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Finding Purpose!  (Thru Art)

9/10/2017

18 Comments

 
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I feel this is one of the most important blog post I'll ever make as it holds a special place in my heart!  Art does not discriminate!  Young or old it can bring purpose and joy to ones life.  

I was a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) for many years in a nursing home.  Yes, I spent my days in the trenches where most won't go lol!  I didn't plan this journey or phase in my life and I believe it was a calling from above and we sometimes don't know where are path will lead.   I have always been a caregiver of such and one could say I have a very old soul.  

I kept hearing residents say I'm bored, I have nothing to do or no purpose anymore.  I wanted to give meaning and life back when many thought all was lost.  I ask for permission for at the end of the day to begin doing projects with the residents.  We painted, cooked, pour concrete, made a garden etc etc etc I could go on and on as it became a daily ritual where as soon as I walked in the door for the day they would ask what are we going to do today!  I have to tell you I was having as much fun as they were.  We had a full house in our tiny lounge we then converted into a craftroom/activity room.  
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We had no budget for such activities so we used mostly recyclable and donations!  On ground hog day we sculpted ground hogs in recycled cat food cans and planted grass seed. Daily we watered the grass and watched it grow.  Everyday they would check out to see how much the grass grew and yes they had to mow the grass from time to time with scissors.  
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I can't show pics of the residents due to HIPPA and I never took any as it wasn't allowed but I did of some of the projects.  This was Dans special ground hog he made complete with a polka dotted bikini and belly button diamond bawahaha oh we laughed at his groundhog and see it brought much joy!  Now I have to tell you Dan was a 90 year old man  teehee.  Are bodies may age but our minds are forever young at heart.  
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The pic below of the bunny with dowel legs has a special memory for me as this is when George a 90+ young man said to me "I never in my life thought I would be sitting here with a bunch of ladies painting bunnies but I'm having the time of my life!!"  I knew at that moment I was making a difference!

We made all our decorations one year for our Christmas tree and when Christmas was over they didn't want to take down the tree so we handmade all the decorations for every holiday that year.  We were busy little beavers!  Word spread and many visitors from the home came everyday to see what our residents were making and doing.  This brought company and socialization and JOY!!!!!!!!
This is just a sampling of the projects we did over the years and there are way to many show .  If you have a special gift whatever it may be sharing it can be the most rewarding gifts in life!  I will forever hold these memories in my heart and hope again to meet my young at heart friends when I walk thru the pearly gates (I am hoping lol) and we can then paint the skies together once again!
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Go Find Your Gift!  We all have it you just have to find it!
Blessings!
Wendy

18 Comments
Reenee'
9/10/2017 07:29:36 am

Tears of joy you have given me today. You are an amazing woman!

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Charlotte link
9/10/2017 07:30:36 am

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

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Jane Allen link
9/10/2017 07:42:14 am

I think by God's standards you were creating some of your greatest works of art with those dear ones. You bless everyone you meet, love your kind heart and am glad that we are friends.

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Bonnie
9/10/2017 10:00:23 am

You're right, Jane. Wendy is such a special person, such a pure heart.

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AMy Joanne Mogish link
9/10/2017 07:58:01 am

Such a Joyful story....you have blessed so many! I love your story....Amen!

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Lois Owens
9/10/2017 08:04:18 am

What an awesome story. Thanks for sharing.

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Sandy Tilt
9/10/2017 09:00:15 am

Such a heartwarming blog! You have blessed so many people with your amazing talent, plus your kind and giving heart. I have no doubt that when it's your time to reach the pearly gates there will be a special spot waiting for you! ❤️

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Mc Corsini
9/10/2017 09:27:25 am

What a heartfelt story. Thank you for sharing, and for sharing your talents with the residents. I am sure you created many memories with them.

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Lisa Stuckey
9/10/2017 09:44:15 am

Wendy, thank you for sharing! Your art touches everyone and what a gift to make life better for people in your nursing home, I'm sure you miss all of them! I already knew you were awesome!

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Sandra Schmidt
9/10/2017 12:24:12 pm

You ave such a caring heart Wendy! Bless you for sharing your talents and love with so many. I enjoyed your stories and could tell you brought a lot of laughter and purpose to those lives you touched. We all need to think of ways to spread joy with our art!😊

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kris
9/10/2017 02:34:27 pm

very touching and true <3

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Barb Moo
9/10/2017 08:16:40 pm

Thanks for sharing.

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Edarchangel
9/11/2017 12:17:27 am

So inspiring ....

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Peggy Humphreys link
9/11/2017 01:50:01 am

I love theses blogs!

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Wendy
9/11/2017 03:01:09 am

Thanks everyone for your kind words.

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Freda
9/11/2017 07:54:27 am

This blog is dear to my heart! Having worked in a nursing home and a facility for the developmentally disabled this brought back memories! You have a wonderful spirit and I'm so glad the people you worked with had you in their lives.

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Bonnie Meisel link
9/11/2017 11:15:32 pm

You make a difference in the lives of everyone you touch. We all have a purpose and can only hope we discover ours. Thanks for sharing, Wendy!!!

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Debbie Overton
9/13/2017 06:28:26 pm

What a special blessing to those people you were! Thank you for sharing this, it made my day!

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    Hi and Welcome to OldeMoonlane Primitves.  My name is Wendy Young and I am happy to have you join me.  I am a wife of 33 years, mom of 2 and grandmother of 3 .  I have been creating for well over 30+ years and I started this blog to maybe offer tips /tricks and happenings  at Oldemoonlane.  

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