Dec 18
Remembering
On the rare occasions that my kids and I all get together we do spend much time saying “do you remember when?” Much love, laughter and understanding comes out of those moments. This is the time of year when a lot of such remembering goes on!
Spiritually, I have been encouraged over the years to not dwell too much in the past – rather stay in the present. Of course – it is impossible NOT to be in the present there is nothing else. However our minds (including mine!) long to wander to and fro, re-telling stories of what happened and when. For many old and infirm people the past can be a source of joy, solace and healing. My own store of photographs make me laugh as well as cry.
Occasionally, I shall use this space to recommend other web sites that I come across. I was browsing the web a while ago and came across a web site that I absolutely loved and wanted to recommend to you all www.manyhappyreturns.org – an intergenerational site that encourages younger people to interact with their elders. Through this site you can obtain a wonderful set of picture cards - already being used in care homes and by therapists working with older people, to stimulate memory. These cards are bringing delight to many older people in danger of slipping into dementia. You can also read about the connection that can happen between old and young through these cards that depict many scenes of yesteryear that evoke memory and feeling.
This site is linked to another – www.theagepage.typepad.com. This is a site that warms my heart. Sarah Reed, the editor, has created a beautifully designed and intelligent place where those of us who are older can find out useful information and ideas as well as encouragement to share with others.
There are many many web sites these days that cater for our age-group. For me, these two in particular, I would put at the top of the list!
