Thursday, September 02, 2010

FRIENDSHIP

I loath the fact that I am alone. I go to the store alone. I go to movies alone. I eat in restaurants alone. I sleep alone and more depressing, I wake up alone to another day of being by myself. I was bemoaning this condition to my friend, Chuck, who said to me he wished that he were alone. Being alone to him meant having hope.


I asked for an explanation. He related that had no time for himself. He was always surrounded by someone who wanted something from him; intruders into his reveries who made noise and interrupted his train of thought; others who demanded his services; others that required things of him that he did begrudgingly. He wanted to make choices again – the kind of choices you can only make when you are alone; choices that gave him pleasure; even doing little things for others. He felt hopeless.


Well, I certainly could understand the freedom in being responsible for only myself. Choosing to do certain activities or going at my own leisure to places I appreciated; and not having to ask permission or beg for company from someone who didn’t share my enthusiasm or interests. All of that lifestyle was second nature to me and Chuck could not understand how I didn’t appreciate it more.


It’s the old story of curly-haired girls wanting straight hair and straight-haired girls wanting curls. Is it just human nature to not appreciate what you have and want what you do not have? Is there such an animal as having the best of both worlds?


Here’s another catch phrase: finding the “happy medium.” And this doesn’t mean a contented psychic reader. This means living in the best of both worlds – that of being a solitary entity and that of being part of a committed unit.


Friendship. A friend is more than just an acquaintance. It is a commitment of the highest caliber. A friend is one that you laugh with, enjoy their smiles, listen to their tales of woe, give advice, take advice, hug with abandon, make love with your heart, your eyes, your words, your actions – not necessarily with your bodies. Or, use your bodies to give each other exquisite pleasure – if you choose to do so, without owning one another or without expectation. That’s being alone and yet being a friend and sharing in that hopeful flow of the give and take of life.

posted by Shirley @ Thursday, September 02, 2010 0 comments

Anonymously Written -- Jail vs Nursing Home

Let's put the seniors in jail,
And the criminals in a nursing home.

This way the seniors would have access to showers, hobbies, and walks, they'd receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs etc. And they'd receive money instead of paying it out.

They would have constant video monitoring, so they could be helped instantly, if they fell, or needed assistance.

Bedding would be washed twice a week, and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them.

A guard would check on them every 20 minutes, and bring their meals and snacks to their cell.

They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose.

They would have access to a library, weight room, spiritual counseling, pool, and education.

Simple clothing , shoes, slippers, P.J.'s and legal aid would be free, on request.

Private, secure rooms for all, with an exercise outdoor yard , with gardens.

Each senior could have a P.C. A TV radio, and daily phone calls.

There would be a board of directors, to hear complaints, and the guards would have a code of conduct, that would be strictly adhered to.

The "criminals" would get cold food, be left all alone, and unsupervised, lights off at 8pm, and showers once a week. Live in a tiny room, and pay $5000.00 per month and have no hope of ever getting out. Justice for all.

Having just dealt with my Aunt Ethel's stay in a nursing home, I say the above is RIGHT ON!








posted by Shirley @ Thursday, September 02, 2010 0 comments