I am posting this blog on April 16, 2018. That means it has been one full year that sweet Betty has been with Jesus. What better blog to post than this one. I never got to know Betty prior to her Alzheimers and cancer, but I do know that she was a devoted follower of Christ. I know that she was a servant who was selfless and tender hearted. On her birthdays, she would give out chocolate to others rather than herself. I know that her smile made my entire day, and she lit up a room with her kind words.
I get questions like:
So.. Why do you visit the Nursing Home? Is it hard having them die? Isn't it depressing in there?
I visit the nursing home because most of them do not have visitors or family that comes to visit. I go because I am aware they are in their last stage of life and I want to them to enjoy their last days. I go because they are so wise and filled with amazing life experiences. I go because I get the chance to share the love I have for Jesus. I go to hear wisdom from certain residents that have had a life surrendered to God. I go because they make me laugh so hard at all the funny things they say without a filter. I go because most of them are indeed depressed, and I want to bring as much light to them as I can. I go because they need as many volunteers as they can get.
As far as is it hard to have them die after I have created friendships with them - absolutely. I have had over ten friends pass away that I had spent countless hours with. I do get scared every time I go to visit, scared that another one will be gone and their sheets will be stripped when I walk into their rooms. I have gotten used to it, and the ones I know have a personal relationship with Jesus, I find joy in knowing they are no longer in pain and with the one whom created them. Going to a nursing home is such a great way to further God's kingdom. Most of them love sharing their stories, and they love to hear about mine. I always hear from them, "I remember when I was that young".
Hearing them always comment on my youth makes me really think about how I spend my time. I do not want to waste my time here on earth doing things that do not further the kingdom of God. I want everything I do to be intentional with a purpose behind it. Going to nursing homes is a great reminder of why you need to be intentional. You learn so much about life by hearing their wisdom and attitude on life. It is crazy to think everyone I visit has had a full lifetime of wisdom behind them. Each with a different story and different struggles. Some of them are so close to spending the rest of their days with Jesus.
A bonus to going to the nursing home is you will get countless compliments. You will also get asked things like, "how are the kids" or questions about a romantic relationship you do not have. It is always an eventful time. A lot of them think I am their granddaughter or daughter so I usually just go along with it. When I make my visits I go and personally visit with the residents I know. And I will meet new residents during "fancy nails" at 2pm or when they eat dinner at 4pm. Not going to lie, painting their nails and feeding them can be a little gross, but seeing their sweet smiles for being treated is worth it.
And those are a few of the reasons I visit nursing homes :)
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