Today's visit with the elderly was truly terrific. I witnessed a breakthrough. One of the residents was recently moved from the assisted-living population into the Alzheimer's/dementia population. I've noticed that since her move, she's been looking happier. I mean, I see her smile so much more now than ever before. Well, today the Wahlbangers Drum Circle paid us a visit and, right before my very eyes, I watched the resident dance. I'm talkin' a full-out, smooth groove kind of dancing. Of course I had to join her. Then, one of the residence's employees joined her. It was a joy to watch her face light up as the drums' rhythm beat louder and louder. Heck, who knew she had DIMPLES??? I don't think I had ever really noticed. Oh, how I wish her son was there to see what I saw. It would have made his day. I just know it.
Volunteering at this residence has changed me. I can't put my finger on the precise change(s), but I know I've been changed. Honoring and respecting the elderly is more than a notion to me. It's a way of life. My life.
I pray for everyone and every "old" thing. :)
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