It’s Our Turn
By Darlene Marsh
Yancey County
For 32 years, I have had the honor and privilege of working with the disabled and elderly in a variety of different roles. I have been welcomed into so many homes and lives. The knowledge I received while sitting on an old porch swing or around a table while sipping a large glass of sweet tea, is more precious than gold. I have been given “cuttings” from a favorite plant as well as tips on how to make it grow. I listened as a lady shared with me all the “old ways” of treating cold and even accompanied her on a trip through the woods collecting roots and herbs that she guaranteed were so much more effective “than that store-bought mess you young people take.” One time, I even had an elderly gentleman share with me his secret to growing large pumpkins worthy of the biggest prize ribbon at the fair. As I write this article, I can’t help but smile as I think back on the past. I can see each of their faces and am reminded of how eager and willing they were to share all this golden knowledge. Looking back, I now understand that they felt it was their responsibility “to show us young folks a thing or two about living.” I am so glad I took the time to listen to them. I was there to provide care for them but when you sum it all up I am pretty sure “I got the better end of the deal.”
As our communities age and more and more of our population becomes elderly, it’s time to look at what our responsibility to our aging family members and community should be. It’s our turn to step up and honor them by providing the best care and support available. We live in a society where it is commonly understood that parents are expected to take care of their children. There are many books and resources dedicated to providing direction and encouragement as they strive to fulfill this role. Yet oddly enough, there is not as much discussion and focus on expectations of care for the elderly when life comes full circle. As Christians, we are instructed to seek out direction from our Bible. There is a common theme of respect, honor, and responsibility for our elderly throughout the Word.
As small children, we learned that we are commanded by God to honor our fathers and mothers. God makes it very clear that each new generation expects that they care for and honor the generations that came before them. God demonstrates this expectation and his love for us each day. In Isaiah 46: 3-4, The Lord is speaking to his people and reassuring them that he has and will continue to care for them from before they were formed in the womb until they have passed from this world. “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb: even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” This verse shows that God’s love is steadfast and never wavers regardless of whether we are just starting or we are entering into the last stretch of the race. If we are supposed to be Christ-like, then this example should serve as guidance and inspiration to each of us in how we care for the elderly in our families as well as our community.
In today’s society, being a caregiver can sometimes be a very difficult role to navigate. Our elderly population continues to grow and resources are somewhat limited. I’m sure you have heard the old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, it also takes a village to care for our elderly. In past generations, caregivers worked in the home and were available to take care of their elderly family members. Sometimes we were able to move Granny or Grampa into the home with us. Nowadays, we have full-time jobs which makes it hard to provide for the care needs of our loved ones. We have to look toward resources in our communities to help us make sure they are getting the care and support they need and more importantly, the care they deserve. Where can I find help? Who provides this type of care or support? Who do I turn to for guidance? These are questions that our seniors and caregivers struggle with all the time. There are resources out there. As I shared above, I have had the privilege and honor of working with some wonderful seniors and their caregivers. I have also been honored to meet and work alongside some amazing community partners. Individuals who share my passion for pointing people in the right direction and connecting them with the resources they so desperately need. In the past, I have thought about how nice it would be if there was a way to bring all the resources together in one place. Seniors and their caregivers would have the opportunity to meet with our community partners and get connected to services. It would be just like “one-stop shopping.” Well, the community partners in Yancey County have found a way to make this a reality. On June 5th from 1:00- 6:00 pm at the Burnsville Town Center, a variety of community providers are coming together to participate in the 2nd Annual Senior Resource Fair. If you are a senior or caregiver and you are struggling to find services to meet your needs, then this is the place to come. If you are a service provider and would like to participate you can reach out to the adult services staff at Yancey County DSS.
Our community has been through a lot in the last several months and our aging community was hit hard. Making sure they are provided for has become even more difficult. We must stay the course. We must continue to work together to honor and respect them by meeting their needs. God has provided an example. Our seniors have given us so much. They have given knowledge, support, and an abundance of love. It’s our turn.
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Darlene Marsh was born and raised in Avery County. She currently resides in Yancey County with her husband, Jimmy. They have two grown children as well as two grandchildren. She has spent her 32 year career as a social worker advocating for the disabled and aging population in our communities. She is an active follower of Jesus Christ and has served the Lord in several roles including Sunday school teacher, youth leader and Christmas play director.
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