Moments

Moments. It’s what makes a day special. Today’s special moments included taking several residents out individually for walks to the pond in front of one of the retirement communities where I work. Together, each of the residents and I took in the beautiful breeze, the pastoral setting, the sunshine, and the refreshing water. The highlight of the one-to-one walks occurred with a woman who has gradually ceased speaking and who has demonstrated less and less emotional affect. I asked her if she’d like to go for a short walk outdoors. She nodded yes. After taking her outside, I detected a slight smile. I then asked if she’d prefer sitting in the shade, strolling through the flowers, or going to the pond. I got no response. So I sat with her and waited. I then made an executive decision.

“We’re going down to the pond,” I declared, even though I was exhausted from a long day and two previous walks up and down the hill toward the pond.

I wheeled her down the long sidewalk until we parked right in front of the water. I looked over at her after we were situated and saw she had a tear streaming down one cheek.

“Is that a tear?” I asked, gently wiping her face.

Though I got no further indication as to what she was experiencing, I assume that she was moved emotionally.

Emilou had a brief encounter with a miniature horse, front and backside!

The woman above was moved by a hug from my puppet, Emilou.

“I’ll never forget this,” she declared as she embraced Emilou as if she were a real human being.

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.