Trigger Warning: Discussion about what to do with special heirlooms and childhood memories, including mention of holidays, littles, and miscarriage…
As childless, we often long to take care of a little. As childless, we often wonder who will take care of us when we are old. So, as part of redefining May, I’d like to explore the topic of taking care of the young and the old . . .
Taking Care of the Young…
I have donated my hair to Wigs for Kids—twice. They make hair pieces for littles battling illnesses, such as cancer. I have given my wedding dress to Kennedy’s Angel Gowns, a non-profit that makes burial gowns for littles born sleeping. I’ve made a Hello Kitty Easter Basket for a little in foster care. And at Christmas, my hubby has put together a tricycle for an angel from the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. As someone who desperately wanted a little, I believe ALL of these are amazing ways to redefine…
Now, I realize that because these activities involve littles, they can be difficult, depending on where you are on your journey. So, I want to focus most of this blog on a different way to redefine…
To whom will I give my special heirlooms and childhood memories?
Often, as childless, we struggle with what to do with our childhood possessions and special heirlooms. Above, I mentioned that I solved one of these dilemmas by donating my wedding dress to Kennedy’s Angel Gowns. As a sentimental person, I have many items that need a new home…
As a young girl, I collected Cabbage Patch Dolls. (Yes, from a very young age, I knew that I wanted to be a Mom. But that is another blog…) Quite certain I had at least a dozen Cabbage Patch Kids, they had been stored away in my Mom’s attic for years. One Christmas, I gave a couple to my younger nieces. Another year, I gave one to the angel my Mom and Step Dad adopted from the Angel Tree. But I still had several tucked away in a storage bin in the attic.
One afternoon, my Mom texted and asked if I’d be willing to part with them. My Step Dad’s Jeep Club was collecting dolls. The unexpected, however, was that they were going to donate them to retirement homes. Studies have shown that some Alzheimer’s and dementia patients benefit from “Doll Therapy.” Because my Grandad battled Alzheimer’s, this is a disease that is close to my family’s heart. So, I quickly agreed to give my remaining Cabbage Patch Dolls to the Jeep Club. Knowing that they would be going to new, loving homes made my heart happy…
*If you’d like to watch a short video about “Pearl’s Memory Babies,” an organization that donates dolls (and stuffed animals) to Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, click here. (Trigger Warning: Dolls are life-like, plus there are mentions of parenting. BUT the video also shows patients receiving toy dogs, saying some find comfort in caring for pets they miss…)
Taking Care of the Old . . .
Donating my dolls to a retirement home brought to mind the question of who will take care of me and my husband when we are older… Will our nieces and nephew care for us? Or will they be too busy looking after their parents? Our exchange daughter lives in Brasil, so she won’t be able to visit very often… Who will care for us?
Well, I’ve decided that there is no use worrying about that now. I have no control over the future, only the present. So, at this moment, I will focus my attention on doing what I can to care for the elderly—both those in my family and those I don’t know personally. My hope is that by setting this example—by doing my part now—a loving soul will repay this kindness in the future…
Redefining: Taking Care of the Young and the Old . . .
What can you do to redefine, fabulous one? I know that there are many more ways than the ones I have mentioned above. Tell us how you are taking care of the young and the old in the comments…
Join the community and receive monthly emails with blog links, inspiration, and information about things going on within the childless tribe…
Featured Photo: Jake Thacker on StockSnap.io
