Why Do People Abandon Their Relatives?

Q: I’m often sad after my weekly visits to my sister in her nursing home, because so many of the people there never have anyone come to see them. I hope you’ll urge people not to abandon their relatives or friends if they have to go into a place like this. — Mrs. R.V.

A: Thank you for your letter — and I know what you mean; I don’t think I’ve ever visited a nursing home without having the staff ask me to stop by and see people who seldom have anyone visit them.

I realize there may be practical reasons why some people aren’t able to visit their loved ones as often as they’d like (such as disability or distance). But often that’s not the case, and even a brief visit could do wonders for an aging relative who feels lonely or abandoned. Even if their memory has faded and they might not be able to remember the visit, it’s still important to see that they are receiving good care.

I often think of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, urging us to treat others the way we’d want to be treated if we were in their situation (the so-called “Golden Rule”). We should practice this in every relationship — but especially with our loved ones. Jesus said, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12).

May I suggest something? The next time you visit your sister, ask God to lead you to at least one resident you can visit and encourage. Listen to them; talk with them; pray with them as you have opportunity. God can use you not only to cheer them up, but to point them to the hope we can have of eternal life because of Jesus.

========

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.