Picture, if you can, an aged woman lying still in the night staring at the ceiling through tear-stained eyes and trying to understand. She was always there for each of her seven children; To care for, sacrifice, and worry about. And when her husband died unexpectedly, her burden became even greater. Although she remained calm – for the children – there were many quiet times when she cried endlessly for the companionship of the man she loved and needed so much. The years passed and each child found his or her place in life. And then, she was alone – with memories, unwanted birthday cards and loneliness. Now, she is old, needing a loving touch, understanding and care. But each child that she loves so dearly has too much to do to care for her very simple needs. She yearns for the comforting arms of her husband – She cries endlessly and no one seems to hear. Picture, if you can, an aged woman lying still in the night, staring at the ceiling through tear-stained eyes and trying to understand. With the overwhelming numbers of our elderly who are cared for by those other than family, maybe it is not so hard to picture after all. |