I have been growing up in nursing homes and assisted livings for as long as I can remember. My mom has always had an amazing love for helping elders in our community. She worked at Glen Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for 5 years. I went to work with her almost everyday. I loved being there and getting to visit all the residents that lived there. I remember meeting Mr. Petty and his wife, Mary Jane Petty. Those two people were like my adoptive grandparents. I went to see them as much as possible and did what ever I could do to make them happy. Sadly, Mr. Petty died. I was really upset because I looked up to him and loved him as if he were my real grandpa. Mrs. Petty stayed around a lot longer. Eventually, my mom moved on from Glen Oaks and began working for Suncrest Homehealth. I was sad because I would be leaving my favorite place and would not get to see Mrs. Petty every day. My mom tried her best to take me to visit her, but work got harder and harder, and Mrs. Petty got older and older. She became sick and was moved to a new building in Murfreesboro, which made it even harder for me to visit her. I visited her one day. I was very excited to see her and brought her flowers, but I didn't expect what happened. Mrs. Petty was so old and so sick that she didn't remember who I was. At the time, I was okay with that because I didn't really understand, but now I realize that I didn't fully treasure the times I had with her at that young age. Just recently Mrs. Petty passed. It was about two weeks ago. I still think about her all the time.
My mom now works for Celebration Way Assisted Living. I love it there. The people in an assisted living are higher functioning than people in a nursing home. They can take care of themselves, but need help with meals and bathing. I have great relationships with all of her residents. I am there all the time. I go on their field trips, I help serve dinner, I call out BINGO, and I even spent the night there a few times.
I think it is very important to treasure our elders. They don't all have as much time left on Earth as we do. I hope to make their time at Celebration Way the best time. I want them to remember me always. I look up to all of them and go to them with my troubles. They are willing to talk to you about anything, and since they have more experience in life, they give great advise. I am extremely blessed to be surrounded by the love of my mom's residents throughout the years of my life. It encourages me to be a better person everyday. I know that no matter what, I will always have them as family.