The Coachmen's Turntable 12/24/2023

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Today, on Christmas Eve, I left the house to see Joan. She is now in a Memory Care Facility and is there for only her fifth month.

My daughter, Karen, and I have been busy over the past couple of weeks trying to solve a problem. Residents in Joan's Facility wander into each other's rooms and swap clothes. I don't recognize at least 30% of the clothing in Joan's closet. So, I planned to present Joan with a new Christmas wardrobe. My daughter  Karen sewed little hearts on each piece of Joan's new clothing to keep this new wardrobe from wandering. We brought in the first group of new dresses on Saturday, Dec 23rd.  


 Today, as I checked into the Facility and walked down the hall, I was met with one of the attendants who told me that after I left yesterday, Joan became sad and sat by her lunch table for over 2 hours not talking to anyone. Joan had been telling me that she was afraid that one day I would leave and not come back. I told her not to ever worry about that. Our 60th wedding anniversary is on Dec 26th, and I said that after 60 years there could never be anything to separate us. Still, with Alzheimer's, she forgets.  


I entered the room where Joan was sitting with her friends, listening to Christmas Carols being played by a 91-year-old "assisted living" resident.  There was a chair open next to Joan so I sat down.  Joan,always excited to see me, gave me a big smile.  She was singing the Christmas carols that were being played and somehow knew all the words singing along.  I could not hold back the tears as this little girl sang along.  I tried my best to sing along with her.  

Lunch was served.  I made sure Joan was sitting with good friends at the table.  This is when I can usually leave without upsetting her.  I told her I needed to go and would be back very soon.  She gave me a worried look and asked how soon I would be back.  I said "I never really leave"  Look at all the hearts you have on everything you wear.  They are our hearts, your families' hearts that have been given to you. If you get sad just look for the hearts . . . we are with you, always. 

                                                                           MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL