Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Christmas at work

Work has been crazy busy this month, because of all the Christmas parties being planned and executed, and trying to pretend everything is running as planned. :P It's been loads of fun, most of the staff are cheerful and upbeat, and eager to please.

The rec girls have to plan entertainment/music programs to run twice a day in the main auditorium, which is open to all residents in the building, as well as exercise, games, movies, nail care, music, pet therapy, baking, wood working, and reminiscing programs for each of the 11 units. With Christmas coming up there's a lot of extra decorations to put up, Christmas lights to fix, and extra energy being used to make everything SUPER festive. I don't think any of us will really feel "in the Christmas spirit" until Christmas is over and work calms down again!

An out-trip provided a welcome break. We went to a church in the city that had nativity scenes from all over the world set up, tables and tables FULL of soap carvings, figures woven from straw, crystal, wood, even chocolate!
While we were walking around looking at everything I asked one dear old lady what she thought Jesus looked like in real life. She grasped my arm and became quite anxious, asking "Oh I don't know dear. Let's find him and ask him ourselves!" I tried to explain that we couldn't because he wasn't right there with us, but a few minutes later she asked "where's that man we're supposed to find?" It struck me that although she is a strong Roman Catholic, she had forgotten who Jesus is. Alzheimer's or not, I'd assumed someone's beliefs would always stay with them. And yet, she still has faith, even though she's forgotten what it is she believes in. I wonder how I would respond if I were in that situation.