Palliative Care

Palliate: to ease (as in a disease) without curing.  

The first things I would like you to consider in these thoughts today are the lyrics to this popular 1970’s song by Jackie DeShannon: 

Think of your fellow man

Lend him a helping hand

Put a little love in your heart.

You see it’s getting late

Oh, please don’t hesitate

Put a little love in your heart.

And the world will be a better place…for you, and me, you just wait and see…

Take a good look around

And if you’re looking down

Put a little love in your heart.

I hope when you decide

Kindness will be your guide

Put a little love in your heart.

And the world will be a better place…for you, and me, you just wait and see. [Just] put a little love in your heart . . . put a little love in your heart.   

I have often thought, and expressed, that if we just had something like the words of that song, or an inspirational proverb, or poem or prayer, or image of a good and kindly person who portrays those sentiments to fill our minds during its ‘down time’—like a screen-saver—how much more likely it would be for us to ‘go and do likewise.’   As Jesus gave us His example and enjoined us, “As I have loved you, love one another.” That is palliative care.
 
It was curative care when He performed His great Atonement for us. He did both.

I have recently become friends with a lovely lady named Cynthia who portrays those qualities.  She is a resident (and has been for a dozen years) of the nursing care facility where my mother resides and where I visit 4-5 times per week.  Cynthia has had many severe challenges over the years (now including virtual blindness) but has always rallied and is a veritable ray of sunshine to those who have had the privilege of meeting her.  She told me recently, but without complaint, that she has wondered why she has been preserved so long (yet she is still a young woman).  It is very clear to me why.  She can, and does, affect others and make them want to try to be more like her: welcoming, cheerful, uncomplaining, thoughtful, insightful, listening, positive.  She has much to give.  She does not put her candle under a basket, but rather gives light to all in the house.  

So, “take a good look around and if you’re looking down” put a little love in your heart and maybe you’ll see Cynthia, and your “world will be a better place.”  That is why she is still here. She came there to receive palliative care; she gives it to any who come into her presence, as does her roommate Ann.

Thanks, Cynthia--and Ann.