Hi, this is Erik.: Accept today

Before now I hadn't spent lots of time in the company of those who were feeble or real advanced in age. Erik is only one year older than me but that's how I'd categorize him today. Before his 3 seizures he wasn't bounding with energy; but he did swim in our pool only last July. And we'd often throw the football back and forth in his room. We teased each other and laugh a lot and sing. That now seem so unattainable. I'm missing those times.

Erik today is very centered on sitting in his chair, holding his Cowboy hat (or football) in his hand, napping, taking his meds, trying to eat and sort of stroking his left leg which, I believe, bothers him often. He's not in rehab anymore, but moved to the 24 hr nursing care wing. When I'm there, I'm not sure he's able to connect me with any memories. But I want to see him anyway, hold his hand, help him in any way I can. It's hard to know what to do to brighten his day. I've been playing some of his favorite songs on my phone but now even that doesn't seem to register with him. I'm learning to accept whatever today gives and that's ok, but not always easy.

This stage of his life is not headed towards recovery. But Erik continues to amaze me. The Lord uses him to teach me about compassion and simplicity. Those who work with him in Long Term Nursing Care every day humble me and fill me with gratitude. Erik has been loved everywhere he's lived and that's still the case now. I think certain nurses and helpers get special smiles from him.