On Thursdays, James and I head to the nursing home just 7 minutes from our house. Since he had an off day with his hospice visiting yesterday, I was especially watchful of him – both while brushing him for his visiting and when we first arrived. But, within minutes, I knew he was himself again. Down the hall he headed and into the physical therapy room to make the rounds of the folks there. Then, with two of the physical therapists, James and I headed upsides to the Alzheimer’s Unit to work with Constance who continues to spend most of her time in bed. As soon as she saw James come into her room, she grabbed for his leash and said, Can I take him for a walk? The physical therapists carefully guided her to her feet and with her walker – James’ leash in one hand – the four of us walked all the way down to the end of the corridor and back. All the while, Constance was grinning and saying, He likes me! I love him! He’s so beautiful! We then lead her to a comfortable chair in the gathering area outside the nurses’ station where she sat and James sat next to her…. all the while she was grinning… she then turned to the woman sitting next to her and said, See my dog? He likes me! The woman replied, He’s so good. What’s his name? Grinning, Constance replied, James. I love him! At this point, the two therapists were in tears… Constance had refused all week to walk the corridor with them to get exercise and had spoken very little. They left me with Constance and James and I stayed and talked with her for quite awhile. Another very special visit. It’s hard to break away when such magic is occurring… We will be back soon.
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