Several years ago, I read the book Life is So Good by George Dawson.
In a nutshell, George Dawson grew up in the poverty of a former slave's family. Because money was so scarce, George worked long hours to raise the money for his siblings to attend school. But George himself never did. For years, he dreamed about learning to read, but there was always a living to make. Finally, at age ninety-eight, he took an adult literacy class, and at one hundred and two, he published his autobiography.
I've thought about this book off and on ever since I've read it.
Often, people have the concept that nursing homes are supposed to be a place where you slowly deteriorate, where you shrivel up into yourself, and where you allow death to quietly steal you away.
But this is not an accurate picture of a nursing home.
A good nursing home will allow people to stretch themselves and grow in different areas. Therapy works to get you back on your feet, both literally and figuratively. Nursing focuses on reminders and assistance so that you can focus on more important things. Activities provide opportunities for broadening and stretching your horizons--teaching new skills and games to anyone who wishes to learn.
It's never too late to grow. The most beautiful souls are the ones who are always striving and stretching themselves to be the best they can be.