Vitamins for the Heart
A compilation: When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. — Max Planck *** Many years ago, I took care of an old man with Alzheimer’s. For over six months, I fed him, gave him his showers, dressed him, kept him company, wiped his butt, and took him for walks. I also fended off his ‘crazy’ spurts—like when he tried to hit me all the way out of the house, then locked me out and was laughing maniacally through the window (Oh, yes. Ha. Ha. Ha.). I took care of him because in the initial interview, I took to his wife —I really liked her. With dark circles under her eyes, she was completely overwhelmed, struggling to care for him 24/7. But, man … the love she showed her husband; the tender way she looked at him! He had no idea who she…
By Elsa Sichrovsky: Ben is a white-haired man whose house I pass on my errands route. He always calls out a friendly greeting, and over time, we’ve become good friends. His cheerful demeanor and lively personality make him a joy to be around, despite our age difference. Last spring, Ben slipped on a wet bathroom floor, fell backwards, and hit his head hard. The impact brought on a stroke that resulted in recurring dizzy spells and headaches, blurred vision, permanent damage to his left eye, and loss of stamina. After his granddaughter phoned with the news, I went to visit Ben in the hospital. I had pictured a sad, sullen Ben greeting me from his wheelchair, but to my surprise, I was met by a smile. Ben waved me over to his chair with his usual enthusiasm. His speech was slow and halting and he was evidently in some pain,…
A compilation: We are each burdened with prejudice; against the poor or the rich, the smart or the slow, the gaunt or the obese. It is natural to develop prejudices. It is noble to rise above them. — Author Unknown. The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority. — Ralph W. Sockman. Our thoughts are unseen hands shaping the people we meet. Whatever we truly think them to be, that’s what they’ll become for us. — Richard Cowper. Let us have but one end in view, the welfare of humanity; and let us put aside all selfishness in consideration of language, nationality, or religion. — John Amos Comenius. The art of acceptance is the art of making someone who has just done you a small favor wish that he might have done you a greater one.…