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Wednesday 18 April 2007

An old man sat in a chair

I recently visited an elderly care home as part of my uni course. When I was there I got to know some of the residents and learned a bit about their histories.
This story is adapted from something that happened while I was there.

An old man sat in a chair. He didn't speak for he had no need. He passed the time watching television or slipping quietly into his memory. He dreaded mealtimes. Incapable of feeding himself, he had to face the embarrassment and frustration as piece by piece fell into his lap. Then came the 'thickened fluids', like drinking wallpaper paste. All to ensure he stayed healthy.
An old man sat in a chair. No family, no friends, and only the nurses to pretend to care. He waited. Every day he waited for the monotony to end. Endless games of bingo, old music,and made-for-tv movies. No longer able to wear smart trousers and shirts, he was forced into jogging bottoms and mismatching sweatshirts, as the end of his dignity crept nearer.
An old man sat in a chair and his world went dark.
An old man sat in a chair surrounded by old men and women. All huddled around one bright light as the room got colder and darker. Men hammered and drilled in the darkness as food and drinks were distributed among the rest. Heat escaped and the daylight faded as his hope began to fade. He drank his wallpaper paste and ice cream, for sandwiches and cake would choke him.
An old man sat in a chair.
A young man sat on a chair striving to restore the power. Darkness seeped in as heat escaped and hope began to fade. And then a spark as light returned, power had been restored.
An old man sat in a chair as a young man entered the room. The old man looked and a spark ignited a fire in his mind. The young man looked at the old man and joy beamed from his face. For this young man was the old man's son, hope had been restored.

Sometimes, when we think that all our hope is gone and we have nothing left to do, God will show us that there is always something left to hope for.
This story was based on an actual event. I cannot describe the look of joy on the old man's face when he met the young man. It will live with me forever.

4 comments:

Cherie said...

Heart warming, wonderful story!

You are a gem for sharing it with us.

Thank you.

Paper Dreams, Honey. said...

Lovin' it. Really am.

Thought i'd comment her rather than bebo for a change. :)

this is nice, it made my heart go 'thump thump'

H xxx

IAIN CUNNINGHAM said...

Very touching story.

lynntie said...

That was a really moving story,Ailsa.x