When Al first comes home from the Hospice House he is the best. So we take advantage of these times. Today is one of the new normal days he doesn’t go to Day Program so his body can stay rested.
But today was a special day. It was Street Fair day at Day Program. I didn’t know exactly what to expect. Would the parking lot be crowded and I would have to push his wheel chair a mile? Was it out in the parking lot? What would be going on.
We pulled into the parking area and nothing seemed different. When we walked in anyone that saw me pushing Al came up immediately and said hello to him. One of the office people was in view and Al told her immediately, ” I can only come three days a week now. My body gets too tired.” She gave him a pat on the back and said, ” I know Al, but we still want you here. Even if you have to drop more days, we still want you here. We love having you with us.” With that, Al wept a little but not bad.
I whisked him off to the courtyard where the little fair was going on. Now for you and me we wouldn’t even call it little. We may call it a speck, but for people like Al and the other clients it was a change. A chance to get outside in the fresh air. A chance to visit with their friends. A chance to have some fun.
There was some tables sitting decorated with different articles representing what each class was based on. There was a game of corn hole, a little miniature golf course and a batting cage.
One of Al’s hero, named Andy was in charge of the games and he took Al from me and pushed him to each game. Hand over hand Al was able to play each game. He beamed from ear to ear.
I couldn’t help let out happy tears as it was so wonderful to see this caring man helping Al to enjoy the hour. For every game Al played, he won a plastic dollar. In the end he had gained three dollars and turned them in at the gift area. He bought himself a key chain, a deck of cards and a new hankie or bandana.
Al was thrilled. His head was beginning to hang pretty far. A sure sign his body is tiring out. Scott helped me get Al back in the car and of course Al said he was hungry. I took him to his favorite soda shop and he ate a whole cheeseburger and french fries.
We came home and I changed him and laid him down. He is already sound asleep. I am so proud. The part of me that is human didn’t really want to take him. I was thinking of the heavy wheel chair, loading it and unloading it is hard on my body. But he had a good time, and I had a good time knowing he smiled so much.
I’m so glad you’ve both had a good day.
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thanks!!!
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Sounds like a lovely reprieve from all the sorrow Terry – I’m so glad Al had a good day..
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oh me too, it was so different from all the tears, and they were so gentle with him
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So glad it was a good day for you both and I really glad he enjoyed himself.
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he had a great time, I was so happy for him. Thanks Al
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No matter what, keep that day in your mind Terry. Keep it at the forefront.
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thanks Alastair
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This is a good day. Cherish it whenever it comes! Thanks for posting.
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It is rare, so I will put that on my priority memories. Thanks Rusha
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What is a corn hole? Ive only heard of cornholio from ‘beavis and butthead’! Really good to hear of your nice day x
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I have never played it but have watched it played. It is bags filled with corn and you have a tilted board with two holes in it. You try to get the bag in the hole. It reminds me of Shuffleboard in scoring. Thanks for your great comment
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What a great idea. It is always so rewarding seeing the joy on faces at their achievements. Thanks for sharing Al’s story.
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you are so welcome. I loved writing this post!
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Terry, that is so awesome!! And what a wonderful, caring, loving person that took him to all of the games, there are indeed some very exceptional people out there as well, I have found 🙂
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there are some, I know for a fact, because I have found you
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Glad he had a good day.
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thanks my friend!!!
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Wonderful Al had a lovely day and you both enjoyed it. The people in the day centre are such lovely caring people, as it seems by what you write. Good for Al that they love him there and tell him that too! I do understand that he loves going there.
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I don’t know whether they are excellent with him because I am so involved or if they are excellent period, but either way they treat him very well
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What a joy to read, Terry! Much love to you guys.
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thanks Julie, I love a good day !!
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He’s still living and not just alive!
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exactly right, until his last breath, he is still feeling
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How great that Al is still able to bounce back even if it is just for a day!
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it is so nice, but this evening it is starting to fall apart already. I assume the new increase in medications is already becoming immune to Al’s body
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What a lovely post. It must be very tiring for you, I’m glad they gave you a bit of help. I’m sorry the increase in medications is already wearing off, it doesn’t last long does it.
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I don’t know if it wears off because he takes so many medications or because the illness is very strong. I do enjoy those good days Al has and so does he
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