Loneliness

Have you ever been lonely?  Have you ever thought about people who are alone and realized how lonely they are at times?

It's sad to me to think about people who just would have their days changed if someone would just say hi to them for just a little while.

It is really depressing to think about people who live alone and have no one to share their day with.  Do they get up every day and have the same routine as every other day?

I am a huge believer in retirement villages.  I'm not referring to a nursing home as much as I am thinking about senior apartments where there are options for association with others.  Options for activities with others.

My father in law very reluctantly moved into such a place.  Under one roof, there were one and two bedroom apartments, assisted living and a nursing home.  It was incredible.  He, after the shock was gone, loved it.  He was able to eat, play cards, and mingle with friends. This housing solution allowed him the ability to have more options in his day than when he lived at home.

You don't have to be old to be lonely.  You don't have to be alone to be lonely.  Being alone is sad.  Imagine being alone and realizing that there is a world around you that doesn't share in your loneliness. Imagine being in a room full of people and being lonely.  It happens.

For some it isn't even a choice.

Maybe what I am trying to say that if we all would make an effort to just say hi to people, we might make a day a tiny bit less lonely.