Light on the Sea

 Light on The Sea by John Wickham 

    "Light on the Sea" handles the idea of loneliness in late life. "I am so glad to see you he said" (97), this line made me think of my mother who is a CNA and takes care of elderly people. Often times residents and the elderly very excited to see their caregiver as they grow dependent on them and sometimes they can be there source of happiness. This story definitely effected me more than I thought it would, I feel a deep empathy for the elderly and believe that quality care for people in their late years is extremely important. I think this concept of a near minimum wage employee being so important to someone perplexes me. With how important quality elderly care is to a person's happiness CNAs and caregivers should be paid more and valued much higher. "Frustration it was, and confusion, that's what it was. I am glad for this peace now" (99), this line illustrates how sometimes moving to a retirement home can represent a new chapter of your life. As you age you take the emphasis off of material possessions and place on things that are more important to you like personal connections. Moving to a retirement home provides a fresh start and allows people to leave behind the past for people trying to move on. Mr. Farley is haunted by his perfectionism and is glad to not have to deal with such small things and just focus on himself. 

On the other end Mr. Farley says "Do you understand how being left alone can be a real kindness?" (100), this line shows how being left alone the right amount can be just as important as care. Mr. Farely notes that he enjoys being there around others and that the staff is kind, but is happy he can be left alone. Elderly care looks different for everyone and Mr. Farley is happy being left alone but also care for. Some people simply enjoy being left by themselves and are just introverted by nature. I find myself feeling so sorry for elderly patients that are left alone with minimal interaction but I have to remind myself that they may like things like that. Again the emphasis on quality elderly care is placed in that it also needs to be client-centered and flexible which means caregivers must be trained and professional. 


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