Rilletta helps us decorate Easter EggsOur sweet neighbor lady Rilletta "dropped in on us in a very unexpected way" Saturday afternoon when her giant old oak tree fell and crushed a section of our patio cover during a severe weather alert. We were not aware of the "thunderstorm alert" until it was all over. The storm effected areas from the coast through Salem and moved North through Beaverton and Portland causing widespread damage and leaving 30,000 people without power. It could have been much worse but the wind storms are always frightening given that we live in the midst of a forest of oak, maple, and old overgrown cherry trees. We love the beauty and the secluded feeling but from time to time it comes with a price.
Rilletta has been like a big sister friend and good neighbor for many years now. She has been alone in her house next door for over 20 years since her husband and Love of her Life passed away. Ron & I made a commitment to "look after her" in December of 1995 when we invited her to join us for Christmas so she wouldn't be alone. Since then she has joined us for a hearty meal once each week. For the last few years I have tried to have a good movie from the early days of film for her to enjoy with me after dinner. Even though she is "legally blind" she seemed to love "watching the old movies with me". Every Christmas we make sure to watch "White Christmas, staring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney." As she grew older (now in her 80's) and had more needs than we could provide, we reluctantly broke the bond of dependency and insisted that she hire care givers to come into her home to cook and help care for her needs. It was sad for all of us to end the 12 year rituals, but she is doing so well with the additional help I know it is for the best.
Years ago I asked my boss, "Do you think I am a Pollyanna?" His immediate reply was, "Pollyanna? NO, you're a *# #* Tinkerbelle! Oh well, what do I care? If it's a weakness to look after neighbors, confused teenagers or people who need a helping hand, then so be it – Because I know that’s why I'm here – and that's what I have to do – and gratefully Ron shares that loving compassion. As we grow older I notice that the memories we treasure are those that we shared with wonderful people all through the years. We both really believe from the depth of our hearts that Every Child is our child and Every Older Person is our parent, or sister or brother. I have tried to teach our children and extended family that if they have to choose between being Naïve or Cynical, they should always error on the side of Naïve and do what seems right from that place of Love.
Rilletta has been like a big sister friend and good neighbor for many years now. She has been alone in her house next door for over 20 years since her husband and Love of her Life passed away. Ron & I made a commitment to "look after her" in December of 1995 when we invited her to join us for Christmas so she wouldn't be alone. Since then she has joined us for a hearty meal once each week. For the last few years I have tried to have a good movie from the early days of film for her to enjoy with me after dinner. Even though she is "legally blind" she seemed to love "watching the old movies with me". Every Christmas we make sure to watch "White Christmas, staring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney." As she grew older (now in her 80's) and had more needs than we could provide, we reluctantly broke the bond of dependency and insisted that she hire care givers to come into her home to cook and help care for her needs. It was sad for all of us to end the 12 year rituals, but she is doing so well with the additional help I know it is for the best.
Years ago I asked my boss, "Do you think I am a Pollyanna?" His immediate reply was, "Pollyanna? NO, you're a *# #* Tinkerbelle! Oh well, what do I care? If it's a weakness to look after neighbors, confused teenagers or people who need a helping hand, then so be it – Because I know that’s why I'm here – and that's what I have to do – and gratefully Ron shares that loving compassion. As we grow older I notice that the memories we treasure are those that we shared with wonderful people all through the years. We both really believe from the depth of our hearts that Every Child is our child and Every Older Person is our parent, or sister or brother. I have tried to teach our children and extended family that if they have to choose between being Naïve or Cynical, they should always error on the side of Naïve and do what seems right from that place of Love.
2 comments:
We'll get your deck fixed up and have another luncheon out there before you know it!
You bet we will. It's just too fun to wait long.
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