She took him out on the patio and gave him a manicure. Dad hates to have his nails too long...besides, he loves the attention and hand massage my sister always gives him...
I have been having my usual difficulties in reaching Dad (in between all the stuff we are doing to the house preparing for more company the next two weekends....) so my sweet sister called me so I could chat with Dad. She also called Mom so she could chat with Dad. She also tried our brother in Ohio, but his voice mail came on. My sister had Dad leave a message for him. She noticed Dad was getting a bit emotional, so she quickly changed the subject and got him thinking about other things...
She drew Dad's attention to the beautiful fall leaves on the trees in the patio area... Dad loves nature as much as he loves his family, so admiring the colors and the magnificent blue skies set him off on a long rambling discussion on trees, flowers and pleasant out door memories....
My sister could hear the guitar music wafting in from the lunchroom... one of Dad's favorite visitors is a Chaplain who comes and entertains with his singing and guitar playing... Holly wheeled Dad back inside, knowing he would enjoy the music....
Holly stood behind Dad, again massaging his shoulders as the Chaplain strummed his guitar... she looked around the room and felt sad for the other residents who rarely have visitors. Some looked at her and looked sad...
Being a tender heart, she found herself feeling sad for the lonely ones....Dad seemed to pick up on it somehow, squeezing her hand and he told her lunch would be served shortly, so if she wanted to go, it would be fine with him. He told her how much he enjoyed the music and all his friends...
Holly hugged him good bye and blew him their traditional kiss from the hallway. Dad caught it and smiled, waving good bye and throwing her a kiss back...
7 comments:
What a nice visit. Doing his nail and giving a hand massage is such a nice thing to do when visiting - a special added treat to the visit!
Your dad is very fortunate to have a family that takes turns visiting him and watching out for him! I also noticed all the lonely people when I used to visit my dad at the nursing home. Whether I was coming or going, I would stop and spend at least a few minutes with them, offering a hug or hand touch, and they would just beam. I think they were especially appreciative when I knew their name. I was told that some people had been there for YEARS and never had visitors! Too sad ...
Your father's smile says it all. How blessed your family is.
donna
How neat that chaplain comes in and "entertains" like this! I'm sure all enjoy it. I am also sure it is hard for those who never get visitors; so glad you all try to be as faithful as you can to see your dad or talk with him by phone!!!
betty
It's always lovely to see a photo of your dear dad, Donna. He does look happy in this one. It sounds as if Holly had a good visit with your dad, but I can understand her getting upset thinking of the poor people who don't get visitors. So Sad! Blessings to you and thank you for your lovely comment on my blog.
Dad's are just that way. This makes me miss mine!
How very precious this story was to my heart sweetie.
God bless and have a beautiful week!!! :o)
Your dad has the biggest, best smile! Love to read about him in your posts. Hope you are doing well, my friend.
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