Is it weird that I like to hang out with old people?

Elderly, sick, and dying people may not sound like a fun demographic to be around, but that’s not how I see it.  Each opportunity to spend time with someone in need is an opportunity for grace and enlightenment.  Every life has a story, and every encounter is ripe with possibility. 

Most of my connections come via Faith Hospice.  A homebound person in the community who needs a visitor, a nursing home patient who wants to connect with the outside world, a Faith Hospice resident who wants to receive Holy Eucharist… these are the scattered blessings in my life. 

You begin by emptying your cup.  As much as you might think you have something to give that the person might need, you enter each home, each room, with no agenda.  That’s pretty frightening at first.  We feel like we ought to share some wisdom, bring cheer, offer advice, but the only way to truly be there for someone is with an open heart and an empty cup. 

One of my favorite bible verses is Psalm 46:10, Be still and know that I am God.  I once had someone suggest I break the verse down, to its essence, and feel how powerful so few words can be.

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am

Be still and know

Be still

Be.

I think of this verse often when I’m about to meet a new patient.  Empty cup, be still, Be.  What I find so beautiful is the authenticity of Hospice patients and their closest loved ones.  They open their hearts to me, a total stranger.  They share their lives, their losses, their loves… and even though I’m supposed to be the “giver”, my cup fills up, and sometimes my eyes well up.  Even through the difficult times, life is beautiful. 

Next week I get to meet a new patient for the first time.  She’s 98, still living in her own home, along with her daughter.  She wants to play cribbage.  The request went like this… “If they don’t know how to play cribbage, I’ll be happy to teach them.”  How cool is that?  

I get to be taught something from someone who has been on this earth for 98 years.  I can only hope that I have that same spirit when/if I get to be that old.  What's her story? What little treasures will she share?  How much time will we have together?  Can you see why I get excited about these encounters? 

Empty cup. Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Just be.