This morning the weather was a bit questionable but mid morning the sun came out, and our temperatures for the day went up to 80. It was a glorious day. This tree is in our enclosed courtyard, just outside from the dementia neighborhood that I manage. I think it is some type of red maple, not sure. When the weather is nice, the residents love going outside for fresh air. Well, today we had an Easter Egg hunt planned for our residents, and with the weather so nice, we were able to have it in the courtyard. I wish you could have seen the faces of the residents as we pushed them around in their wheelchairs, and assisted them to walk around with their walkers looking for eggs. Their faces glowed like this tree. The sweet little lady I was assisting was a blast. She was laughing up a storm, especially when I acted surprised at spotting one of the hidden eggs, and then would grab it and place it in her hand so she coul dplace it in her basket. Most of the plastic eggs had a piece of paper inside with a prize written on it. After we were finished with the hunt, we went inside, opened up the eggs to see what they had won, and then handed out their prizes, which was mostly chocolate and some cash. They had the time of their life. We ended the event with piano music while they enjoyed their chocolate. The one little lady asked me if I had enough Pepto on hand with all the chocolate everyone was eating. They have a great sense of humor. It was a wonderful Monday, and well worth my time seeing how happy they were.
@barbara Youknow Barbara, I am so proud of the staff I have working on our neighborhoods. They are all invested in the lives of our residents, and as Manager, it makes my job much easoer knowing that I can depend on the staff I have. It makes it a joy to be a part of it all.
This is a wonderful page of memories.. I'm all "aglow" reading this! It makes me think of the scene from the movie Patch Adams, were the little ol' lady gets to swim in the pool of noodles.... unadulterated joy and happiness. Your Japanese Maple is a wonderful image to represent it..
This is a wonderful story to hear Rick. I'm so pleased that they have someone to take care of them that really does care. You do a terrific job.
This shot is so beautiful in many ways.
Yep...that looks like a Japanese Red Maple...you stirred up some memories with your story...and the joy you added to it gave me some peace knowing there are wonderful caring people like you who add so much life to those with the disease...
I love that the simplest things we do as kids, still make us laugh and smile, and enjoy ourselves. I am envious of your 80 degree weather, although I suspect that we are getting there...the tree at work has sprung its green buds, finally :-) I dont know what kinda of tree yours is here, but I love the deep red color :-)
Beautiful capture of this Maple. Isn't is wonderful to experience the joy and humor of the precious people. What a fun day. So... did you need the Pepto?
Not only do you bless your residents, but their families as well. They know their loved ones are being well taken care of. How fun they were so delighted to hunt for Easter Eggs- you can recapture some of your youth! It's definitely a Japanese Maple and it's a very pretty picture of it too.
This is simply fabulous, Rick! A fav! I'm pretty sure that is a Japanese maple. Your story about the egg hunt made me as happy as the residents. I love knowing that at least some of those who need kindness and special care are actually receiving not just that, but joy as well. Your staff sound really wonderful. It must be so great to work with and lead such great people.
LOVE your story!!! The world is so blessed to have people like you in it, and the residents you spent your day with are SO blessed to have people like you around. Sounds like it was alot of fun :) Gorgeous photo too!!
God bless ya'll Rick; sounds like such a beautiful day for them. I can visualize my own mother enjoying that kind of day. I call that a Japanese red maple, I have one just like it in my front yard.
The lighting on this shot is wonderful! And how wonderful,too, that you all put together such a fun event for the residents...that puts a smile on my face...I guess it really hits home even more now that my father is having such a difficult time with his health problems. Thank you for all you do for the elderly, Rick. It takes the patience of a saint to deal with all you have to do...I saw it first hand last week while spending time with dad at the rehab center...bless you!
This is so sweet Rick. I think you're really good at your job..I can just see the ladies making a fuss over you.so glad they had a good time easter egg hunting.
I think you might be right with the red maple tree..here is a pic of mine http://365project.org/bruni/nature-at-it-s/2010-04-06
For your acts of kindness and selflessness, I'm sure you'll receive an extra notch on your crown Rick. Generosity and humility are the most beautiful attributes to possess. Your story definitely matches your picture...outstanding pairing!!!
This shot is so beautiful in many ways.
I love how the light is hitting the leaves. Great pic!
I think you might be right with the red maple tree..here is a pic of mine
http://365project.org/bruni/nature-at-it-s/2010-04-06