If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Providing hope to someone whose days are dark with worry or who is suffering with a serious illness is also giving them courage and the vitality to keep moving. What are some things we can do to bring that touch of hope?
Dear Karen,
I have a friend who's elderly mother has always been emotionally controlling, abusive and just down right mean. I would describe her as "toxic", just full of venom. She seems to have never learned any other way to get her needs met. I would say she is mentally ill. Her son, my friend, is the only family member willing to make sure she is cared for. What is your advice for the son in this case... day after day, week after week subjected to the assaults to his heart, soul and humanity as he tries to do the right thing for his mother? - Sarah
How can we give a suffering person something to look forward to? Hope. How can we give them hope? Martin Luther King, Jr said, “If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all.”
Do you know someone who is going through some dark days and needs a touch of hope?
A wonderful hospice nurse wrote a little book titled, 'May I Walk You Home'. In it she says, "Even the littlest of hopes can bring a bit of joy on a dark day." Help the person look forward to something.
Elderly people have their own unique needs and wants to consider when deciding on what to give them for Christmas. They will be delighted to receive a present that truly reflects your love and care, because it is tailored to their specific situation.
Some elderly people still live independently in their own homes, making one type of gift appropriate, while others reside in nursing homes and have a different set of Christmas wishes.
