Seek out these lonely people.
Some are old, some are invalids.
Some have mental issues.
Some are in nursing homes.
Many are in our group homes.
So many without a single person who loves or cares for them.
"I'm Lonely and Scared. Would You Be My Friend?" 90-Year-Old Woman Writes in Heartbreaking Letter to Neighbor
“I’m Lonely and Scared. Would You Be My Friend?” 90-Year-Old Woman Writes in Heartbreaking Letter to Neighbor
- One elderly woman’s courage has inspired hundreds of other senior citizens to speak out about their loneliness and isolation and thousands of younger people to reach out to them
"Two years ago a 37-year-old Missouri woman named came home to a hand written note from a neighbor she had never met.
“Would you consider to become my friend. I’m 90 years old — live alone and all my friends have passed away. I am so lonesome and scared. Please — I pray for some one,” it said.
The letter writer, Wanda Mills, also left her address.
The recipient, Marleen Brooks, had lived almost directly across the street from her for a year and a half, but never met her.
PLEASE Read all!!!
1 comment:
This is very hard for me to write.
Some of you may know that my brother suffered from schizophrenia and ultimately took his own life in a state mental facility.
Visiting him was an almost physically painful experience.
Our parents lived in another state, partially to avoid the emotional agony of seeing their son in such misery.
His disease helped to destroy our family.
He had no visitors.
No one cared about him.
And he died alone.
Our county of Muskegon is filled lonely neighbors.
Some years ago I decided to create Christmas gift baskets and deliver them to the residents of group homes.
For a few years (some with the help of a local group) we packed and I delivered small bags that included candy, gloves, hats, games. And a Christmas card.
Many of the homes were wonderful with caring employees and visiting family.
But some were simply warehouses of bodies as income.
There was joy in the giving but ultimately I couldn't handle seeing those who were truly alone.
I would deliver the bags, see their longing faces, almost like shelter animals, looking for any loving contact.
And sit in my car and cry.
If all of us would try to reach out to one lonely person,
Or "adopt" one person or one group home or group of nursing home residents, we could give the gift of love that doesn't exist for so many.
If you can find (I can help, if you like) that person, all that is needed is a small gift or card for Christmas. A card and a visit for their birthday.
Maybe a visit or a drive around town.
An ocassional phone call.
It's not much.
But it may be the greatest gift you have ever given.
Jim Riley
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