October is Respect Life Month. Usually when we speak of respect for life we tend to think of preborn babies in the womb. However, respect for life refers to life at all stages – from the preborn to natural death. As much as our society disrespects the life of the preborn, we can also fail to respect the life of the elderly.
I remember visiting an elderly lady in a nursing home. She was confined to bed. Her body was frail, if not emaciated. She needed assistance to do her daily needs whether eating, dressing or bathing. As she lay in her bed, which was her world, I asked her what she wanted people to know about her. Her response deeply touched my heart. She answered: “Tell them that I’m still in here.”
It is easy for us to look at a shriveled body lying in a nursing home bed and think that this is just the shell of an old person lacking feelings or emotions. Nothing could be further from the truth.
That elderly lady with whom I was speaking wanted people to know that she was still the person she had always been. Her body was exhausted, but she was still alive. She was still the little girl who liked to laugh and play hopscotch. She was still that teenager who went to the prom. She was still that beautiful bride who walked down the aisle. She was still the woman who was filled with joy at the births of her children and grandchildren; who laughed some times and cried at others.
Some societies honor the elderly. Our society can at times dismiss those who have reached the age that many do not. The fact is that God loves us at every age. We never lose our dignity as a child of God created in His image. God continues to love us and to work in our lives even, and perhaps even more powerfully, when we reach old age. It is for all of us to recognize the dignity of the aged and feeble.
I came across a prayer written by a Religious Sister in Australia (Sr. Moya Hanlen, FDNSC) which I would like to share:
Prayer for the Aging
All gracious Father, you have given me all I am and have.
I now give it all back to you to stand under your will alone.
In a special way I give you these later years of my life.
I am one of those called by you into old age.
A call not given to all, not given to your Son, Jesus, not given to most in our world today.
I thank you for this privilege and I acknowledge the struggle that accompanies the diminution of ageing.
I humbly ask you to grace me deeply in each aspect of that struggle.
As my physical eyesight weakens, may the eyes of my faith strengthen that I may see you and your love in everything.
As my hearing fails may the ears of my heart be more attentive to the whisper of your gentle voice.
As my legs weaken and walking becomes difficult may I walk more truly in your paths knowing all the while that I am held in the embrace of your love.
As my mind becomes less alert and memory fades may I remain peaceful in you, aware that with you there is no need for thought or word you simply ask that I be there with you.
And should sickness overtake me and I be confined to bed may I know myself as one with your Son as He offers His life for the salvation of the world.
Finally, as my heart slows a little after the work of years may it expand in love for you and all people.
May it rest secure and grateful in your loving Heart until I am lost in you completely and forever. Amen.