It was a busy week with a few spats with papa. I call them spats although some of the words and phrases he uses do hurt to the core. Then I take a step back and lick my wounds as I know deep down he loves me and is just scared about his health and mema.
I have to say my heart and soul felt so good yesterday. I was visiting mema and as I have mentioned previously I always go around and talk with the majority of residents and family members. It was the birthday of one resident and her family came in to celebrate. She burst into tears when she saw them and cried out I thought you forgot about me. I said to her family - she has been fine most of the week as you know I am here almost every day. (They do know I visit most of them and keep an eye out.) I felt horrible as I know her family visits fairly often. When she calmed down a bit, I said, Hi XXXX I hear it's your birthday! Her face lit up and she said yes it is. I said, how nice of your family to visit and she gushed about them. When we finished our discussion and I walked away, I heard her say to her family...she's such a nice Lady she talks to all of us every day. She calmed down and they took her out to lunch. When I left the nursing home in the afternoon, she was returning and her family brought cake to share with everyone. As I was headed out the door, she said to me I'll save a piece for tomorrow. I felt so good as with many residents (including mema) do not always remember people and/or visits. There is another male resident who lights up when he sees me (although his wife visits every day). He tells everyone, that lady is my friend and she gets things done for us.
I know many people do not always pay attention to the elderly, but I'm telling you when you hit a moment of clear thought it is an amazing conversation. There is a male patient that is very demanding and continually yells for attention. For some reason, he almost always ends up near mema. I always respond to him politely and try to answer his questions. Yesterday, out of the blue he told me about being a paratrooper and how he made over 35 jumps. He taught me the paratrooper jingle and we went back and forth for a bit. He was also on a quest for the lottery numbers as he believed he had a ticket. I told the staff recreation person about his paratrooper days and she said he has never talked about any of that. I also mentioned the lottery and she said, I'll pick him up a ticket. So now there are other conversations to be had when need for diversion appears. I learn so much every day just by being around these residents.
As I mentioned last week I held my first "caregiver coffee break" this past week. Although no one came and I truly did not expect any one, I took the hour to sit quietly in a comfy corner and read. I can't do it tomorrow, but I am going to put it out there again. I truly believe myself and others basically need to put the break on the calendar as an appointment and take the down time - perhaps meeting others or just drinking a nice cup of coffee.
I don't know about you, but I was really impacted by the full moon this past week. Although I did not see it, I felt it. I was off kilter and a bit emotional, when I realized it was the moon cycle. I am not usually impacted as far as I know, but then again what do I know. Are you impacted by the moon phases? I know the residents at the nursing home are impacted a few days before and after.
Tis the season of proms and graduations. Congratulations to all! My wish is that as you go forth and make an impact in the world. As make your way, remember to maintain your dignity and respect those you meet along the way. I just found this quote and I think it's great for graduates:
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Harriet Tubman
I finished reading: "CONNECTING THE DOTS" by Judith L. London, PH.D. It's about communicating with those in middle to late stage Alzheimer's disease. Also, "YOU SAY GOODBYE AND WE SAY HELLO" by Tom and Karen Brenner. This is about the Montessori Method for positive Dementia care. Although some of what I read is common sense, I learn something new with everything I read. Neither is very thick or hard to read.
I am leaving it here today. I better check to see if Lady wants to go out in the rain before I take papa to see mema. Have a wonderful week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." - Lao Tzu
"Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." - Mattie Stepanek