I'm a nurse at a home for Alzheimer's patients.
It is very sad to see my sweet elderly friends forget where they are, who their family is, and even how to feed themselves. It's kind of strange too, because sometimes Alzheimer's patients will have moments of clarity where they remember everything. At other times, they seem to think that they're still 25 years old.
Like I said, it's often very sad, but these sweet old people also make me laugh every single day with the things they say and do. For example:
It is very sad to see my sweet elderly friends forget where they are, who their family is, and even how to feed themselves. It's kind of strange too, because sometimes Alzheimer's patients will have moments of clarity where they remember everything. At other times, they seem to think that they're still 25 years old.
Like I said, it's often very sad, but these sweet old people also make me laugh every single day with the things they say and do. For example:
Conversation #1:
Me: Look at that beautiful family picture of your family. Are all those your children?
Little old lady: (looking at picture) Well, hell! I've never seen those goofy-looking people in my life! I don't know how that picture got on my wall!"
Conversation #2:
Me: Good morning, Mrs. Smith. You look so nice today.
Little old lady: (As she walks the halls with her walker) Thanks, honey. That means a lot, considering that I just gave birth last night. (Wow, what a pioneer!)
Conversation #3:
Little old lady #1: (waiting by the front door of the home) I can't believe she isn't here yet!
Me: Who are you waiting for?
Little old lady #1: My mother. She's supposed to pick me up so that I can meet my fiance for lunch and make wedding plans. It's just not like her to be late!
Little old lady #2: (While strolling by with her walker) Your mother's been dead for twenty years, you old bag! (Such a sweetie, huh?)
Conversation #4:
Little old man: (Looking at his feet while I trim his nails and give him a foot massage) They really aren't that bad, are they?
Me: Nope, and now your feet will look and feel even better!
Little old man: Honey, I'm hungry!
Me: Alright, as soon as we're done, we'll go eat lunch in the dining room.
Little old man: (after a ten second silence) They really aren't that bad, are they? And my, they're so clean! I've never had feet so clean!
Me: Well, I'm glad that they feel good.
Little old man: But honey, I'm just so hungry.
Me: I know. Lunch will be ready soon.
Little old man: Wow, they really aren't that bad, are they?
Me: Nope.
Little old man: They're just so clean! Clean as a whistle! (ten second pause) Oh, honey, I'm really hungry!
........and this went on and on and on for about twenty more minutes :)
Conversation #5:
Little old lady: (handing me a handful of bits of paper that were strewn across my office floor) Here you go, just the way you like it!
Me: Oh, thanks for helping me keep my office clean by picking all this up. That's so sweet of you!
Little old lady: Yes, it's just wonderful. Wonderful!
See? they're awesome.
They also love Kenadie.
I've brought her by work a few times, and every time they all say, "I didn't know you had a baby!"
Even the cranky old farts and the very confused little old ladies become sweet and suddenly very aware and lucid whenever Kenadie is there.
One old man tells me not to be afraid to spank her when she gets out of line.
One little lady tells me that she's the smallest baby she's ever seen (which is comical, because Kenadie is a chunker).
As long as I have to be a working mom, I might as well get so serve these awesome people who make me smile and laugh everyday.
I just love it.
They also love Kenadie.
I've brought her by work a few times, and every time they all say, "I didn't know you had a baby!"
Even the cranky old farts and the very confused little old ladies become sweet and suddenly very aware and lucid whenever Kenadie is there.
One old man tells me not to be afraid to spank her when she gets out of line.
One little lady tells me that she's the smallest baby she's ever seen (which is comical, because Kenadie is a chunker).
As long as I have to be a working mom, I might as well get so serve these awesome people who make me smile and laugh everyday.
I just love it.
5 comments:
Haha, that is hilarious!!!!
I can't decide which one is my favorite! Thanks for the laugh! :)
Hi Holly! Love your blog and your job does sound awesome!!!
Those are some great conversations! :) Lol!! Very entertaining...they are lucky to have you!!
OK I am so happy you wrote some of these things down....I can't tell you how often this happened to me at the nursing home and I have forgotten, thanks for the laughs!
Holly these are so funny!! I'm so happy you are having a good time at work! yay! :)
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