17 Comments

I work on a warm line for disabled people and older adults for those who are. Lonely or isolated. A guy 67 in a nursing home at his wits end trying to find last crumbs of pleasure in his life. Reads, watches TV, plays bingo. Wheelchair bound, cancer, morphine, 2-1/2 years in nursing home. I looked up the word ennui to recognize with him the authenticity of his emotional life. Then talked about the theory of relativity: roof over his head, 3 square meals, etc. he got it. We said good-bye. He called back. Had a question: should he ask aides to bring him to bingo a third time a week? Would you like to go 3x? Yes, it distracts him. He confided that the aides are abusive, they tell him no, they’re too busy. Go above them to their bosses; complain we both agreed. Issue resolved temporarily.

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nursing homes can be very horrible places. I am so sorry to hear these stories.... I do know they exist. Kathleen, you are an angel

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Never heard of a gig like that, how is it?

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I have a gift for compassionate listening. I like it. Reciprocity for me and caller. Usually a win-win situation.

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/me off to donate to the recovery efforts.

Really nice piece there Andrew. Many calzones to you.

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THAT”S THE BEST PARTING PHRASE THING I”VE EVER SEEN!

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Sounds like you are doing a great job.

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I hope so!

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Sending love and calzones to you and your fam!! Glad the power's back on!! <3

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Samesies!

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I'm empathetic to your family's situation. Is there power to your house yet? My apologies for not mentioning that earlier. But I/we are concerned about everyone effected by the devistation that the storm. But I'm still impressed with how you guys handled it regarding the kids and how you rationalize with the situation. Great Dad! Okay I'm going overboard but you guys deserve it! 🍻

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Spoken and delivered. Awesome 😎

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God bless you, Andrew - I lift you all in prayer, and I am so glad that in your game of hide and seek, you found Hope in the Dark 💖

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I strive to train my kids to fight self-pity and suffer better. I'm encouraged that you're doing the same too.

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yes, we must be stoic, but I have also learned that "letting off steam" is the best relief.

Whether is it screaming into a pillow, or throwing sticks and rocks in the woods, or .... well, screaming works well for me.

I am glad to know all of you are "unscathed" and have ready and willing family close by. I am sure your parents and inlaws were glad you see the kids, and it is a win-win, bc they pretty much behave around the grandpeople

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I definitely vent.

I even encourage the kids to!

But only for so long.

Then Dad needs a little peace.

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Try this one; I got sexually harassed lately at work, then got an ultimatum and fired. Go figure. Worst part was I liked the job, and have now been evicted and so screwed.

But if ever there was a kick in the pants to go back to school to change careers, this is it. But man is the self-pity and frustration levels reaching peak inhuman levels.

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