Uncle Giorgio arrived in August to spend a few days with us at the family house where he had grown up. Welcomed by hugs from his nieces, nephews, and cousins, his thin face framed by white hair lit up with a magical smile.
Uncle Giorgio is eighty years old and has lived in a residential community for disabled people for at least fifty years. He loves to talk about his life, speaking with energy about family memories. An attentive caregiver accompanies him—someone who understands his needs (Uncle Giorgio has difficulties with coordination, speech, and memory)—and who respects his wishes and his independence. The caregiver always speaks to him and about him as Mr. K. Uncle Giorgio is a respected man.
In his daily life, Uncle Giorgio does a small job each morning—sorting and cutting stamps. "Do you listen to music while you work?" "No," he answers, "you have to concentrate so you don't make mistakes."
Uncle Giorgio is a disciplined man who has learned to do things well and to be responsible.
On Sundays, with company or alone, he goes to church. He loves to sing. Some time ago, during a service, an old hymn went: "God alone is great; I am only a withered little flower...." Uncle Giorgio began to cry. When the service ended, the pastor, who had noticed his sadness, came over to understand and comfort him. "But I'm not a withered flower," Giorgio said. The pastor explained that it was a figure of speech, and Giorgio went home at peace.
Uncle Giorgio has a positive image of himself.
Before he left, we all had lunch together. He was cheerful, even joking around. We all laughed.
Uncle Giorgio is a happy man.
- Nicole Schulthes, 2001