The 5 and Dime - She calls it a "job", we call it.....

We call it a dream come true. As some of you know Kenny has a "job". She works on Monday and Friday at The Brian Center, the nursing home facility where she resided for over three years.

Upon bringing Kenny home to live once again on her farm, she was thrilled at the prospect but was also a bit blue at having to say good by to those folks at the Center. To remedy this problem Kenny signed up as a volunteer to work approximately 4 hours a day for those two days a week.

Now if I confess truthfully about how we caretakers feel about the situation I would have to admit we would have paid good money for this set up. I don't want anyone to think ill of us for having such hearts because you truly need to put yourself in our shoes. Think about this: your Tour of Duty (a 10 day shift) consists of only you and your mother; alone on 50 acres; away from family, friends and people in general; playing games again as you did with your small children; having someone knocking on the bathroom door wondering if you are in there..... Have I made myself clear? Ok, so you are also now embracing our same thoughts so allow me to elaborate about her "job".

Kenny arrives at 11:45 am to many hugs and kisses from the staff. She then proceeds to find her place in the dining room to gain nourishment from a hot lunch so she will be fortified for the task ahead. After lunch there was some misguided thought that Kenny would help other residents play Bingo because some don't have the motor control to place the buttons on the cards, some can't hear the caller and some just don't care but Kenny has no limitations and believe you me, she does care. Heck with those other residents as Kenny pines for that Reese cup after yelling Bingo first. Then of course there is always those small bottles of lotion with a smell so horrific it could stop the heart in the strongest of men. But at age 86, the fragrance is "oh soooo lovely".

How time flies, the clock is showing 3pm and Kenny is weary so she heads to the living room of The Brian Center for a little R&R. Somewhere along the way however she has been given 6 newspapers to deliver to the residents. Ohhhh, I feel almost certain this where the "job" comes in. But wait, it is now time to be rescued from her tedious day. I walk in to take her home but she can't leave because she hasn't delivered the papers and oddly she is too exhausted to do so. She whispers to me "I wish they would fire me" then she goes on to say "if you would deliver them we could get home much faster." Good point so off I dash then we head home.

What an amazing "job" and it is a dream come true for Kenny and for us caregivers as we all need a respite. Kenny included, as we aren't easy to live with either I am here to admit. Our biggest question now is "Can they really fire Kenny from her volunteer job?" Ohh the thought is too horrific to even ponder!