Day 837

It was Ranger's turn at our Friday visit! He has been there a few times, but everyone loves it when "The Big Boy" arrives! Our dear, sweet Bethany (Activities Director) soon joined us and we were off to Memory Care!

Typically, we spend half of our time in the Memory Care area and the other half in the independent living. This day, the people in the first half of our time needed us more than usual. We stayed there for the majority of our visit.

We know these folks. We have grown to love these people. Being in a locked unit takes its toll on a few while the majority are simply happy to be warm, fed, clean, safe and entertained. Today, we were that entertainment!

The "crew" gathers around the fireplace, with a big screen television playing "Dog TV." While we go from chair to chair, the room is filled with comments and questions about Ranger along with delighted exclamations regarding the television. The dogs on the TV are adorable, but Ranger and Lilly always steal the show!

Today, I was making the rounds when one beautiful man stopped me in my tracks. Petting Ranger, he looked deeply into my eyes and said, "I am lost." One of our favorite gals was sitting next to him and tried to help. In her no-nonsense, direct way, she said, "You aren't lost! You are in a chair, in this room with a dog." I looked at my guy, took his hand and asked, "Are you lost on the inside?" He nodded and we began to chat.

During our conversation I told him that I had been lost on the "inside" now and then and it is the worst place to be. We chatted about life. We talked about the here-and-now and offered stories about life. When we parted, he felt a little less lost, but it broke my heart just the same.

We all have lost our way from time-to-time on life's journey. For most of us, there is a cause for that lack of direction. We have faced changes in jobs, relationships or any number of things that can make the road forward seem foggy. Often, we adapt or things change to make our direction clearer. That is a gift...to be able to come through "being lost" and emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side.

For my elderly friend, that is not the case. His world has changed to the point that nothing is familiar or recognizable. Holding a small wooden cross in his hand, he gripped it tightly and looked at me once more for direction. My message to him..."You are not as lost as you feel. People care for you and you are safe here" At that point, the Activities Director appeared and gave him a huge hug telling him she had fun things planned for the day. Smiling, he pointed at her and told me that she was the best thing around. I agreed.

When someone is "lost," sometimes all it takes is a bit of reassurance, a plan for the day or a hug. Other times it takes time and acceptance. As humans, if we could just offer that 'listening ear' and acknowledge someone's fears, it might just offer that person the hope they need. If all else fails (Tom F.), give them a hug and let them know you are there!