What Nursing Home Residents Are Thankful For

I quizzed the residents at one of the retirement communities I work at about what they're thankful for. I asked them to be very specific. Here are a few of their answers:

"It's just good to be alive." - Rebecka

"When I worry about something, something good happens. He (God) helps me." - Eula

"This place. It's small enough so the people can communicate with one another." - Carol

"I'm thankful that my oldest granddaughter came and told me her youngest son was o.k. in Afghanistan. So it makes me think of everyone (all the military)." - Gera

"I'm thankful my granddaughter's baby is o.k. And they'll all be together at my daughter's house." - Gladys

"I lost all my contacts and all my address books so I haven't been able to stay in touch with anyone. Then my nephew (whom she hadn't seen in five years) came to see me unexpectedly." - Evelyn

"Good health and that I came out of the second World War unhurt." - Gale

"The privilege of living in this country." - Bob, a WWII veteran

"Friends and family. I don't think there's anything better than that. There isn't anything to top it. You can't say health anymore 'cause you don't got it." - Betty

My favorite answer came from a lady who had been sitting silently as the others eagerly offered their answers.

"We haven't heard from you yet, Lucy. What are you thankful for?" I probed.

"I've been acknowledging them silently," she replied.

"You're not gonna let us in on even one?" I teasingly persisted.

"You're funny."

So Lucy had the last laugh. Happy Thanksgiving.

This turkey was hanging out with my neighbor's ducks the other day. Just a few of my neighbors . . .

Kareen King is a Registered Drama Therapist and founder of The Golden Experience, offering keynotes, concerts, and workshops to enrich lives in long-term care. For booking information, contact her at kking@thegoldenexperience.com or visit www.thegoldenexperience.com.