I was in the early training stages of my career, and my first clinical rotation took place in a nursing home. My assignment was to get the medical history from a frail, elderly woman who could not see very well.

After getting a thorough history, I got up from the chair with my clipboard and started walking toward the door. She continued to chat, telling me a bit about her family. It had nothing to do with her medical history.

I could tell she didn’t want me to leave. She was hungry for someone to listen.

New to patient care, I didn’t know how to exit without appearing rude, so I stayed. As a student, I was given limited time in each room, so I felt a bit of anxiety, but I just didn’t know how to peel away.

Since the sweet woman had difficulty with her vision, she was relying on my voice to continue the conversation and didn’t pick up on the visual cues.

About twenty minutes later, my instructor snuck her head in the door and commented that we should be heading out.

Once in the hall, my teacher explained the importance of knowing how to bring a conversation to a close when the patient trails off. I felt embarrassed, but it was a lesson learned.

Admittedly, over the years, I have come across many instances when I have had to redirect the conversation because of tangential ideas or thoughts from the patient.

But, you know what I have also learned? Those who are considered elderly and have walked the same roads we are currently treading have SO MUCH WISDOM!

It is easy to forget the generations that have gone ahead of us. We get caught up in technology or the latest fads, and we forget that sometimes, the basic principles of life transcend time.

They have failed…and succeeded.

They know how to invest…and how to spend.

They have their regrets….and their victories.

My distant cousin’s grandmother had an impact on my life during the season of my life when I was hoping to get married.

At 80, she would tell me the story of how she met her husband, and I loved to see her smile (and blush) as she spoke about him. What great advice she gave me.

On my wedding day, I asked her to give me her blessing.

The next time you see an elderly man or woman, invest some time to hear their story. You may be surprised at what life experiences they will share.

May we honor, Lord, those who have gone before us, and Father, give us the wisdom to share our story with those who will come after us.

~Betsy