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| Making Valentines |
I sure missed the
people that I love at the nursing home recently because my family decided to
take a vacation to Florida during the month of December. I rely upon them to
drive me to my work and if they cannot get me there, I cannot work. My theme
for this day is gratitude. I realize how much my people need me and how much I
need them. I can understand the meaning behind "Absence makes the heart
grow fonder."
B was so distressed
when we arrive. However, after listening to her and pointing out some things ,
she was much happier when we left. G is a person who raised sheep. She has
several sheep figurines spread throughout her apartment. We were able to water
her dry plants and help her to forget about the cast on her arm. She is mindful
of offering me some water. M is a very friendly and talkative 91 year old
woman. She grabs my face and kisses me several times. She uses a walker and has
beautiful skin. She told my mom that her secret is putting something called
Vaseline on her face every night. D loves the history channel and is ready and willing to share her popcorn with me. She watches Oak Island and tells us
all about the lost treasure on that island. My favorite unit is memory care. We
sweep through the memory care unit and visit the wine drinking people, B, B, F,
F, and B. They are always at the tables in the meeting room waiting for me and
never tire of expressing their love for me. They tell my mom several
times that if they could have a dog live with them it would be me. It melts my
heart to know that many live in chronic pain yet they are all so happy with
their stage in life.
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| Gratefulness |
Most people thank us
for our service. They love these moments that we spend with them listening to
what they have to say. I know two things for sure: they love dogs and they love
where they live. They all know that they have lived good lives. They do not
express any regrets. The only thing that many would change is to have me live
with them. This reinforces what I do. They are so grateful for therapy dog
visits and have clearly stated that it makes them so happy. The truth is that
this happiness and gratefulness is reciprocated. Isn't this what life is about?
My mom tells me that
we will begin mentoring other therapy dogs. I am not sure what that means but
if mentorship can spread love and help to make more people happy, I am all for
it. Welcome Robin and Henry. Our next visit will be with you alongside of us.
