the days when the aged were admired, looked up to and respected are gone. "....This is so true...i see it all the time....

til next time....let's get his book and read it for ourselves and possibly read it to someone older who could use visits.  And maybe we will develop more compassion for this special group of people that we will make it priority to call and visit more often with very creative ideas in how to enhance their lives listening carefully to what we can learn from them.  Don't focus on a memory lapse...don't focus on their lack of energy...don't focus on their body statue....listen...because at their feet there is much to learn even if only to learn to Love in a much deeper way by listening...developing patience...for...

"FOR WHEN YOU DID IT TO THE LEAST OF THESE, YOU DID IT UNTO ME!"

be assured of my continued prayers....ang