Some stories don't get old.
I've always known that elderly people like to tell stories. To re-live their past experiences. To share about them with nearly anyone who has time to listen.
This news is not new.
However, since working at Edgewood, I have learned that some elderly people like to tell those stories A LOT. Over and over and over. Even if you don't have time to listen.
And those stories can get kinda old. If you know what I mean.
We have one resident in particular who is well known for telling stories in that manner. I'll call him, F. F served in World War II and has lots of stories to tell. I know most of them by heart now. I know when he's going to lean back in his chair, rub his hands together, and say with a smile, "Oh. I was really livin' then!" (That's when his sister found a way to get some gas ration stamps to him - so he could ride his motorcycle around.)
F is charming. I like to listen to his stories when I can, because it makes him so happy to tell them. But, honestly, sometimes when he's talking I sneak a peak at my watch to see if I have time to stay and listen. Sometimes I laugh to myself when he proclaims, "I love to tell this story." (He says that before almost every story!) And sometimes I look for an excuse to leave, because the stories have gotten rather old. *blush*
But Wednesday when I was listening to F (Again!) and he was on his second time through the same story in one sitting, I realized there are some stories I will never get tired of hearing. Or telling.
*Like when God arranged the timing so I would be walking around the corner when M fell - and I could help her up.
*Or how He moved me to knock on G's door - right when she needed help with her air conditioner.
*And the time He reminded me about something I needed to do, by allowing me to see a little sign hanging up.
*Oh, and all the times God has brought me to a person who just needed prayer.
Indeed, I could (and will) tell these stories over and over again. Because stories of God's faithfulness NEVER get old!
I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
Psalm 34:1
7 comments:
Sometimes, as a speaker, I feel like F. Because the Legacy message is the one that I am giving most often right now, I feel like I am tell the same story over and over....and I am, but thankfully the audience is different each time.
Leah
Leah - A fresh audience makes the difference. Poor F doesn't have that advantage. LOL
I have many customers who do the same thing. I try my best to listen, even if it's the 100th time I've heard it. I remind myself that I may be the only connection they have that day.
There are one or two that I have to cut short though, or they will talk and talk even with other customers piling up! haha
I actually like to sit with the elderly and listen, or talk, or let them play with my hair...whatever makes them happy.
When I visit my great-granfather at his assisted living home, I love "bumping" into the lady who always has a doll baby with her. The nurses say that I'm the only one she has let touch her baby in months! She tells me all the funny things her baby has done that day and says, "She's sitting quiet now as if she doesn nothing wrong!"
I SO love it.
I believe that some of the residents just feel adandoned and it brings them joy to have someone to chat with.
smooches,
Larie
I have a son who loves to tell the same stories over and over again! I smile and try to listen, but sometimes I've been known to say, "I know...you've told me this one before." Love that kid!
Thankful for all the stories the LORD allows us to tell about His amazing faithfulness. Those never get old!
Jodi - I'm with you! If it's possible, I will sit and listen and listen and listen... But sometimes I just have to cut them (F!) short. *wink*
Larie - That is a beautiful story!
Yes, it is a delight to be able to bring joy to someone - just by listening.
Angela - Uh, I know I have been guilty of repeating stories, too. Can't count how many times I have started to tell my kids a story about my childhood and they have moaned, "You've told us this before, Mom..." *blush*
I am very glad that there are mothers like me who rely on God's grace to keep them strong and surviving. Nice blog you got here. Will come back soon.
sheng
http://motherinstincts.com
Post a Comment