I had a great day at work today, my second day. First we did stretching exercises to Frank Sinatra.
"Frankie!" one woman said. "I love him."
Later I set out real apples and gave everyone little cups of red, blue, yellow, and green tempera paints.
From such simple elements, people did wildly different paintings.
Here are two of them:
Then I accompanied three people to a church service on a different floor. I asked one of them if I could sit next to her, and she said, "Of course! I love you and I'd love you to sit next to me."
"I love you too," I said.
I feel it already--the heartbreak that attends this kind of work.
Also, the exhaustion. I was on my feet the whole time, always trying to attend to several different people with different needs.
But all in all, it was a fun day and I'm really happy with this work.
"Frankie!" one woman said. "I love him."
Later I set out real apples and gave everyone little cups of red, blue, yellow, and green tempera paints.
From such simple elements, people did wildly different paintings.
Here are two of them:
Then I accompanied three people to a church service on a different floor. I asked one of them if I could sit next to her, and she said, "Of course! I love you and I'd love you to sit next to me."
"I love you too," I said.
I feel it already--the heartbreak that attends this kind of work.
Also, the exhaustion. I was on my feet the whole time, always trying to attend to several different people with different needs.
But all in all, it was a fun day and I'm really happy with this work.
4 comments:
Hurrah for you, Fresca! I hope your workdays remain as poignant and satisfying as they have so far.
I think the clients already realize how fortunate they are to have you.
PS: I love the art, too - forgot to say so. I look forward to more of their work.
Aw, so good. Dear people. Tim's grandma was in an Alzheimer care home with good people. Her artist supplies remained something tangible and joy-giving. I can tell you are bringing joy to your new friends. It's a courageous thing to do.
CROW: Thanks! I was surprised and pleased at how kind and complimentary the residents are--a good sign that I'm doing stuff right so far.
DEANNA: I like hearing from other people about the power of art to give joy to people with Alzheimer's--thanks!
They are bringing joy to me too:
the people and the art supplies, both. :)
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