Things that Really Matter

In Trapani, I was on a short holiday time with two coworkers. For one, it was her first vacation ever. Being older, I lack the energy of the younger folks, and went back to our BnB while those under 35 walked at a normal pace without having to wait for me. I saw a distraught elderly woman with dementia.
“I am lost. I don’t know where I am and no one cares for me” she told me.
She was clearly well cared for and I was guessing quite near her home but I asked if I could pray for her and she did and we waited together. She did not recognize her family but they knew and loved her.

Two weeks ago, my closest friend in this city died from an inherited birth defect. She was energetic and funny and I am devastated. Shortly after she was buried, another elderly woman was distraught in our lobby and desperate to find my neighbor who passed. I tried to reassure her but today saw her from my window and we managed to meet. She was a bit confused and while I went to her home, she came to mine and met my cousin Enzo. He is 23. He was kind, patient, spoke Italian to her as best he could and she came back to her home where I was waiting and said how lovely he was. “He is your blood, you can tell” she assured me.

We talked for more than an hour. Their hearts torn from more grief upon grief as old age remind us that time is short and most of what is left shall be terribly lonely. But a 23 year old brightened her day with kindness. A plant from my neighbor, who apparently was her cousin, brought her to tears, and we spoke of our hope of heaven.

There are so many simple things we can do in a day to change how someone feels. We can let them know they are seen. They are know. They are loved.

Let’s keep our eyes open.