Honor Thy Mother

Rod and I stopped in to visit with Madeline together. We find it is easier to hold up the conversation when there is two of us talking about the day or days gone by. Madeline prefers to listen in but will join the conversation when something piques her curiosity or interest.

We are consistently amazed by how clean and fresh and cared for she is in this board and care facility. They take the time to properly groom her for the day, painting her nails periodically and they will take a tour to the community jewelry box to make sure she is glowing like the matriarch she is.

They say that dropping by care facilities at varying times gives one a good indication of how things really are. We make it a practice to change it up (though my favorite time is following lunchtime when they engage in group activities.) So much good fun!!!

Never Too Old to Laugh

Rod and I stopped by to visit Madeline today. Boy, for being one of the oldest ladies at the nursing home, I have to admit that she is by far and away one of the funnest. No wonder she's the favorite. She is so quick to smile and laugh. She may not always make sense when she tells a tale but she's a great listener.

Cosmic AT&T

The activities director greeted me as I came in to see Madeline today. She said that Madeline had mentioned that she wanted someone to come visit her today and that she was glad that I dropped by. Madeline also mentioned that people "forget" in a very non-judgmental tone.
That tugged at my heart. I was so glad that I worked in my visit before setting off to meeting Rodney for our anniversary dinner. In truth I had been thinking about her all morning long so we must've be communicating via "cosmic AT&T".

How rewarding it was to walk into the TV room and see her eyes light up when I came into the room. We rolled out of the TV room into the dining room to commence visiting. She was truly happy and so was I. Soon we were drawn into conversations with others and a game of Yahtzee was suggested. It was an intimate little game for three residents eager for distraction and what fun. It is always fun to play Yahtzee with "the Ladies". Madeline started off blowing into the Yahtzee cup for luck but soon ended up shaking and rolling the dice for herself. Activity time always follows lunch by an hour or so and I am always drawn in. What a cheerful space and a cheerfull place. Hope you have the opportunity to visit and play.

Pajama Party

It was a "Girls Night In" at the home which happened to coincide with a birthday party for Alana, our friend and resident manager. For a change...junk food was on the menu and pajamas were encouraged in the middle of the day! (Most of the residents were allowed to dress normally so as not to cause any undue confusion for those suffering dementia. How thoughtful!) But boy did the staff have a ball with being able to wear outlandish outfits. And the residents delighted in the pure joy of the festive mood of the day.

Soaking Up The Sunshine

Madeline and her fellow residents take in the sun out in the courtyard. I was sorry to miss this day but Durrell and her staff snapped a picture so we could enjoy her joy as well.

Thank you Durrell!

She Sings!

One day one of Madeline's caregivers was singing away while attending to her room. She was delighted and surprised to hear Madeline joining in with a rendition of Amazing Grace. If you're in for a visit, ask for Misty and see if "Maddy" (as they call her) is up for a song.

You may have already been aware of her sweet voice but I was completely taken by surprise. What a gift!