It's Five-Minute-Friday, and today's word is "SEE." The rules are:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community... So here we go. . .
Her face
Her eyes
I look into her soul
And I see fear
Fear of being alone
Fear of going hungry
Fear of being cold
Fear of all today will bring.
----Her face
Her eyes
I look into her soul
I see hopeless
Longing for someone
Longing for love
Missing yesterdays of long ago
Dreading more tomorrows of what is now
----His face
His eyes
I look into his soul
And I see sadness
Reaching for someone who still needs him
Reaching for love unconditional
Reaching for trust and acceptance
Reaching for a hug, a snuggle, the sound of a soft purr
Their faces
Their eyes
And I see their love
Clinging to all that was between them
Clinging to what still is
Clinging to what little may still be
Clinging to all to all they have left -- each other.
----Her face
Her eyes
I look into her soul
Hope rises in her heart
Hope reaches out
Hope is tender in its kiss
Hope brings a smile once again
-----Cora
During the month of June, The Forgotten Ones: Compassion for the Elderly is striving to bring some love and hope to the millions of forgotten elderly men and women in the nursing homes of America and around the world. Many of these people never have a visitor, a phone call, a gift or a card for year after year until they die . . . Alone. Compassion for the Elderly has a Facebook page and you can access it from here. If you wish to participate in sending cards this month, here is Pam’s email address: pamohalloran@yahoo.com -- and she will send you a list of Nursing homes with the addresses and you can become a part of bringing at least one smile to one of these faces. (Or, you can contact me at: countrypatches1@verizon.net) Won’t you help?
Linking up with:
18 comments:
This is so moving, Cora, thank you for sharing this and challenging people to minister to the elderly. Somewhat of a common theme to my post today . . . must be on God's heart.
I see it Cora....
I see when I visit Miss Patsy...
Just walking the halls ... so many reach out and want a hug... they just want someone to love them. My mind and heart swirled as I read your post today. I'm really glad you shared this... and now more than ever I want to just go love someone. God bless you dear friend!!
That was beautiful. I have no other words.
This is just so heartfelt and true..These people are so pitiful, like you said some never get a visitor and are so happy for company..I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the elderly..I love them so much..Thanks and blessings, Susie
Thank you so much, Cora, for sharing your beautiful poetry, as well as sharing my Facebook pages about the elderly. I do hope your readers will visit them both and particpate. Follow this link to learn more:
http://pamohalloran.brandyourself.com
Thank you again, Pam O'Halloran
Dear Cora,
This reminds me of two things, well, three:
first, it reminds me of the ministry my first son's family does in his church with the nursing home elderly in their town. They take the kids of the church to visit everyone in each home. They make things together, take pictures, sing and snack. I love that they do that.
second, this reminds me of Susan's post from over a year ago now entitled "True Love"
http://thefisherlady.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-favourite-things-true-love.html
and third, this reminds me of why I love to come to Hidden Riches From Secret Places SO MUCH!
God bless you, Cora!
Big hugs,
Dawn
PS I have to get over to Andrea Dawn's to see what she's left over there. Catch you later!
Thanks for posting this link about nursing homes/elderly. We visit our local nursing home every Sunday since our neighbors (no family) were put in the home as per their request.They and all their lonely elderly friends stop and listen to us talk about our week.We bring an Ipad to show photos of our farm week to them. They love the interaction. Then we give hugs to any who want them. It feels right and it makes them so happy.It is worth an hour or so each week to make someone feel good.And one day we might be in a nursing home as well, waiting for visits.
Your words and photos would be filed in the halls of the forgotten, but only by some... God remembers them and people with hearts as yours remember and bring encouragement and hope to them. To me they are the most beautiful of people... their wrinkled and worn bodies have stories to tell, their eyes hold the depth of the many years travailed and their hands reveal the life they also gave to work out a living to feed their loved ones, to play a piano, to reach out to someone in love. These people are the beautiful ones with a story to tell if only some would stop by to listen. My heart is with them... simply a wonderful post.
Oh very touching! Gosh, its hard to swallow. I just realized we don't go on a regular basis as all my grandparents have now passed... thank you for calling my attention to something I may have overlooked otherwise! Blessings to you!
I loved this Cora. One of the lines on my facebook profile says about me...I love old people:) I had a special lady Ms. Anna that I visited for years until she went home to be with her Lord. I have not gone to a nursing home since. Shame on me! I'm going to go to the site you listed now and see what I can do. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Great! Beautiful, touching words and pictures.
Thank you Cora. You have touched my heart. Penny
The pictures say it all, and then more.I will check out the FB page. Thank-you. Now I need to get a tissue to wipe my eyes.
Hi Cora, this was an extremely moving, thought provoking and beautiful post. What a lovely thing to be part of. Thank you for the links. Have a wonderful afternoon ahead. Delisa :)
WOW~ I sit here in tears, Cora~ these pictures and words are so moving. I wish EVERYONE could read this...
The Lord has been placing on my heart to visit a nursing home...find someone who needs companionship. Your post is confirmation.
Oh Cora~That was so moving.
Gary's mama was in a nursing home for almost three years. When we'd go see her, she would say to people in the hall...this is my son and daughter-in-law from Florida. It brought her great joy.
We met many there who just needed hugs/or little trinkets. When you would take them something, they would just be so thankful.We NEED to reach out to them. Love you so much~Jean (and Gary)
So poignant, Cora. I wrote of feeling invisible today...we all feel that way, at times. Your ministry to the elderly makes them feel visible, I am sure. You are a blessing.
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