Writing to Remember: Our Singing Violet

By karlavillacis |

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Our small pep rally we had received from our church before our first visit to the nursing home seemed to fade away as we walked into the home. We started off our visit with a grumpy older man who accussed us of feeding him tasteless food. Thrilled to offer company and support to those feeling lonely we were a bit aghast when he drove us out of his room. Hesitant to continue trying, we moved onto the other rooms. We meet such a diverse crowd, each with their own story that sometimes even brought tears to our eyes. In each room we left a red rose along with a card to wish them peace of mind and showed them they were on someone's mind.

Small little details caught my attention. My thoughts of the smell of chlorine and the dim lights were interrupted by the nurses rushing to catch a lady sneaking outside in her wheelchair. Part of me wanted to help her escape the bleak and depressing atmosphere. I wouldn't blame her for her desire to witness the gorgeous Florida landscape. After that small scandal, we ran into the highlight of our visit, Violet. She had been admitted by her grandchildren that couldn't appreciate her enough to care for her. Still, she had the spirit to sing Christmas carols to us holding her head high. Violet left us speechless and made us really think about all the things we take for advantage.

After saying our farewells, we walked through the double doors and soon everyone got silent and looked around. For the first time in years we truly saw how beautiful our community is and felt sincerely fortunate to have the oppurtunity to be involved in it. Our flawless community without crime and vices, but instead filled with peace and harmony, doesn't exist and never will. If that would be the case, there would be no real motivation to become a better person in all aspects. Giving back to those who provided for us in the past is the right thing to do. Soon, we will depend as well in our community. So why not start by setting an example?