Amazing. I was evaluating animals to be therapy animals at a nursing home chapel on Saturday. In and out I went making sure the dog that we diplomatically say “isn’t ready” doesn’t bump in to the renewal dog in the hallway. Lots of residents mulling about in walkers and wheelchairs. It was Mother’s Day so there were plenty of visitors which always makes me a little less sad. I said good Morning to a resident and how are you?
she said,”I’m above ground and I’m breathing so I’d say that’s pretty good .”
I especially loved the dignity with which you cared for your people. Asking permission and communicating with a glance. What a gift you are to them.
Today at meals on wheels we were told we’d lost a client. Not that she had died but rather neither of her sons wanted to pay the maybe $35 a week for her to have two meals a day. For six months we fed her and reached out to the family. Now the town will
Cover this for free- all one needs to do is apply. But they continue to ignore the calls the admin place.
I know this will haunt me. We were her first visit. She came outside, once she managed the door handle, in a torn nighty and equally wilted bathrobe. Her eyes were watery and blue and she said,”thank you so much,” as I handed her flowers and a tiny bag of food. I pointed to my dogs hanging out the windows with their goofy faces and said we will see you every Monday. After that she just wanted a call we had delivered…Navigating getting dressed and to the door at her own pace. We didn’t see her again. I can’t fix everything but I have to fix this. To be continued I guess!
You HAVE to remember the train, and that the word is BLUE. (I'm going to remember that, too.) You have to because, synchronicity. I can't express how much I love your rebellion against doing it for the plot, and for living the story. I happen to know you're a compassionate and observant helper. They have no idea how lucky they are at the care center. DELIGHTFUL PIECE.
Hey Kate - a touching piece - reminds me that we will all likely need someone to kindly wipe our chin and listen to our “train and blue” dialogues. Humbling.
Amazing. I was evaluating animals to be therapy animals at a nursing home chapel on Saturday. In and out I went making sure the dog that we diplomatically say “isn’t ready” doesn’t bump in to the renewal dog in the hallway. Lots of residents mulling about in walkers and wheelchairs. It was Mother’s Day so there were plenty of visitors which always makes me a little less sad. I said good Morning to a resident and how are you?
she said,”I’m above ground and I’m breathing so I’d say that’s pretty good .”
I especially loved the dignity with which you cared for your people. Asking permission and communicating with a glance. What a gift you are to them.
Today at meals on wheels we were told we’d lost a client. Not that she had died but rather neither of her sons wanted to pay the maybe $35 a week for her to have two meals a day. For six months we fed her and reached out to the family. Now the town will
Cover this for free- all one needs to do is apply. But they continue to ignore the calls the admin place.
I know this will haunt me. We were her first visit. She came outside, once she managed the door handle, in a torn nighty and equally wilted bathrobe. Her eyes were watery and blue and she said,”thank you so much,” as I handed her flowers and a tiny bag of food. I pointed to my dogs hanging out the windows with their goofy faces and said we will see you every Monday. After that she just wanted a call we had delivered…Navigating getting dressed and to the door at her own pace. We didn’t see her again. I can’t fix everything but I have to fix this. To be continued I guess!
Great piece Kate. Always
This piece is wonderful, and I invite you to take a look at my stack. I think you’ll like what I do
You HAVE to remember the train, and that the word is BLUE. (I'm going to remember that, too.) You have to because, synchronicity. I can't express how much I love your rebellion against doing it for the plot, and for living the story. I happen to know you're a compassionate and observant helper. They have no idea how lucky they are at the care center. DELIGHTFUL PIECE.
Hey Kate - a touching piece - reminds me that we will all likely need someone to kindly wipe our chin and listen to our “train and blue” dialogues. Humbling.