Pearls of wisdom from the elderly

I often hear people talking about the elderly generation as a burden. I watch as families drop off their mothers and fathers at the long-term care facility and never look back. It is as if they are leprous and their loved one’s do not want to get infected. I am glad we are there to help these people out because I would be afraid the cases of neglect and abuse would be tremendously high if we were not. This is not being mean or cruel to anyone; this is the honest truth.

It seems as if we here in this great country of ours have come to the point where if anything affects our comfort, we have to ditch it. In the Bible God issues a warning about not honoring your parents. But people are as quick to ditch this warning as their loved ones. I do understand that people need help, and we are glad to give it. But I will never get used to the way in which our elderly are walked away from.

Maybe, this is the reason our country is in the shape it is in. We do not take the time to learn from the greatest collection of wisdom on this earth–our grandfathers and grandmothers. I have had the privilege to sit and talk with many of these golden geriatrics. I have received some of the best investment advice, marriage tips and just general knowledge on how to deal with many situations. These days kids cannot even communicate without typing into a phone.

I am a history buff. I especially love history from the World War 2 era. One of my biggest honors was to take care of a gentleman early in my career as a nurse, who served in the Pacific theatre during this time. He helped liberate the Philippines and stormed the beach at Iwo Jima. The stories he took the time to share were amazing. The little details he would give would never be in the history books.

He shared stories of bravery and stories that would make the most ardent shed a tear. This is what the younger generations are missing today. The true experiences that have made our lives and our country the greatest in history. Oh, how my life has been changed by these wonderful people. It is truly a blessing to be able to help these truly wise men and women.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit a long-term care facility, please do. Do not just walk in and see a friend or relative. Take time to walk around and speak to anyone you can. Not only will they be blessed, but you may also come out with a nugget of wisdom that can help improve your life. I am truly blessed to be The Nut That Runs the Retirement Hut!