If you think older adults aren’t interesting or interested, guess again. My new friends, Dee and Herm, connected ‘by accident’ with “Tuesdays at Two,” a Zoom in-reach to the retirement community where I live, in which we “listen to faith stories, ask life’s ‘why’ questions, and share in the meaning and purpose of our lives going forward.” 

 

DEE’s STORY

(excerpts from email letters, shared here with permission.)

 

I WAS BORN AND RAISED CATHOLIC.

Both of my father’s two sisters were Dominican nuns for over fifty years. I considered myself a devout Catholic until I unfortunately had a failed marriage and divorced. I could not believe God would abandon me due to a failed marriage, but I have not been to a church in over fifty years. I have never stopped believing in Christ and it has been proven to me in many ways that He still believes in me.

 

Herm and I are beginners, but want to know the Lord as you do. We are at a stage in life where we hope to learn more. We would very much like to continue joining in “Tuesdays at Two.” This really was quite by accident. I did not even know how to open the computer camera.

 

I found your messages and the stories of others to be quite interesting and longed to hear more. I certainly could use a little religion and spiritual guidance in my life, particularly at this time.

 

I am looking forward to your visit but please take care of whatever necessary business you have first. It has been sixty years or perhaps more like seventy five since I have had religious teaching. A few more days won’t hurt a bit. I might add that I have never read the bible.

 

(Following a visit by my medical therapy dog, GAGE, and me, Dee writes:)

 

I am so thankful that you installed an audio version of the Bible for me. I am listening every evening for an hour. (Dee has macular degeneration making reading difficult.)

 

I don’t understand the numerous demons some of these people are possessed with. I didn’t expect that. Also so many names that I will never remember other than of those that I have already heard. The more I listen the easier it is becoming but I have no idea what should be heard next. I have listened to John and Luke and am beginning to start Mark. Will you tell me the order in which I should be reading please? I also saw online about the Stations of the Cross. I have seen them so many times while I was in the church but I didn’t know the details of each. I have so much to learn.

 

I keep thinking of the large masses of people who daily read the bible and have found and believe in God … why have I not delved in this before? I suppose it was because I believed the Catholic Church was the only true church and that it was enough. I felt fulfilled at the time but now I need to know so much more.

 

I look forward to “Tuesdays at Two.” See you then. —Dee

 

~ ~ ~

 

Dee’s story is replicated countless times across America and beyond by those who left the church or the church left them. Don’t pass up on building meaningful relationships with the elders in your family or community. Most older adults are not interested in just ‘vegging,’ … if you take the time to look you’ll find mature lives that are “hidden fruit,” just waiting to be nurtured and tasted.

 

May Jesus keep us close.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would you like to know more about “Tuesdays at Two?” This simple approach can be easily adapted and replicated in families, retirement communities, and churches. Contact us. GAGE and I will be happy to share how we do it.