Day 324
4/5/23
Lilly and I always love our time with the seniors over at Walker. Today, we met some new friends, but made sure to check in on some of our regulars as well. Our girl makes connections with everyone she meets. From the staff to the residents walking or sitting in the hallways, she always has a wag of that tail as she stops to say hello.
Today, I was reminded that so many of our dearest friends at Walker have actually become caretakers for loved ones. Whether it is a wife or husband with dementia or a spouse who can no longer walk, the caretaker is an essential part of the loved one's happiness. We have also become close to some of the children who devote so much love and time to their senior parents. It is humbling to watch that love.
Chatting with one of our sweet seniors today, we laughed a bit at the cycle of independence. We all start out needing to be fed, carried and protected. Later in life, we often become the caretakers of loved ones and eventually might evolve into the one needing help with being fed, carried and protected. It is simply the give-and-take of "life."
Having been that caretaker for three loved ones through the years, I realize the challenges and heartache that accompanies that role. It is certainly an honor to be the one to make a difference as a loved one begins to fail, but it can be exhausting...mentally and physically. With my mother, father and Sweet Shirley, it was a labor of love and I wouldn't change a moment or memory.
Today, I encouraged two of my elderly friends to take a moment for themselves. Their beloved wives are suffering from dementia and they have devoted 101% of their lives to making sure their partner is having the best possible life. However, these two men are becoming exhausted themselves and have no family nearby to reach out to for respite. Mac and I do what we can to help, but my heart still pours out to their plight. However, I know they wouldn't change a moment of this part of the journey and I understand. Love and devotion are beautiful things to witness.
So, the pups and I do what we can and hopefully bring some joy into their lives. I continue to keep an eye on their situations and ease the burden when I am able. In the meantime, I learn from witnessing their untiring devotion to their loved one. They set the bar extremely high regarding selflessness. It is a bar that is worthy of reaching for.
My Goldens would not understand or be able to define any of this selflessness, devotion or love in its purest form. They simply live it each and every day of their lives. Once again, I need to be more like those precious creatures.
