Many on staff here at Gentle Shepherd are also personally dealing with serious illness in their own families too. Here’s a sweet and thought-provoking email we all received this morning from a nurse practitioner who works with us.
Happy Wednesday everyone!
I just wanted to share a piece of special with you today. Todd and I are at the beach this week and we brought my Mom along.
For the last 2 years she has been struggling with her memory. She lives with my sister, who keeps telling me that she’s getting worse, despite the medication the doctor prescribed. But I couldn’t tell since I only see her a few times a month. I see it now and it is so sad!
I had a feeling that it would be good to spend some time with her, so I encouraged her to come along on this trip. I’m so glad that I did. These times are to be cherished!
Monday, Mom and I went for a golf cart ride on the beach. As we were driving, a lady stopped to ask if we owned the golf cart or rented it. She had her two elderly Aunts with her, ages 85 and 87.
One of them asked if I would take them for a ride, to which I responded “Absolutely, jump on!” The niece and I helped hoist the ladies onto the back of the golf cart and off we went. I have never heard so much backseat giggling in my life!
I took them up and down the beach and they kept saying how cool it was to see the ocean from that viewpoint. They had the best time. (Well, I did too.) Funny part… my 81 year old Mom kept referring to them as the elderly ladies!
They told us that they are from Roanoke! (NO WAY!!!) After their rides were over, I took the niece for a ride as well. It turns out that she is a nurse too and we know many of the same people!
When the ladies were off-loading the golf cart, they said that made their day. Well folks, it made my day too!! I couldn’t stop smiling.
There is so much joy in seeing people experience cool things for the first and possibly the last time in their lives, these ladies were so precious!! GOD IS ALL AROUND US if we just take a moment to notice Him.
This was my opportunity to be reminded how a simple act of kindness can change someone else’s day and even their life! Rest assured, you will all touch someone in a special way today. Go forth knowing that!!
Much love,
Tonya