This Link is to the Re-post #2 - my first experience as an LPN.
Reading it again reminded me of something I once read. Here it is:
" Grandfather's Birthday"- by Rudy Joe Mano of Racine Wisconsin
It was Grandfather's birthday. He was 79. He got up early, showered, combed his hair and put on his Sunday best so he would look nice when they came.
He skipped his daily walk to the town cafe where he had coffee with his cronies. He wanted to be home when they came.
He put his porch chair on the sidewalk so he could get a better view of the street when they drove up to help celebrate his birthday.
At noon he got tired but decided to forgo his nap so he could be there when they came. Most of the rest of the afternoon he spent near the telephone so he could answer it when they called.
He has five married children, 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. One son and daughter live within 10 miles of his place. They hadn't visited him for a long time. But today was his birthday and they were sure to come.
At supper time he left the cake untouched so they could cut it and have dessert with him.
After supper he sat on the porch waiting.
At 8:30 he went to his room to prepare for bed. Before retiring he left a note on the door, which read, "be sure to wake me up when they come."
I don't know about you, but it made me cry.
1 comment:
I have seen this. It makes me cry too. We, in North America, throw away our elderly as if they're garbage and it infuriates me.
The place I may still work at(or not) makes a big deal of birthdays. A big card with $5.00 bill inside, the staff singing Happy Birthday, and a small present. I was a participant my first day of orientation. They also get an ice cream sundae with a candle. The lady we were singing to almost set herself on fire twice in 60 seconds.
I plan on working or going to school until the day I die.
Post a Comment