Wrinkles & Grins
While in MD we visited my great-grandma Brigitte (“Boomie” as I affectionately christened her as a child) who resides at a local nursing home. She has a form of dementia and exhibits many of the same traits associated with Alzheimer’s, but our Boomie still has a lot of life left in her. She has a sharp wit, likes to flirt with young men, and is cranky as can be, but in a cute way. Her illness might make some people uncomfortable, but we are used to it, and love her just the same, even though it is hard when she doesn’t remember us at times.
I wasn’t sure how the visit would go this time, but Boomie was having a good day and seemed to be enjoying Isaac’s antics as he crawled around the living room, chirping and pulling up on the furniture, clapping, blowing kisses, etc. It was the Isaac show!
I guess all the noise attracted some attention, because several other residents came in to see what the fuss was all about. Once they saw the tiny performer, they decided to stay a while, and Isaac didn’t mind sharing at all. He went over to each one and carefully checking them out, pulling up on them and patting their knees. And when one person sang to him, Isaac rocked back and forth and sang back, it was almost too cute (:
My favorite part was when Isaac caught sight of an elderly gentleman’s walker and I could see him sizing it up, comparing it to his baby walker at the house. After eyeballing this new walker for a minute or so, Isaac decided to try and take it for a spin, after inspecting all four wheels, safety first!
It was touching to see how a baby could affect these older folks; how perhaps he helped them remember the delights of their own children and grandchildren; how he brought some happiness to the nursing home.
Tell me about your child’s experiences with their great-grandparents (or grandparents)…
This is so sweet Sarah. I can just imagine how Isaac turned on the charm and enchanted the old folk. It is important to share the joy that babies can bring to all the family and their friends whenever you can.
Hi “Grandma” (:
I can only hope that when I am in their situation that my grandchildren/great grandchildren will visit me and cheer me up! My grandma said I should charge everyone besides her to see the Isaac show and we could split the profit, haha!