Through Elderly Eyes

While the young will go down in history known as the "COVID-19 generation," the elderly will go down as the most vulnerable affected by the pandemic. Why? Because it's been, by far, the toughest, deadliest on them.

How would you see the world around you if you were to look through the eyes of an elderly person? 

Behind the face of an elderly is a life well-lived, a life that has contributed much to society, a life that deserves love and affection and respect, a life that has — in many cases — survived the devastation of war as well as the Great Depression, and, unfortunately for some, a life that's known the heartache of having to outlive their child/children. 

Ingrained in parts of society, whether intentionally or unintentionally, is the notion that elderly people are "has-beens." And because of "old age," this shadow of disdain sends out the message that they aren't valued like they should be. Sadly, the situation has gotten much worse throughout COVID. 

"It's an old person's disease." 

"That person was old; they were going to die soon anyway." 

I've heard/read statements like these many times since the onset of the pandemic.  

None of us know what the future holds. To be elderly isn't a death sentence. Meaningful relationships don't diminish with age. On the contrary, in my twenty-five-year career working with the elderly (as they shared stories of days gone by), I'd often seen a sparkle in their eye that implied a past life of freedom and agility.

 

This time of year draws me back to the Sears Christmas Annual Seniors Event, which I was blessed to participate in for many years. It was a heart-warming experience that brought many family and friends together before the holiday rush, an entertaining night out in the lives of the elderly, who might have otherwise felt forgotten if it wasn't made possible by the many dedicated volunteers. 

As busloads were brought in from nursing homes in the surrounding areas, the event would kick off with a bit of shopping for loved ones, stopping along the way to enjoy some yummy holiday treats and a chit-chat, followed by the enjoyment of a local band's rendition of some well-known Christmas carols. 

I'll never forget the magic at the singalongs: From the clapping of hands to the stomping of feet to the footloose and fancy-free dancing, I watched in awe as the elderly stole the show. Perhaps, for some, it was a flashback to their youth, and for others, perhaps it was a time away from their loneliness. Whatever the case might have been, they were living in the moment. Right there in the Sears department store! And it was breathtaking to watch. 

I can't help but wonder now, with Christmas fast approaching and the new Omicron variant on the rise, if the elderly are grappling with how the holidays will look for them, leaving them even more susceptible to the "holiday blues?" 

Thankfully, the benefits of technology such as Facetime and Skype give some ( like my in-laws) a sense of connection with loved ones. 

But the significant impact on their overall mental health caused by the pandemic can't be replaced with Facetime and Skype. Likewise, the day-to-day recreational activities enjoyed with friends can't be replaced with Facetime and Skype. Nor can the face-to-face interactions with friends dropping by to reassure them that they aren't alone in these trying times. No. Instead, the lack of touch and interaction with family and friends (especially family) has left them feeling disengaged and cut off from the world they'd once known. 

 I know we are living in challenging times, but if possible, let's find ways to enrich an elderly person's life by giving them the gift of time amid all the hustle and bustle this year. It costs nothing. It asks for nothing in return. Only that we show up and be present with our presence — in whatever medium available. 

                                             Merry Christmas. Stay Safe.

A Life-Changing Mission Experience

In the summer of 2005, I embarked on my very first mission trip, with the local church I'd attended at the time.

Weeks leading up to it, I’d heard testimonies about how the mission field was a life-changing experience, but I still couldn’t grasp what my own experience would look like, nor did I have any expectations to be used by God in any particular way. All I knew was that I was stepping well outside of my comfort zone and into the poverty-stricken region of Galena, Mexico.

The first leg of the journey landed us in Austin, Texas, where we’d spend a few days getting acquainted with our American mission partners. From there both teams would board a bus and trek across the Mexican border en route to our missionary facility in Galena, our base camp.

In the days to follow, what impacted me the most, however, was when we branched out and spent time with the people living in the secluded mountain villages.

I remember our first drive up through the mountains, and how breathtaking it was. But the plight of its inhabitants would soon overshadow the scenic view. Dirt roads. Run-Down shacks with no hydro or running water, to a gentleman greeting us on his donkey, had left the scene before me so surreal; it felt as though we’d time-warped back to an earlier century.

And although it was heartbreaking to see the children and their families living in some of the most desperate situations imaginable, amidst their rugged conditions, I couldn't help but observe how materialism was of no essence to them. What mattered most was the fundamentals of life, such as food, clean water, shelter, and some form of health care. It was all of the things I had taken for granted back home in Canada.

Mother Teresa once said: “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” This gift was, undoubtedly, present in Galena. Because despite the language barrier, the mutual gift of a gentle spirit and a loving simile was witnessed amongst the local people and us, daily.

I still visualize the children running to greet me with their big smiles, as well as the communicative expressions we all shared with the Mexican people at our evening worship services. It was some of the most memorable interactions that captured my heart and remains with me to this day.

I often think about the impoverished people in the Galena region, and about their spiritual progress and well-being. Because it was evident that the battle against the powers of darkness lurked in the shadows of their city and villages, including the common practice of witchcraft.

In hindsight, my mission experience was indeed life-changing. It not only gave me a new perspective on what it truly means to be content, but it made me realize that whether we're involved in missions abroad or here at home, it's the work that Christ calls us to.

The Christmas season is fast approaching, and as we celebrate the birth of Christ, the Greatest Missionary of all time, let's continue to look for opportunities to brighten the lives of the less fortunate amongst us.