The journey of life is full of twists and turns that none of us can predict. The 5-year old dependent on her “blankie” could never know that in her 90’s that dependency would be transferred to me. That I would be the berth to provide her comfort and security much in the same way the “blankie” made the world safe in childhood. In the cradle of my comfort, an elderly resident finds equality in the world.
The 90-year old whose mobility is now impaired by the harshness of years finds the same comfort resting her tired body on me as does a fit 30-year old. Yes, I provide that equality. I am a personal oasis of comfort and an escape into the world where my elderly friends become ageless. I am no ordinary berth, I am a special bed. I am not only a place where they can lay their head, I am a steadfast partner. I have been witness to significant events and even natural phenomenon. I have been a part of their lives since they came to live in my home. I have seen the development of family units -- clearly not always a mother, father, son or daughter, but often a dear friend, a niece, a nephew an aunt, an uncle or a cousin, anyone with love in their heart that brings tenderness and light into the day of my elderly comrades. Families have reunited around me, discovered the power of prayer, and together found healing.
I have been witness to confidential needs and desires as well as to the deepest most heartfelt prayers. I have been present with the Little Sisters as they help my aged friends find peace in embracing the road to heaven. I remain in awe at the compassionate care they receive, and I have been privileged to see that my friends at St. Anne’s are never alone as they leave their earthly home for eternal life in heaven. I have rejoiced at being present to happiness and laughter and grieved at times of pain and sorrow. I am no ordinary bed, but now the time has come when my springs have begun to lose their bounce, my padding has begun to thin and my cushions do not conform, as well as they once did, to the special bodies to whose support I am committed. It is time for a new generation beds to take my place and begin a new legacy with my dear friends at St. Anne's Home.
So tonight, Christmas Angels, when you lay yourself down on your "comfy" bed, please consider sharing your comfort by helping to bring in strong new successors that can take my place and keep the balance of ageless equality stable in the lives of my elderly at St. Anne’s Home.
Be a Christmas Angel and please help us replace our beds this Christmas.
