Libby Hughes
About once a month Pat and I deliver hot meals to 12-15 homebound elderly and handicapped men and women as part of the local MEALS ON WHEELS program. These elderly people are a whole hidden subculture out there -- thousands upon thousands of "closet people" -- that most of us never see. Never think about.
We meet so many courageous, elderly people weighed down with such physical and emotional handicaps. Their loneliness is palpable. We can't just ring a doorbell, hand a hot meal to a stranger and run off to the next stop. Sometimes, we have to share more than a hot meal. Conversation is nourishing, too. At times more nourishing. Pat and I may well be the only ones these people see any given day. That's how we met Libby two years ago.
Libby is in her mid-eighties, widowed many years ago. She lives alone, supported at a distance by her three sons, each living in a different part of Delaware, as well as by neighbors and volunteers. Libby has a major problem: her hands and feet are terribly twisted by advanced rheumatoid arthritis. Even simple daily chores like bathing, dressing and food preparation are extremely difficult for her. But be forewarned! Don't mention "Nursing Home!" to her. You'll get a sharp retort...making you regret asking such a "stupid" question. This super-senior has true grit. She'll go through a litany of reasons why she wants to live at home till "they carry me out feet first!"
Libby is a great conversationalist. Her wisdom and wit snap, crackle and pop. She loves to talk -- yes, about the "good ol' days" -- but she's also quite current. And she listens also. A conversation with Libby is a two-way deal. Pat visits her once a week for an hour's conversation about everything under the sun and another hour assisting Libby get the bath she loves so much. "My highpoint of the week!" she smiles.
Yes, Libby, keep smilin'! You're beautiful!
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Libby loves Pat's weekly visits. An hour's conversation about anything and everything. And another hour with Pat helping her bathe. "My highpoint of the week!", she smiles!