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The best classroom is at the feet of an elderly person. They can teach us so much. They have known so many things. Their life has had twists and turns. They have people watched. They have wrote the stories, and had the adventures. They are my heros.

Years of expierience in nursing homes has had its toll on me. You see some things you wish you'd never known. You form bonds with patients. You come to rely on the company of these people, they come to rely on you to take care of them. I have met some elderly people who were the greatest story tellers I have ever known, I have met some folks who would just break your heart.

The thing about nursing homes is that it is usually permanent. When do we stop caring about these people? Why do we shove them in a building and expect strangers to take care of them? Most nursing homes are overcrowded and understaffed. Though there are some trulty wonderful nurses, sometimes one person can not make all the difference you need. Older citizens who once meant something are now bed ridden and covered in sores.

If you have an elderly relative, visit them often. You never know how much longer they are going to be around. Let them talk. You can learn so much. Ask them questions. (I used to take notes so that I could always remember the great stuff my grandma had to say.) Let them know what they mean to you.

When do we some to the point that we decide to turn our backs on the older part of society. We quit caring about the people who used to run the local grocery store, our neighbor, or our kindergarten teacher. We let them grow old and then pretend they do not exist. We could volunteer at the local nursing home. We could candy stripe at the hospital. We choose not to help those who helped us. Love one another equally. Young and old alike.

Value the life of another. Remember what goes around comes around. One day, you will be old, too, if you are lucky. Wouldn't you want someone to be there for you? G
Getting old can be hard enough, why should we have to do it alone?

Learn more about this author, Laura Leigh Fields.
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