Caution !

A lot seems to have changed in a very short amount of time... whether I've wanted it to.. or NOT!
I have moved back to Cape Town and in a drastic turn of events, I have found myself working at an old age home for those with dementia or any other kind of psych diagnosis really' varying from mild depression and anxiety to catatonic schizophrenia! (I didn't even know that actually existed)

In the short 7 weeks that I've been working here, some residents have arrived and then left again and some have told me they are ready to die (and they're still kicking) and a resident actually did pass away.

I have had countless conversations about absolute nonsense (due to the dementia), I have heard how many proud grandparents boast about their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren's success! I have played bingo with a 96 year old and I have been called Desire.. more than once ;)

I have witnessed frail old women defend their territory by poking anyone who comes into their bubble with their walking stick, I have witnessed a woman try to steal a massive potted plant (just picture it in your head) and I got to read a book compiled by one of my residents.

I have met doctors, teachers, stay at home mothers, accountants, a lady who makes jewelry, a woman who won prizes for her crafts and a man who flew fighter planes in WWII and managed to bomb the area where his daughter's future father-in-law was stationed as a soldier.

I have wiped away tears, held hands, I have told many jokes and been the but of a couple. I have given away more hugs than I care to admit and probably talk too much.

I have improved my knitting and beat a woman at scrabble who I think is the most intelligent woman I have ever met!

I get to play with our therapy pets, go on outings and a residents parrot now lets me stroke his head without trying to take my finger off.

I have learnt many lessons, but the one I'd like to share today is the one they tell me the most: Don't get old!

My job is also challenging, and some days I don't feel that I'm cut out for all the emotional trauma. But just writing this post has convinced me that I have already gained so much and stand to gain so much more if only I am always willing to give a bit of myself and am willing to persevere.

Being old is not determined by your age but rather what fuels your mind and heart.

photo credit: www.turbulenceahead.com