Apr
Meaningful Visits
A new perspective on nursing homes
Over the years, my wife and I have supported each other based on the laws and principles outlined in my book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER.” We would call ours a “textbook” marriage with its share of growth phases with children, professions, good times and tough times. We learned how to handle problems and keep the high times in perspective.
So when it became obvious that her needs would be best met as a resident of an extended care facility, we experienced the usual traumas of separation. It was not fun; but we did have a common principle to fall back on that had served us well for more than 60 years of togetherness.
This kind of separation is repeated countless times every day. It causes many to suffer the extreme traumas of physical separation and unimaginable emotional strain and anxiety.
No matter how well prepared we thought we were, its impact on us was no different. I had to learn to live alone for the first time in my life. She had to adapt to a new surroundings, a new social environment and being the recipient of care and attention foreign to her previous lifestyle. But, as I mentioned before, we had something going for us. In my book (more accurately our book) we set forth a foundation that enabled us to see through the discords of life and adhere to proven scientific principles devoid of the usual distracting “fluff” and human emotion.
It has now been about 2 ½ years since hurricane Katrina forces us to accept this new chapter in our lives. She has adapted well to her new “home.” She has new friends and has the same bubbly personality she has always had. She continues to be an inspiration to other residents and, especially, to me. What could have been a trying and burdensome situation is now the source of extreme gratitude and appreciation of how things work out for the best if we allow them to do so.
Our married experiences have been as perfect as one could imagine, but it seems that “all-wise” nature has one more level of joy and love reserved for us as we continue on our journey through life. It is a privilege I enjoy every time we visit. Our visits connect us on a level of joy and love beyond anything I could have imagined. It is impossible for me to articulate here, but I am convinced that these circumstances define a special place reserved for us that intensifies our love for each other and the world.
From our personal experiences, my wife and I can assure anyone faced with the similar circumstances that this phase of growth can serve as the basis for your Living Better Forever.
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[...] We’ve been through a lot together and the tough times contribute just as much to the bond as the good ones. (You might want to review the Blog I posted earlier entitled “Meaningful Visits”). [...]
January 4th, 2010 at 7:28 am