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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!!!!!!
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!
Go Find Your Gift! We all have it you just have to find it!
Blessings!
Wendy
Blessings!
Wendy
