Yesterday I went to the nursing home to visit my step mom’s grandma.
She just got out of the hospital recently where she underwent some serious operations. I wanted to surprise her after work so I stopped by for a quick visit.
When I got there she was happy to see me. We hugged, kissed and exchanged greetings. Then I heard a woman crying. It was my great grandma’s roommate. The curtain was drawn so I could not see her. She started calling out a name that wasn't mine but she was definitely talking to me, begging me to go to her side of the room.
I ignored her at first and continued visiting with my great grandma. Then she started begging and saying, “Please, come see me!" So I went to see her.
When I drew the curtain back she looked so old and frail but flashed me the biggest smile! She opened her arms wide for me to hug her so I bent low and gave her a hug. She held me so tight and would not let go. I had to force myself to pull away from her and I hated doing it. I sat on her bed and talked with her for a few minutes. She kept calling me by the other name but I did not correct her. She told me stories like I had been there when they happened.
Eventually I went back to visit with my great grandma. Then the other woman started crying again, saying, “Please, come back." She eventually dozed and when she woke up again she said some of the most beautiful and heartwarming prayers I have ever heard. My great grandma told me how they prayed together at night.
I stopped by the nurse’s station and the nurse told me that the lady suffers from Alzheimer's, otherwise known as dementia. I mentioned the name she had called me. The nurse told me it was the lady’s daughter’s name. Then I understood why she wanted me to go visit with her.
It was a heart-breaking experience but it gave me a new perspective on life.
We will all get old someday. Some of us will have broken minds like my great grandma’s roommate and some of us will have broken bodies like my great grandma. But what was beautiful was the fact that both ladies, one 86 and the other 90, did not have broken spirits.
As I was leaving I promised I would go back and visit the lady, even after my great grandma moves back to her home state.
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- Posted by hasifa
- Jan 26, 2012
- Comments (49)
Readers Comments
moral12 wrote: How very kind of you to be her "daughter" for the brief amount of time you were able to while visiting your great-grandmother. My hat's off to you!
Glowworm wrote: That was great of you to visit with her, and I'm very glad to hear that you plan to go back. Those poor people. Some don't have family to visit them :(
When I was younger, I had a bad experience at a nursing home. I was far to young to be pushing a wheelchair, but it was what I was told to do. I accidentally ended up hurting the lady I was pushing. That was around 14 years ago. I've been terrified of nursing homes ever since, terrified that I'll hurt someone so frail again. Maybe it's time to overcome that fear. You've inspired me :) Maybe I'll make some cards for my church to hand out when they visit, and maybe I'll work up the courage to go myself.
God bless,
Gilgenbach
When I was younger, I had a bad experience at a nursing home. I was far to young to be pushing a wheelchair, but it was what I was told to do. I accidentally ended up hurting the lady I was pushing. That was around 14 years ago. I've been terrified of nursing homes ever since, terrified that I'll hurt someone so frail again. Maybe it's time to overcome that fear. You've inspired me :) Maybe I'll make some cards for my church to hand out when they visit, and maybe I'll work up the courage to go myself.
God bless,
Gilgenbach
sabrina wrote: Making time for your great grandma is really kind and to add it you spent time with the other lady is amazingly beautiful.thanks for your kindness.i will share my story at an old age home. smilesss n love, Sabrina
Bluebellgirl wrote: It reminds me that were all gonna reach that stage someday, and even so, to not take both youth and old for granted. You were courages to allow that lady you didnt know to talk for you. Im studying the nursing field, so I hope I'll get to relish in good moments like these ^.^
Bluxess wrote: Thanks for being considerate to the granny ... If she probably have to leave our planet, let her not feel left out ... Let her find peace in a soul like you who could be there at that critical moment ... May you or anyone be the channel of love through whom she gets to experience her daughter ... Immense blessings, Bluxess.
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Bless you hasifa for taking the time to listen. Sometimes a listening ear and a warm embrace make all the difference.
whitby98 wrote: God bless you!
Joy wrote: What a heart warming story. Many blessings to you.
BeansD wrote: Blessings to you for your kind spirit!
