Day 219

12/20/22

This was a busy day for the Therapy Dogs! After an adorable Christmas Program at our grandson's preschool, Ranger and I headed over to Mercy Hospital.

We finally found a parking spot up on the top level of the ramp, so I pulled in, invited Ranger to hop out of the hatch back and started around to the automatic doors luring us towards HEAT! About half way to the entrance, poor Ranger's feet began to ice up. Lifting one, then another, he looked at me as if to say, "Please pick me up and carry me inside!" I dug out the snow from his big, webbed feet and hurried him inside before he could change his mind!

Once we started out rounds, he had forgotten the discomfort and turned on the charm! We began at the room of a wonderful lady who is also a beloved mother, wife and grandmother (great-grandmother too). On top of that vita, I have know this sweet woman for years as she is the grandmother of two of my dearest students. Although she was the patient, I noticed that she had everyone else's interests in her sights. Playing hostess and minimizing her medical issues, it felt more like a family reunion than a visit to the hospital. What a dear woman! My wish is that she can go home for Christmas.

Ranger made his usual appearance within the secret walls of Administration. He was awarded from the top on down with treats, scratches and hugs. I looked around and was pleased to note that there are amazing, kind, engaging individuals at the reigns of the hospital. My wish is that they don't lose sight of the fact that they are dealing with individual staff and patients...not a spreadsheet. I don't think I have anything to worry about!

After lunch, Lilly, Jimmy and I ventured over for a late visit to Walker Senior Residence. Typically heading over in the morning, I wasn't sure who we would find available for a visit. Our dear friend, Don (Harmonica Man) was home and bade us enter. Having fresh ears to hear his amazing stories, he sat with Jimmy and petted Lilly through some incredible recollections. My hope is that he has a wonderful 99th Christmas and that it is filled with music...mainly the harmonica variety!

Next, we ventured over to our dear friends across the walkway at City View. Marveling at the fact that one of my high school teachers is now like family, I let the conversation flow naturally. There were a few interruptions during this visit. We took some breaks for Lilly interactions and a long one where Jimmy helped a lady set up her flip phone. Turning our attention back to the couple we had come to see, we said our farewells and assured them we would be there for them with the upcoming storm. That seemed to calm the waters. For this couple, my hope is for a healthy uneventful holiday season.

After returning home, I marveled at the realization that a new, engaging visitor (Jimmy) could bring such joy to these shut-ins. They opened up, laughed and were genuinely interested in his life out in California. As we said our good-byes, the light in their eyes was much brighter. As for Jimmy, he seemed charmed and humbled by meeting these new senior friends.

Showing interest in the chronicles of these elders' lives is one of the kindest things we can do for them. Of course, we come away richer because of the interaction, but they simply love to visit with people from "the outside!" Their lives have many chapters and sharing helps them remember the good times.

My wish for all the people we visited is that they feel honored, heard and supported by their interaction with the Goldens.

The pups are pretty tired when they return from their work, but they seem to embrace a restful sleep on their favorite bed...perhaps dreaming about making a few lives a little happier. Being on the other end of the leash certainly makes my world brighter. As always, I am so fortunate to witness the beauty these big dogs share with all they meet.