Human Dignity

I believe that the dignity of a human being is defined by their actions. What people do and say often reflect how they are as a person. My service project gave me the oppurtunity to meet many new people and to interact with each one of them. None of them tried to pinch my cheeks or said I look just like their grandson. Each person I met was very unique. Some people were thrilled to have someone to talk to, others complained about how someone put cinammon in their applesauce. No matter the age or mental soundness of the resident each person their had their own views on their own self worth.

To be honest the whole aspect of a retirement home can be rather depressing at times. Every now and then I return and heard that someone recently passed away. But death is a very natural thing, and while the residents there are surrounded by it, no one gives up! I barely ever see anyone sitting in their room doing nothing or the same group of people playing dominoes. Everyone there, although old, is very jovial and upbeat. There is always a new activity that they are particpating in and that, I believe, is a testament to the self dignity and worth that each person there has. And if we cant learn about our own dignity from them than we are a hopeless cause.