Checking In
ServiceSpace
--Mia Tagano
2 minute read
Aug 16, 2015

 

New schedule means sharing time with my grandmother on other days now besides just Monday. So, happily, this Sunday afternoon was spent with her. "I have good friends" she said proudly to Nurse Simi as we went off to dinner.

When we returned, we took a walk around the nursing home to check in with folk. Found out that my grandmother's first "friend" here, Alice, died. My grandmother doesn't remember her but I do. I remember the two of them sitting together doing word search, helping each other. So sweet. Now, in the past year and 1/2, my grandmother has gone through about 7 of the same book with about 100 puzzles in each!

Around the corner was our toothless one legged friend Mr. Le, still packing all of his things onto his wheel chair (a war veteran who had been on the streets homeless for many years). I raised my hands over my head and shouted, Mr Le! He smiled big and raised his arms over head too. He did this for each one of us before shaking our hands.

My adopted grandma from India saw me and immediately put her palms together, I did the same and we bowed together saying, Namaste. Then, she said thank you and waved good-bye.

Elena, the sweet Filipina grandmother who would ask me to comb her hair, no longer talks. Her grandson was with her tonight. He didn't mind me touching and loving on his grandma - extra love is always accepted in this place. She opened her eyes when I told her how beautiful she looked, staring into mine - and then she went back inside to her secret place. I said to Daniel, it's a hard time; just keep focusing on the love. Yes, he said, its all we have. thank you for what you do.

Gloria next door held my face in her hands and asked what we had for dinner. Fish is good for you she said when I told her. Martin who cleans every corner of the building allowed a hug and a thank you. You be good, Mommy, he said.

Mrs. Owens my grandmother's roommate, let me give her some water tonight, even took another drink when I said, how bout one more sip? One more sip, she said with a smile. A simple sentence but particularly moving because I thought she no longer spoke.

Lots of hugs and kisses for my grandmother. Before we left she said, "you know? I love you SO much." I do know but, I never tire of hearing it :)
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Posted by Mia Tagano on Aug 16, 2015


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