Yesterday I paid my respects to my dear friend of over 25 years, Father Thomas Logan, who made his transition at 100 years old. My relationship with him taught gave me a special insight to aging, the elderly, and quality of life. His frequent inquiries about columns I have written over the years, and his fierce desire to live life fully and with the greatest degree of independence possible, are among the many reasons that my next book will be on Aging and a true understanding of growing “Old”.
How many of us are terrified, afraid, and uncomfortable with the notion of “growing old”? How many avoid elderly family and others who are aged like the plague? We tend to abuse (verbally, mentally, or physically), or are unaware when others do it. Think how we can’t tell the difference between being sick or just aging.
Just a couple of days ago, a friend asked for a recommendation for a Nursing Home for her mother. I asked was she sick, confirmed to bed, etc.? The answer was, “No, she’s getting up there, and can’t take care of herself the way she used to”. HUH????
As a further affirmation, I left Father Logan’s service to attend the gallery exhibit of Nancy Churchville, and was moved powerfully by a sculpture she did of an elderly woman she “met” while creating her. The story Nancy shared was so powerful, that I am clear…I’m now on a mission…