December 17, 2005
Veterans
From the war of life. These folks are sick, old, tired, infirm - they're the elderly at the nursing homes throughout the United States. These old souls sit there daily, still living their lives, still pushing on. It's amazing. They're amazing.
I just read something about how this time of year brings out suicidal tendancies in a lot of folks, and perhaps it does. That's food for thought alright. Thinking about this evening, these old people who are still right there, most with families, but a large amount who have absolutely no one but the caretakers at the home... they did it. They made it. They didn't give up and take the easy way out. They're still not taking the easy way out. These tough old folks deserve medals!
Yes, it's a stressful, hard time.. the Holiday season. It's difficult for all of us. Whether we're happy or depressed, there are aspects that can bring all of us down if we dwell on them.
I always tried to empathize with people who were so lost that they thought the only way out was for them to die.. I thought, wow, they just must have felt they had no one, and no reason to go on. I wish those who are thinking those thoughts could have been with me this evening.
I wish they could have seen the light in the eyes of those elderly people when they saw "Santa" tonight. I wish they could have seen how many of those elderly people are totally alone, having outlived everyone they were ever close to in this world. I wish they could know that just a hug, a phone call, a visit once a week from them, to some of these forgotten-by-society people, would make all the difference in the world.. both to themselves, and those who live their lives in these nursing homes.
I wonder if they realize how much they have to offer, how much they're needed and how would it change their lives, and the gloom of the Holidays for them - if they'd only look at others, and forget their own problems and needs and addictions for a time.
These old people smiled and waved and nodded to Santa, some with missing fingers, one with missing legs, some could barely move their hands from their beds, but managed a weak wave for the white bearded man, bearing sugar-free Starlight mints, and Candy Canes - the man who hadn't forgotten them.
When we first went in, I didn't know what to expect. I know old folks can be pretty dang mean when they want to. I figured they'd throw fruit at Santa, run him off, duck back into their safe places in their minds, ignoring this holiday do-gooder.. but wow, I couldn't believe the reception Santa got from every one of them. EVERY ONE OF THEM.
One woman tried so so so very hard to wake up. She shook her head and her eyelids fluttered, and she just kept whispering, "I can't wake up, I can't wake up!" But she knew something special was happening. She tried. Santa left her some candy on her bedside table. She whispered "Merry Christmas, Santa." to him as he moved from her bedside.
To those out there who have given up, who are sitting there, alone, whiskey in one hand, a pistol in the other - the only thing on their minds, getting out of this life.. before you do it... get up, go.. go out to the nursing homes, or the hospitals, please, do this one thing before you do your last thing. Go and see some of these people who have so much need, SO much need, yet still carry on. There's so much you can do to make a good difference in this world, instead of leaving such a bleak memorial to your lives.
For one day, just give yourself to them. What difference could it possibly matter to you, since you've given up on yourselves anyway. One day. Get out there and see what a difference your life makes in the lives of others who truly and really need you. Get one hug from someone who hasn't been hugged in so long they've forgotten how damned good it feels. One genuine smile from someone who is just tickled to death that you stopped by to visit for a moment. I think you would most probably change your mind, put away the whiskey and lay down those guns.
