I was at the day centre for seniors with dementia, where I volunteer once a week. Lucy was my favourite. Six foot tall and rake thin, with short, scrappy hair and clothes that hung off her, she was usually very sweet. A big smiler. And she loved to sing.
LOVED.
She clearly was some kind of professional before, you could tell from the sharp, clear vibrato she would randomly let out at various points in the day.
Her memory was almost completely shot. She'd ask you if her daughter was coming, be placated when you told her, "Later, Lucy" - then ask you again in thirty seconds time.
And lunchtime was always stressful. And always the same
"I can't eat! If I eat, I vomit!"
To calm her, I crouched down on the floor next to her chair, so that I'd be lower than her, took her hand, looked up into her eyes, and sang, "Lu-cy, siiiiing wiiiiith meeee"
Usually, this would work - her eyes would light up, she'd look right at me, and we'd hear that piercing, beautiful vibrato.
But not today. Today, she continued to look upset and push her plate away. So, instead, I stood her up and, holding on tightly because she didn't have her walker, I took her into the room next door, away from everyone else and away from the food.
We took a stroll around, weaving our way through the blue, institutional armchairs. Eventually, we came to the small love-seat, and sat down together.
I'd had a late night, and she was always tired. We were holding hands, both of them in each other's, between us. And, eventually, I put my head on her shoulder, and she put hers on my head, and we had a little nap together.
I woke up when she, having realised she was dribbling, wiped the drool onto her hand, and then from her hand onto my dress.
Thanks so much for being part of the Advent family! If you've missed any of the previous stories from the this True Stories Advent(ish) Calendar, they areHERE IN THIS LINK.
Tomorrow: another. That one's going to be a HILARIOUS video.
You rule!
xx (Yes Yes) Marsha
PS I'd be thrilled if you would share this True Stories Advent(ish) Calendar and spread the story love! http://yesyesmarsha.com/advent, or click below:
You're getting this email, because you signed up to the True Stories Advent(ish) Calendar at YesYesMarsha.com
If you know anyone else who'd like to sign up, please send them here:
Yes Yes Marsha: helping you become Dream Client Catnip.
You know you're brilliant at what you do, but your dream clients don't - YET. Find out the quickest way to INSTANTLY show them that you are the answer they've been looking for, whether it's live at a conference, or when they land on your 'About' page.
