Eighties Ladies

Eighties Ladies

Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone. Luke 6:19

On Wednesday afternoons, I visit my patients at the local nursing home. They range in age from eighty to ninety years old, and there are three times as many women as men. Several years ago, I affectionately began calling them my Eighties Ladies.

The nurses told me that on the days I was expected to visit, the Eighties Ladies would quickly finish breakfast so they could dress up—“because Dr. Anderson is coming today!” They put a fresh coat of paint on the old barn and adorned themselves with jewelry. By the time I arrived, they would be decked out in their most colorful scarves and beads, and their smiles were framed with fresh lipstick.

Typically, nothing had changed medically since I’d seen them the previous week, but holding their hands and talking with them did wonders to brighten their spirits.

When I finished my appointed rounds at the home, I often stood at the nurses’ station to update the medical charts. Soon a group of Eighties Ladies would see me and gather around. Some would suddenly develop new complaints so they could spend time talking to me. Others would ask me endless questions just so they could engage me in conversation. The hardest part was answering questions from the patients with dementia. They would ask the same question over and over. At moments like that, I wished I had the Lord’s patience.

When the geriatric gatherings grew a little too rowdy, the nurses would go into crowd control mode and start wheeling them back to their rooms. When that happened, I felt guilty. I wished I had more time to spend with each of them.

I know that God will eventually heal all of my Eighties Ladies, if not here and now, then when they cross over to their forever home.

TODAY’S RX

No matter how old or sick we are, our souls long for the healing touch of Jesus. Today, you can be his hands and feet by touching someone’s life who needs to feel his presence.

Jesus, thank you that I can always come to you with my concerns and pleas for help. I praise you for never growing tired of hearing from me and for always waiting expectantly to spend time together. I’m grateful for your vast love.