A Change in Season

I'm just heading off to one of my volunteer gigs - the retirement home.  It's been a little quiet around there lately - I suspect it's just a bit of a change over. Sometimes it's bustling and others not.

I received an email yesterday from the Rec. Director advising that two of the residents had passed away.  I knew them both well.  Ms. B had recently been moved to a Long Term Care facility - actually while we were away in Cuba so I didn't have a chance to say good bye to her.  She was one of my favs.  I brought jokes for her almost every visit and she loved loved loved Roxy.  We always had a good visit - even if she was a little down.  I felt when I left her room that she was a little brighter.  Today I will have a chance (I hope) to see her husband who is grief stricken.

The other resident, Ms. G was a bit more challenging.  On my very first visit to the floor with Roxy over a year ago, Ms. G followed us around in her wheelchair all mad at us.  She didn't think we belonged there - certainly not a dog.  Well, I avoided her room on my weekly visits as I didn't want to antagonize her further. She was feisty!

But something changed with Ms. G the past month or so.  She would wheel out into the hallway when I was there with Roxy - I'd be talking to another resident and Ms. G would keep passing us.  So I took a chance and asked her if she wanted to pet Roxy.  No.  Okay.

Next visit, same thing.  She was becoming more and more interested in us.  Guess what?  This time when I asked her if she wanted to pet Roxy she said yes.  Wow! That even got a smile from Ms. G.  The last time I saw her was two weeks ago. She joined in for manicures - just watching of course.  But I spoke with her - "Good to see you,  Ms. G - how are you today?"  She smiled at me and said "Fine".  That was our last conversation.

Things can change overnight at the retirement home.  Heck - that can happen with anyone.

Tell someone you love them today - and really mean it.  Even give them a hug. And be thankful - look up at the beautiful spring sky, check out the buds on the trees and hear those Cardinals singing their pretty song.  Spring has sprung.

Keep smiling!