Life in the Memory Care Unit

I have to say, that although I am not getting much accomplished at home, I am enjoying my time at work. I do get slightly flustered sometimes, and once in a while I've felt my eyes do that little rolling thing, but there are always moments to make me smile. I can't take photographs with my camera, but I take picture after picture in my mind.

Saturday morning music therapy is already in session when I arrive and is thoroughly enjoyed by most of the residents. They are encouraged to cooperate and help pick the songs to be song. One little lady picked her song (she was offered the choice of two) and as Sam started to sing, her visiting daughter took her by the hands, gently pulled her to her feet, and danced a slow, sweet dance with her momma. B's head lay against her daughter's shoulder, right arm around her waist, daughter's left arm around B's shoulder, other hands clasped together. Back and forth they swayed, and around they slowly turned as Sam played and sang. (I'll remember the song later. It was a love song, but not "Let Me Call You Sweetheart", which was sung next and is all I can remember... or then again, maybe it was and I am just confused. ha ha!) It was a sweet moment, savored by the onlookers. (I'm thinking that song was "Cheek to Cheek.")

Later that afternoon, as I sat in my friend's room, I heard Sam's voice outside in the courtyard. There he was, sitting at a table surrounded by five, female residents, an aide, and a family member. His voice was animated as he told them a story. The window wasn't open much, but it wasn't long before I recognized the tale as, "The Emperor's New Clothes." Sure enough, it had the classic ending "But he hasn't got anything on!" Soon after I watched as Sam held the hands of the residents and guided them slowly back inside. He is young, probably mid thirties, and always tender and loving with those in his charge and I am blessed to watch.

I'm not sure if it was the "blue moon" that set off the folks in the facility, but several were in rare and not altogether pleasant moods last week. My friend was a bit more persistent and challenging as well. Sometimes it takes a bit of imagination and ingenuity to coax them into cooperating, but that is also what keeps the days interesting. I wonder if things will have settled down today?

(Today you get flowers from my daughter's garden, because she has flowers.)