It's Christmas season, and all is merry and bright. Rudolph is back to greet me as I drive down the street I live on. Our Christmas decorations are up and the cookies are baking in the oven.
There is much which is merry in my life. I can't think of anything I need or want. I suppose I could think of something if you made me, but it would be insignificant.
My Hospice volunteering gives me so much enjoyment. I do like visiting these 80-90 year old folks. I like to go mid- morning and stay through lunch time. We communicate, as much as they can. I know they hear me I can see their reaction to my chatter. Some can respond verbally, one in particular rewards me with a beautiful smile and holds my hand. Sometimes I see their eyes reacting to my questions.
We take walks down the hall arm in arm or hold hands. When we get the end of the hall we turn around and find a place to sit and rest. They are comfortable just simply sitting without any conversation gazing out the window.
Lunch time is what I enjoy. I feed one or two while protecting their plate of food from one gentleman in particular who wants a second helping and just steals someone else's plate by pulling it across the table to where he is sitting. A small tug-of-war insues between me and him. This is when I start to laugh cause this man means business. He tends to be combative. Others will decide they don't like what is being served. It reminds me of small children when they say "I don't like that" and push their plate away.
I have a fondness for one in particular. His name is Bud, he is in his 80's and was in the Navy during WWII. He will answer all my questions with coherent answers. I once asked him about his wife and he told me she was beautiful and always will be.
Joyce walked up to me one day and put her hand up to my rear end. When I turned to say hello, she quickly pulled her hand back and said "I was going to pinch you" then wrapped her arms around me for a hug.
My time spent at the assisted living center is time well spent. It's a selfish way to spend my time because I get more from those I visit then I give them.
