Beatitudes for Friends of the Challenged

I was once given this small poem by a therapist.  I have posted it in every nursing home I have worked since.  I make copies and hand it out to staff.  Many times, I find that staff carry it in their scrubs' pockets.

I share it with family members when they come looking for answers.  For more than any of us, families will often wear themselves out before they seek help.  Whatever your reason, whatever your thinking or your need to do this, remember that asking for help for yourself is also seeking help for your loved one.

Blessed are you who

take time to listen to difficult speech,

for you help me to know that if I persevere,

I can be understood.

Blessed are you who

never bid me to “hurry up”, or take my tasks

and do them for me,

for often I need time rather than help.

Blessed are you who

stand beside me  as I enter

new and untried ventures,

for my failures will be outweighed by the times

I surprise myself and you.

                               

Blessed are you who

asked for my help,

for my greatest need is to be needed.

Blessed are you who
understand that is difficult

to put my thoughts into words.

Blessed are you who

smile and encourage me

to try once more.

Blessed are you who

never remind me that today

I asked the same question twice.

Blessed are you who

respect and love me

as  am, just as I am,

and not as you wish I were.

Blessed are you.