You know that old trees just grow stronger
And old rivers grow wilder every day
Old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say, “Hello in there, hello.”
– John Prine
This is going to be a tough holiday season for many people – especially seniors in care facilities who haven’t seen loved ones in such a long time. Our seniors, known and unknown, need extra love.
A nursing home group victorianseniorcare on Instagram with fourteen locations in North Carolina started a pen pal program to help their residents. They post photos of a resident holding up a sign saying what they are interested in.
“My name is Mary. I like to talk about children.”
“My name is Nell. I love basketball, chocolate, and crossword puzzles.”
The photos of the joy on residents faces at receiving mail and care packages is so touching.
Fifteen year old Jeff Wall goldenagekarate Instagram teaches martial arts to seniors in nursing homes. Unable to teach because of the lockdown Jeff created a Secret Santa program. All seventy-six residents were adopted by a Secret Santa within a week. My resident is Ms. Carolyn who is one-hundred-years old. Jeff wrote: “My Mom told me that I could do anything but I never would have thought I could do this. Adopt an entire facility for Christmas. I cannot wait to deliver all of your gifts. Now let me go make sure my mom isn’t somewhere crying.”
As a continuation on my post from yesterday to help others I’d like to reach out to start a senior Christmas card campaign. Let’s let our seniors know they’re loved and remembered. Get in touch with your local senior facility to get the first names of some of the residents. Personalize the cards in creative ways with artwork, photographs, collages, stickers and messages like YOU ARE LOVED. Heck, you know what to do. It’s simply a matter of taking action.
I’ve stocked up on Christmas cards and stamps and plan to send cards to as many seniors as I can. If you have someone you’d like me to send a card to in the US or Canada please direct message me their name and address.
We can make a difference one card at a time by saying hello in there. Hello.
