Senior Living Advice

with BETH DOW, Geriatric Care Manager

experiencing. At one time he had three nurses holding him down as two ortho doctors were working on his finger. Luckily, shortly after this the drugs kicked in, he was no longer feeling the pain.

Fast forward and we are back in the condo. Naps had been taken, he had missed water time with his cousins, and he very much wanted to play in the water. We wrapped his hand in 3 plastic bags and tape and we head to the pool hoping to get to play a little.

As we are walking to the pool area, my grandson exclaims, “This is the best day of my life!” And boom! There is it. Perspective. This amazing child had just had the worst, most painful 24 hours of his short life. But none of that mattered. He was going to get to play in the water and be with his cousins. And THAT is what mattered.

We sometimes forget what matters. I know I do. Our family vacation was altered and my grandson did not get the kind of water time he wanted, but we were still able to have fun. And if you ask my grandson, he will tell you that it was a great vacation.

Yes, something awful happened but that did not change his attitude or outlook on life. Bad things happen, really bad things, but life moves on. And life can bring lots of good, even after the bad. I learned a lot from my grandson that day. I am trying to remember his attitude and perspective as I go through each day forward. I hope after hearing his story, you can, too.

Beth Dow is a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Educator, CAEd and Geriatric Care Manager. She is also the owner of Home Helpers of GA & AL in Newnan. Readers can contact her by email at bdow@ homehelpershomecare.com.