Recently, I was drawn to the exceptional and world famous book, Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl.
Viktor Frankl, who was the founder of the psychotherapeutic methodology known as ‘Logotherapy’, was a holocaust survivor and was truly an ‘ember plucked from the ashes’.
There are numerous memorable quotes in his book and the book itself is truly phenomenal.
However, one quote that really resonated with me was the following quote (I believe he repeated this in the name of Friedrich Nietzsche):
“Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.”
This quote is so profound and so true.
I see this in my daily interaction with many of our older residents at the Regency Nursing Homes. Elderly people are often physically and cognitively compromised in some way. We treat our residents with a great deal of compassion and the highest level of skilled nursing care.
We truly develop a love for each and every one of them and I can say that they love us in return.
At the same time, it is always gratifying to see them interact with their families and loved ones. There is nothing like family to lift the spirits of an elderly loved one.
This is exactly why Regency Nursing Centers encourage more family visitation time than other nursing homes in New Jersey. We make no stipulation that families can only come at certain pre-determined times and hours.
Our families are always welcome in our buildings.
Indeed, we look to them as partners in our endeavors to provide for the emotional wellbeing of our residents.
We are extremely sensitive to the aforementioned concept.
The ‘Why’ referred to by Viktor Frankl, alludes to the blessing of close family and friends. These blessings are not to be taken for granted.
The “Why” that is family and loved ones, allows a person to bear with almost any “how” that life will throw at them.
The next time you see a loved one, please hold them tight.
