Good morning to all

I’ve always been bad at recognising people, and remembering names even worse, so taking a leaf out of my mother’s book, it became far easier and less embarrassing to simply smile and say hello to everyone I meet. Visiting a retirement home nearby, it can take me half an hour to get from the door to the actual room I am visiting, for along the way I say hello and chat to all the residents and the staff who know me well, and then upon leaving, the whole episode is repeated by saying goodbye. In the 24 hour care unit, where sadly residents no longer able to care for themselves, wheel chair bound, and in a condition that no one wishes to be in; I find myself drawn to these people who are now merely a shell of the person they once used to be. Looking around at the men and women, each one someone’s mother or father, all with an interesting past, a long life filled with experiences and marvellous stories to tell. But like a well-kept secret, they are now out of our reach. It’s so important to listen to our parents and grandparents stories whilst they can still remember and retell them, for once they have gone, those precious pieces of your family’s roots and history is lost. So when your grandparent or parent repeats a story for the umpteenth time, listen with patience, compassion and remember what they impart, for one day you’ll be glad you listened.