A Spontaneous Visit to an Elderly Home

Criss, Ate and I went to Josephinahemmet, a Catholic elderly home, as a random decision this Saturday, right before our Mock Camp. We went to their mass in the chapel and afterwards, a nun asked us if we were there to sing or play something for the elderly. How did we respond? Why not.

We were running late for the Mock Camp already, but we thought this would be a good cause. Criss had his guitar with him, and we played three songs, just random like that. Even though the elderly didn't make so much noise, they seemed to appreciate it. We got to meet someone we were familiar with from St. Eugenia there, who happily showed us around and welcomed us warmly. He suggested for us to come here often and showed us the schedule I added above. I believe I will follow that from now on.

That visit in the elderly home humbled me. I was always thinking, would I also be like this in a couple of years? I also imagined if it was mom sitting there on the wheelchair, requiring assistance. I wouldn't be the one assisting though, I thought. I would have to be far away, minding my own business, managing my own family and life. That thought was rather depressing.

The elderly there were very kind. Despite as though some were not thinking straight anymore, like one who was offering us her share of fruit salad while we were performing (we didn't know how to react since she spoke Polish). The elderly would look at us with such a stare that pierces through all the way to the heart and soul. When I saw that glance, I felt as though they missed their own family right around my age. I felt a sense of longing on their blank stares. I felt as though I could fill those longing glances with at least a smile, to fill the emptiness from their own families for at least that moment.

We left Josephinahemmet with a feeling of having accomplished and done something good, despite the spontaneity. Even though we were only there for a maximum of 30min, we already experienced so much which made me decide to come back at least once a week, or month. I will start to volnteer there. The rest of the day went well of course, which ended up with Criss randomly sleeping over at our place once again, as usual. :)