I love old people.

For today's challenge, Ali and I hugged a few people at church and at a restaurant, but we decided to visit a nursing home and hug some lonely people.  We went to the nurse and asked her if she would point out some ladies who didn't get many visitors, so she guided Ali to a lady named Goldie and me to a lady named Bea.  Both ladies were adorable and super sweet.  I haven't had such a fun, relaxed afternoon in such a long time.

I had a great experience with Bea.  I brought my nine-week-old Yorkie, Jack, and she held him the entire time.  I loved that Bea told me stories.  She kept thanking me that I came and visited her in her room.  She was so, so, so sweet.  I definitely want to start visiting her more often.  I'd also like to send her a letter to let her know I haven't forgotten her. 

Nursing homes can be such sad places, basically where people drop off their elderly family members so they'll die out of sight.  These old people are adorable and wise and loving.  All they want is someone to talk to an for  someone to care about them.  And they deserve it.  I loved today.

Me: Ali, how was your time with Goldie?

Ali: Oh, it was absolutely wonderful.  It was probably the best way I've spent my time in a long time.  Not only do I know that I made her day, but it encouraged me.  Today was definitely not a day wasted. 

Me: Any specific stories?

Ali: There are quite a few.  Let's see.  She kept asking me where I wanted to go to college, and I kept telling her A&M- if it accepts me- and then she would go on and on about how in today's world you need to go to college and have a college education, and she would just encourage me so much about college and life.

Me: Does this make you want to visit Goldie again?

Ali: Oh, it makes me want to go tomorrow! 

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We plan to make our Sunday afternoon nursing home trips a tradition from now on, as often as possible.  That's how much we enjoyed ourselves today.

I spent most of the day cleaning out my closet and drawers.  I ended up gathering three bags of clothes to donate to a shelter.  Around seven o'clock in the evening, I picked up Ali from work and we went to a homeless shelter in my city called Faith City Ministries.  This homeless shelter has a drop off place where you can leave clothes and food and things like that.  They'll use it to help the poor people in my city.

It was a great feeling to donate so many clothes to the homeless and needy.  I love the good feeling that swells up in your chest.  I also felt incredibly blessed as I drove through the poor neighborhoods and saw several homeless people wandering around.  I have so many things.  Even the three bags of clothes that I gave away were more than most of those people had to their name, and those were my discard clothes!  God has blessed me with so much. 

Me: Ali, what did you learn from donating clothes today?

Ali: It's just reminded me and Emily about how blessed we are, and just throughout the day, remember to thank God for everything you have.