I went to mass with my dad on Xmas eve. As many of you know most Catholics only go to church on Christmas and Easter so it was standing room only when we got there 1/2 hour early. We found seats thank goodness as I don't think my dad could have lasted standing that long. It also felt as if the temperature was about 90 because it was so crowded. I had a young girl next to me that was mentally challenged. She did her best to behave and not be disruptive. At one point in mass, we show a sign of peace by shaking hands and speaking which I did. I turned to speak to someone else and I heard TURNAROUND! I turned back and the young girl wanted to say peace again. Her father told her we already did it, but I did it again with a smile. I think I confused her the first time because I said Merry Christmas and not peace. The church had a nice choir. I must admit when I went to mass today it was only about 1/10 of the crowd. Did you notice this in your church?
There are many days that I have issues with the nursing home - not big things, but usually something. I try to remember that there is no perfect place and it is best for my mom. This week I have to give praise to the staff at the nursing home because many of them although it was their day off came in to see the patients and hand out Santa presents. The staff each takes a few names of all the patients and picks them up a gift which is especially nice as some do not have any visitors. My mom received a throw blanket - perfect gift as everyone knows my mom loves her blankets. The nice thing is that the blanket was made by the staff member. All the activity of the holidays and the full moon definitely created some anxiety with many patients. You could tell on Saturday that many were exhausted and quiet. There is a woman who has been there a couple of weeks who is having a very hard time settling down. She is yelling so loud that you can hear her in the parking lot. She is trying to break out the doors so she is setting off alarms and she is physically abusive to the staff. I watched her attack two staff members this morning. I am praying that she does not become abusive to another patient. I don't believe in drugging the patients, but in this case I think she needs something.
I spent my day today at the holiday dinner in my parent's development. I went by myself as my dad was not feeling well. It was a nice afternoon with music provided by the "Old Dudes" at least that is what they kept calling themselves. I can honestly say I'm not sure the name of the group. They play older music and it's nice to hear. I'm pretty sure this is an easy job for them most of the time as many of the seniors leave before the two hours is up, plus today was a Patriots game so many left to watch the game One set of neighbors had saved me a seat and made sure there was a "to go" box for my dad. Several asked about my parents. They also commented on how happy they are that my dad has a dog and how far he walks every day. What a pleasant afternoon I had.
It's been fun looking at all the pictures and events that family and friends posted on Facebook over the past few weeks. Many memories were created and I so appreciate being able to see a part of it. Technology for keeping in touch can be such a wonderful thing. I know technology can be painful at times, but would rather think of it as a good thing. What do you think?
I finished reading: BIG MAGIC Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. Interesting approach to looking and living a creative life. What have you read?
Well the New Year is fast approaching. I won't ask you about resolutions as I don't believe in them myself. I do believe in new beginnings though so I hope you enjoy celebrating the New Year. I do hope 2016 is a good year for you filled with joy and laughter.
My time in Plymouth is winding down so I have lots to do this week to put things in order behind I head out. Christmas decorations to be put away and spending some time with my niece and nephews before I head out. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” - By Edith L. Pierce
“When was the last time you did something for the first time?” - By Sally Edwards
“Celebrate endings – for they precede new beginnings.” – By Jonathan Lockwood Huie