To understand the reason and purpose
behind this blog, I encourage you to start from the beginning. I know together,
we can make a difference in the world.
I started this blog speaking about a
98-year-old woman by the name of Betty and how I got involved in her life.
I haven’t told you yet who I am; so I thought in this message
today, I would tell you a little about me. I am Joan Marie Ambrose -- I
actually have two web sites that speak to the power of love, compassion, caring
and sharing:
- www.childlikecreations.com focuses on children and their caregivers, and
- www.myserenityhouse.com focuses on giving tools and guidance in ways that will help you strengthen your Inner Child - your Soul as you seek to experience inner peace and contentment.
My book: “Hello is
Anybody Listening?” speaks to this topic as I share my story and
those of clients that I have worked with over the years. Each one of us
has a story that we either build upon daily or try to re-create so that we can
experience what our heart’s desire. I am no different.
For some time now I was struggling
over the meaning of compassion and what compassion means to me. I tend to
be hard on myself and I must admit on others too because I am always striving
for perfection, you know – being the best that I can be. I realize that I
am on this planet earth for a purpose and that I have a valuable function to
perform or at least participate in. Having said that, I have dedicated my
life to sharing love, hope and joyful possibilities with anyone who will
listen. Without a doubt, I am a positive-thinking person and I believe in
magical moments and miracles. In fact, I can truthfully say that I experience
some kind of a miracle daily. I know that God, or whatever you identify
as your Creator has got your back and that I nor you will never be deserted or
abandoned. I feel the love and unconditional joy of my Creator in me,
through me and around me as I experience the beauty of nature. But
nonetheless, I am very human and I, like everyone else experience challenges
and am aware of my shortcomings most of the time.
So as I go back to the word and its
meaning of "Compassion", I found myself speaking to God and asking to
be shown how I could be more compassionate. I felt that somehow I could not
identify with its true meaning. Wow! When
I ask, I do receive. How or when my involvement with Betty began is unimportant,
it is the journey. I believe that it far superior to be an observer of
life, not a participant. I tell others that we are living in this world but we are not of this world; and when we can
differentiate between the two, we are better prepared to fulfill our true
purpose. Observing another person in her journey through life is more than
fascinating; I find it thought provoking. It is not my job to judge
another but it can be rewarding to guide others when and if they are ready to
receive.
Betty was ready to receive. What started out as a friendly gesture by a neighbor
became a Soul-searching experience for me – one that I am still attempting to
examine, digest and process. I can honestly say that I now believe that I
am a compassionate being who is willing to care and share with another in a
nurturing and loving way. So God let’s move on – I am ready to continue
moving forward.
Yesterday was a pivotal day. I
discovered that as of that day, the
caregiver was going to be coming at least 6 days a week. While I was with
Betty in the morning giving her the usual early morning food, the caregiver
walked in and shared the news. I left the house shortly thereafter only
to receive a phone call an hour later from my daughter saying that the police
were at Betty’s house. Did I know
what was going on? I had no clue but I immediately walked down the
block to discover that the caregiver called the police to tell them that she
did not want me coming to Betty’s house ever again.
The police were wonderful and most
understanding. They informed me that as of this date, the caregiver and
others would be with Betty around the clock and that she will be taken care
of. I sincerely question the quality of the care but I also understand
that my job is done. I accomplished my task of getting Betty help.
A little while later the police rang
my doorbell and said: "We
believe you accomplished what you set out to do and by the way, the caregiver
is walking Betty around the block." WOW! With a smile on
my face. I felt relieved and pleased that someone has taken notice of this
lovely lady of 98 years of age.
Later that morning I received a
phone call from the grandson-in-law of Betty who wanted to speak to me.
We chatted for some time and I shared my concerns. I do not know if they
will be taken to heart but only time will tell. I do know, however, that
my firm words and concerns were not left on deaf ears.
So
where do I go from here? Was this
all about Betty or was it about my life’s concerns and me? Will I continue to
be an advocate for people of all ages who need a voice and must be heard?
Tomorrow will bring another day and I, too, will continue to learn and grow as
I myself journey into the unknown of growing older in a world that somehow
doesn’t take notice.
Joan Marie Ambrose
Author,
Creative Writer, Motivational Speaker
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