“A great way to find comfort is by giving it.” – Linda Commito
Life can be challenging on many levels. We don’t have to look hard to see the struggles that people are having personally, as well as, nationally and on the world stage. And I am grateful, not only for the people, things and experiences that bring comfort, but for the opportunities to offer and share encouragement and support to others.
Here is how one adorable teddy bear brought comfort to two humans and one canine:
When a friend of my mom’s, Barbara, was put into nursing care, she was angry and depressed. I sent her a sweet teddy bear, which brought her comfort for the year that she was there. And when she was ready to pass, she gave this special bear to my mom’s dog Jackson, who would snuggle with it and even try to get it into the high bed. Four months ago, when her loyal dog passed, this bear brought great comfort to mom, and she named it Jackson. She is rarely without it, whether watching tv or taking it to bed with her.
At 97, my mom, Terry, a normally happy person, had been feeling lonely in her independent living apartment, and unaware that she was on a ‘wait list’ for nursing care. Fortunately, I was visiting her when I received the news that a room had opened up for her and she could move soon. A life-long friend, Barb, and I secretly worked on choosing her favorite things and clothes, and decorating what would be her new ‘home’. When my brother and I brought mom to what would be her permanent residence, she said, “I’m not living here!” Then said, “I’ll run away!” It was crushing, and yet we knew it was the best place for her. And now 5 weeks later, thankfully, she is happy. I call her every evening to talk with her, usually along with my partner Francesco, a musician and singer, who brings comfort to many at nursing homes in Fl. He loves to sing a favorite song for mom and she loves it . . . letting her know how cherished she is.
I am so thankful for phones and cards and other ways to connect with friends and family from a distance. In fact, a new project will be buying a rotating photo frame, as a gift to my mom, showcasing decades of loving photos of family, friends, and fun travels.
And though I can’t be in-person with my mom, living thousands of miles apart, I am able to visit my friend CC’s mom Dolores, who is 98 and a real joy. (In fact, we wish our two moms could meet each other!) I love to visit Dolores with her favorite key lime pie, or just sit and talk with her.
Many of us are aware that we have less days and years on this planet than when we arrived. We can try to dig in our heels, hide, or protest the passing of time. But we don’t know how long we will be here, and we can’t bring back the loved ones we’ve lost. How can we share the best of who we are by being loving and present with those who are in our lives now, and to appreciate the comfort that we can give or receive in each precious moment?
Warmest blessings to each of you and your loved ones,
Follow Me