Poet. Didn’t Know It

 The issue of violence in long term care facilities. Sad but true reality in many cases.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourview/2007/10/nursing_home_violence.html

I found this at cbc.ca and I thought I would share it. Author unknown

OLDER FOLKS

I saw some older folks today.
They struggled now to get about.
I wondered how they got that way;
But then I didn’t want to shout.

The stride that might have marched to war
Is now a shuffle one foot long.
I see them hoping for one more,
Asking to whom their legs belong.

Some walkers used, others had canes.
It didn’t use to be like this.
They don’t remember all these pains.
What happened to that life of bliss?

Their sight’s not what it used to be.
They can’t go long without a break.
For meals they have just toast and tea.
A greater effort they can’t make.

Barn dances they remember well,
Their friends and cars, events long past.
What day it is they cannot tell,
Their present recalls do not last.

Some have been locked within their mind.
They plead with us to let them out.
It’s not in them to be unkind.
They’re so afraid; that’s why they shout.

If only someone else would care;
They seem to be so all alone.
Their children had no time to spare.
It’s modern ‘life’ that sets this tone.

There was one daughter with her mom.
To her she shouts, “Don’t make a fuss!”
I wished to say, “Respect her some.”
In a few years she will be us.

Gosh Darn It! We DO Give a Damn!

Mrs. R is of strong stock. I have spoken about her before. She grew up on a farm and lived there her entire life until she came to live at ‘The Walk.’ She is confused at times and her type of confusion causes her much grief. She asks where her parents are and insists that they left her where she is and that they don’t know where she is to find her. She becomes afraid. Thinks everyone is forgetting her and leaving her alone. So, yesterday after class she was still sitting while the coordinator and I saw some of the other students back to their suites, all the while assuring her that we were not leaving her and would take her to lunch shortly. She was still agitated and looked at me, all frail and with soulful eyes and said, “nobody gives a darn about me!” I looked right at her and said, “you’re right Mrs. R, we don’t give a darn about you! We give a damn!” She then patted my arm and we both smiled as we headed to the dining room.

You Are My Sunshine

Today started out gray, both weather-wise and heart-wise. The rain came down in sheets and sheets and woke me up extra early. Not something I particularly needed after a 4 day weekend! As I gear up for my day, making lunches, getting the kids going and then heading for my morning latte to go, I think about Katey (see last post) and how I have to go to one client and tell her about Katey, as they no longer live at the same residence and they were friends AND then I have to go to the scene of the sorrow. Such an unexpected sorrow. I have to put on a happy face and teach class. Chin up, shoulders relaxed, eyes wet….hell yeah, we are allowed. Those of us that remember Katey and her silliness and sometimes crankiness (heck, we are ALL entitled to some of that from time to time) were sad today. Actually, the entire place seemed sad and shocked still. From reception to general manager to me, the yoga teacher, we all had heavy hearts-sigh.

My blues were not leaving me anytime soon so I decided to embrace the melancholy of the day. I put in the new Barry Manilow CD and opened the windows a bit and sang along. A smilin’ face with leaky eyes. Sometimes you have to make your own sunshine.

God Rest Your Soul Smilin’ Katey Girl

It is Thanksgiving Day and I am thankful. Thankful for so much and so many….Today we shared drinks and laughs (Sandi would say ’shits and giggles’) with friends before an amazing turkey dinner. We laughed a lot and genuinely enjoyed a meal that took so long to prepare and while we didn’t sit at the table for as long as it took to prepare this magical dinner, it was more than appreciated.

I came home with a full tummy and happy heart. A state of contentment and happiness. Most of the stress gone from the last two weeks. We bought our dream home and had to sell ours real quick and I truly belief that someone above sent just the right people to help us through this experience. Again, i am truly happy and at peace.

And as i said earlier, and then I came home. I decided to check my email one last time before bed and learned that a client had passed away. Katey H was sunshine. She had a twinkle and a humour- a laugh out loud humour. We could not look at each other during class without cracking up. I used to threaten her with yoga detention but really, it was a pleasure to have her in class. She helped those less fortunate and always had a giggle. She had pain like all but she always stayed for class after bingo and offered me and some of the others chocolate. She was awesome. I say she was because I won’t see her at class anymore. Katey H passed away this past Saturday. To say her smile and spirit will be missed is an understatement. Here’s a giggle for you Katey!