Age is the great equalizer

On the same memory unit at your local nursing home you will find a caucasion man who was once quite wealthy but used up his money with private care to stay in his home, and then refined assisted living. He might be seated at the dining table next to another caucasion man who has been homeless for the last 40 years except when in and out of drug rehab programs. Also in the room is a black man who used to play dancing gigs over a five state area. There were some clubs where his band was not allowed to play, but he once played for the governor at the governor’s mansion. The fourth is a Hispanic gentleman who served his country in the military during the Korean War. At another table sits a woman who never missed a day of church before nursing home placement and even now does not a miss a chance to hear a good preaching. At her table sits a woman who once lived with her best friend, another woman. While both of them sold their bodies on the street, they found sincere love in each other’s arms. The third lady at the table is a retired school teacher. Each has seen good times and bad. Each eats the same pureed food and thickened juice. Their long term care is paid from different source, a pension, VA benefits, Social Security/Disability, all supplemented with Medicaid. Each has $60 spending money piling up to threaten their future Medicaid with the exception of the one who continues to smoke. They have forgotten their pride, they have forgotten their prejudices. They suffer in silence for the most part. From time to time you might catch a tear welling up as they remember the loved ones who have passed away or passed them on. Age plays no favorites.