Day 48 Pt. 2
6/29/22
Today was a slow day. Now, "slow" isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I am one of those people who can't stop moving. Those who know me best often compare me to the Energizer Bunny! While working to accomplish one task, my mind is already organizing the next. Today, that was taken out of my hands by the amazing people with whom we spent precious time.
On my first walk with Gus, we found ourselves following a man with a cane. He would take about 20 steps, pause with head down (as if to gather strength for the next push forward) and move on again. I had plotted my course to take a sidetrack onto the grass as we passed him. That was not to be.
We had just swerved off the path when he took that moment to rest on the cane. He glanced over and we paused to chat. Being Minnesotans, we began with the weather. From there, I fully expected to hear about his disability and struggles. He nodded at the river and spoke of its beauty. He talked about the birds and squirrels and how they made him happy. He even had a few kind words to say about Gus. I soon moved on, but with a lighter, more humbled heart.
After my second walk with the Golden Oldies, I set off with Ranger for a visit to the neighborhood senior residence. We had a new list of names, so I started knocking on doors. A voice behind one shouted to come in, so we opened the door and entered. A man in a wheelchair rolled our way and the visit began.
This gentleman, Jim, needed to talk. I learned about his sons, how he lost his wife four years ago, his job, his cabin, and anything else that flowed into his story. He would stop to say, "I am doing ALL of the talking!" and then continue right on. We listened for 45 minutes and needed to meet someone down in Memory Care. I was not frustrated at all with the time spent with Jim. He needed to talk out his loneliness and we were there to be the recipients of his story. Once again, my heart seemed lighter and I was truly humbled to be the person with whom he could share his life story and lift the loneliness.
On we walked to the front desk to meet our friend, Sonny. This man is a gentleman, a veteran (most of the male residents served our country) and simply one of the kindest people I have met in a long time. We were to meet there to go on a visit to Memory Care, but when he didn't appear, we had the concierge call his apartment and were asked to mosey on up.
Sonny was running late. He was very apologetic, but he had a few things he had to do before we went down to see his sweet wife. There was medicine to take, an important paper to look for, packing for his day down in Memory Care and time on the floor with Ranger. I just smiled and enjoyed every moment.
20 minutes later, we headed down to see his bride. Knocking on the door to gain entrance into the locked unit, I wasn't surprised AT ALL for staff to greet Sonny as a favored regular. There was food arriving on the tables, so we hurried down the hall (Ranger had already started drooling) to meet her in her room.
She interacted with Ranger and we "talked" about a litter of golden retrievers she had helped come into the world so long ago. I asked questions and then would wait for a bit to see if she would answer. Sometimes she did. Other times, Sonny would fill in the conversation. She tried so very hard to communicate, but it was such an effort for this dear lady. We finally said our farewells and headed on the homeward trek. I was humbled by the love in that room and my heart felt lighter with the thought we had made their day a bit brighter.
Arriving home, I did notice that my list had already been delayed beyond repair. Normally, I would have fussed, consolidated and embraced frustration with a passion. Not today. Today, I actually looked at the quality of the hours spent this morning instead of simply getting a plethora of things done. These seniors travel at their own pace. Memories are the most important part of their conversations and I learn so very much from each encounter. Humbled, and with a lighter heart, I am feeling like "slow" has its benefits.
