Sometimes it is amazing at how small of a world we work in and live in. You never quite know how you will be connected to someone if you don’t take the time to create a relationship with a resident.
I remember starting to work with a women that was really struggling to get started. She had some great family support that would be constantly bringing in personal stuff and calling to encourage her.
6 degrees of separation
After we had started to get over the first hump of getting out of bed and staying in a wheelchair, more personal conversation had started. When talking about family we realized her Granddaughter was in my son’s class. Then all of a sudden her complete demeanor and outlook changed. I had found the spark. As we talked about the kids and what they were doing in school, the less focus on pain and the more focus on movement we achieved. She had become “grandma”.
Progress feeds into return to joy in life
Progress took off quickly from that point on as you can start to see enjoyment in life come back to her. More progress in therapy, being more social in the Therapy room, and now even going to the dining room for lunch.
Even previous enjoyment activities were starting to be done on weekends and evenings. Crossword puzzles and crocheting. She was constantly staying active now and not just lying in bed. She was watching her favorite shows and talking about them in therapy the next day.
Suddenly the bags of yarn started coming in. And the unknown project had begun. As we continued to improve in her mobility, the more she crocheted. We did not know it at the time but she had decided her best way to say thank you, was to make pot holders for each of us that had helped her on this journey.
It was such a thoughtful gift of her time and energy and love that she was sharing with us. I still think of her everyday in my kitchen when I see those potholders. She will be forever remembered in my household and very grateful I had the privilege to help her in anyway I could. She got to enjoy life again. Even if it was only a short time more. She will always be remembered.
