What’s on Your Agenda?
I love to tell the story about my visit with my friend and her family to the wild-life park near my home. The story begins with the presentation on the manatee. The guide stood in front of the bleachers overlooking the park’s observatory where we were seated. He was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic as he shared information on the manatee, my friend’s five-year-old niece was very attentive, taking in every word.
At the end of the presentation, the guide invited questions. The little girl quickly popped up her arm and waved her small hand as her parents gleamed with pride for their daughter’s inquisitive nature. She waited patiently, and when she was finally called on, she pointed her two little feet toward the guide, wiggled her tiny stubby toes and responded with her own profound question. “Do you like my new sandals?”
When we have our own agenda and are busy thinking about our next comment rather than “listening,” we miss the emotion behind what is being said, especially when “listening” to someone living with a dementia. When we truly listen, we gain a greater awareness and understanding of the emotions behind the words and relationships can become more meaningful and connections become stronger.
If you would like more information on our Memory Ministry, Memory Cafe, or our Family and Friends Education Workshops, please contact Vicky Pitner at vpitner@firstumc.org