Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied,
That maybe it couldn't,
But he wouldn't be one,
to say so until he tried.
I absolutely love what I do. I feel blessed to be able to work outside my home two days a week at a nursing home as an Occupational Therapist. I feel I have learned more from my patients than they have learned from me...well, maybe we have each taken something from our relationships.
One of the things I have had to learn over the years is how to find a connection with my dementia patients in order to help them. One of the women that we bought Christmas gifts for happens to be one of the dementia residents that I was able to develop a relationship with.
She often became very anxious and would holler out. She also had low vision which also made it very difficult for her. When I would find her in her room anxious or tearful, I would walk in singing..."Clara, Clara, Bo Bara, Banana Fanna Fo Fara...(something to that effect.) Her face would light up and just like that we were long lost friends in a world of singing, sayings and rhymes. From there, we would be able to dress, groom, and complete other things to get ready for her day.
I went to work only to find out that my "Clara Bo Bara" had passed away.
I was honored to have learned many wonderful songs, stories and sayings from her. While we were delivering Christmas presents to her, after a couple of songs, I introduced her to B-Boy. She started telling him the saying that I typed above. He laughed so hard. So, we all said it over and over again. Even on the way home B-boy wanted to say it over and over...so catching and very wise.
My Clara had so much to share and was able to do that with me and my little boy. Clara wanted friends and she found a simple friendship with me through songs... Isn't that what many of us want. To share a bit of ourselves with others and feel needed. To have simple friendships that are not exhausting, but joyful and fulfilling.
Clara, Clara, Bo Bara... Thanks for the frienship I also needed.
7 comments:
You're awesome!
Oh Lace! That made me cry...what a sweet story and of course, what an angel you are. But, I already knew that from first hand experience! You are awesome and are a one of a kind friend and therapist! I am proud of you!
H
Awe! Sweet girl! That made me cry. Sooo sorry for your loss but very happy for your gain as well. What a sweet servant you are!
Love and hugs,
J
Oh Lacie, this was eloquently beautiful. I can just picture you popping in to see her and singing "Banana Fanna..."--so sweet--but also so comforting to her. I'm glad B-boy got to meet her too.
You are impacting so many lives through your profession and gentle, Christ-like spirit. I'm happy it brings you joy.
I'm at a loss for words! So precious and so sweet. Those older folks truly do touch our hearts in ways that we cannot explain. So glad that you were able to learn from her and she from you. Keep doing the good work that God put in your heart! :)
I've always thought that God just hand-picked you for that job. I love this story. But, I truly think that no matter where or who you worked with, it would be their blessing. Your patients are so lucky to have you. I plan to choose a retirement home where you will be working. Will you sing to me and play along with all my little idiosyncra"Z"ies?
Hi this is very nice blog :) im from Finland :)
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