This picture is my current computer screenshot. To open the March Respite for All Conference, Daphne Johnson lit this lamp and shared the following story:
As a sick child in the 1800s, Robert Louis Stevenson spent time looking out of his bedroom window at the street below. At dusk each evening, he watched leeries light the gas streetlamps. As the story goes, Stevenson told his mother, “Look at that man punching holes in the darkness!” He later wrote this in a children’s poem:
“But I, when I am stronger and can choose what I’m to do,
Oh Leerie, I’ll go around at night and light the lamps for you!”
In Stevenson's time, lighting streetlamps was a routine and vital task. The leeries ensured city streets were navigable and safe after dusk, punctuating the darkness with their steady, guiding lights. Their work, though often overlooked, was an essential service that provided a sense of security and continuity.
The metaphor of the diligent workers who illuminated the streets of Edinburgh is much like the role of dementia care partners today. While there is no miraculous cure, consistent acts of kindness and understanding bring the joy of companionship.
This poignant declaration speaks to the desire to become a force for good, to actively contribute to the wellbeing of others, and to carry forward the legacy of light-bringing. It is a timeless call to action that remains relevant today, especially for those engaged in the challenging yet rewarding work of supporting families and individuals dealing with dementia.
Modern-Day Lamplighters
Dementia care partners do not carry physical lanterns, but our efforts to illuminate the lives of others are no less significant. Through creating environments where love and friendship thrive, we punch holes in the darkness of dementia.
