In my job, I work with a great number of elderly folk. An unitentional thing that happens quite often is when something or somebody at work or elsewhere reminds me of a special person in my life who has died. People or things that trigger these memories are special to me, maybe even moreso than pictures. Memories are often all we have, and it's good to remember people. Grieving is a healing process that ends with acceptance and peace, and remembering special people even years after they pass away is very special and I think a part of the ongoing healing process. I think it's important to remember people, not to dwell on their death, but to remmber their life and how they affected you. I'll relate 2 stories, and if u have one that u would like to share, please post.
I was helping an elderly lady last week who reminded me very much of my grandmother. This lady had neat, permed hair, a shuffling gait, and a set of false teeth. She sleeps with her teeth out and lets them soak in Efferdent every night. She doesn't like to be seen without her teeth in, just like my grandma, and her facial expressions with her teeth out reminded me of my own grandma who died in 1996. I remembered my own grandmother and how special she was to me and how much I still love her.
My grandfather was a farmer, and he would keep notes on the palm of his left hand. He would come home from the farm often times covered with ink, and if he ran out of room on his palm, on the back of his hand and sometimes even up his arm. He kept track of how much a lot of seed would cost, or how much he would get at market for selling some hogs, or somebody he would need to call once he got home, etc. This was the method he used to remember. While at work, I too write on the palm of my hand quick notes, vital signs, etc. Several of my coworkers and patients have commented on this, and I would then take the time to tell them the story behind how I learned to do that. I choose not to carry a memo pad or other paper to write notes on, because I like to write on my hand just like my Grandaddy did. Everytime I do that, I remember things about him; how he looked, things he would say, lessons he taught me, clothes he would wear, and how he loved me. He passed away in 1990.
I guess the news posted here of Fletcher's mom prompted me to think about people in my life who have died and to make this post.
If u come in contact with somebody or something in your life that reminds u of someone special who has passed away, don't dismiss it but, take that opportunity to remember them. It should promote some "warm fuzzies", and u will be glad u did.
I was helping an elderly lady last week who reminded me very much of my grandmother. This lady had neat, permed hair, a shuffling gait, and a set of false teeth. She sleeps with her teeth out and lets them soak in Efferdent every night. She doesn't like to be seen without her teeth in, just like my grandma, and her facial expressions with her teeth out reminded me of my own grandma who died in 1996. I remembered my own grandmother and how special she was to me and how much I still love her.
My grandfather was a farmer, and he would keep notes on the palm of his left hand. He would come home from the farm often times covered with ink, and if he ran out of room on his palm, on the back of his hand and sometimes even up his arm. He kept track of how much a lot of seed would cost, or how much he would get at market for selling some hogs, or somebody he would need to call once he got home, etc. This was the method he used to remember. While at work, I too write on the palm of my hand quick notes, vital signs, etc. Several of my coworkers and patients have commented on this, and I would then take the time to tell them the story behind how I learned to do that. I choose not to carry a memo pad or other paper to write notes on, because I like to write on my hand just like my Grandaddy did. Everytime I do that, I remember things about him; how he looked, things he would say, lessons he taught me, clothes he would wear, and how he loved me. He passed away in 1990.
I guess the news posted here of Fletcher's mom prompted me to think about people in my life who have died and to make this post.
If u come in contact with somebody or something in your life that reminds u of someone special who has passed away, don't dismiss it but, take that opportunity to remember them. It should promote some "warm fuzzies", and u will be glad u did.
