A few years ago, I discovered an adult day care center in Melbourne, Fl. It is called Sarah Care. At first, I would just drop by and visit, or teach a short class for them. I love helping people and making their lives a little better and I have a special soft spot in my heart for Seniors.

I got to know the owners of Sarah Care, and after a time, they invited me to work there, so a couple of days a week I work part time at Sarah Care. I would like to share with you some of what we do to keep people engaged and happy at the adult day care center.

Every day at one p.m. we pledge allegiance to the flag and sing some patriotic songs. Many of the folks who come there have memory issues, and some cannot put together a sentence that makes sense. But not to worry, because I am going to share something that will make you smile.

When we sing God Bless America and pledge allegiance to the flag, they remember every word. They stand up with their hands on their chest and they sing loud and proud! God Bless America.

It never fails to make me cry with joy. Each and every time this happens, I am amazed at the way some memories stay with us. Even if we can no longer remember what a fork is used for!

What is even more special is, the ones who stand the proudest and sing the loudest are usually people who started out life in another country. Immigrants who came to this country looking for a better life for themselves and their families. The gratefulness showing on their face is so impressive.

I thank them for reminding me, as my parents often did, to be grateful for our privileges. It helps me to be thankful for the blessings I have in my life.

Valentina Boonstra

 

 

 

 

 

A few years ago, I discovered an adult day care center in Melbourne, Fl. It
is called Sarah Care. At first, I would
just drop by and visit, or teach a short class for them. I love helping people
and making their lives a little better and I have a special soft spot in my heart
for Seniors.

I got to know the owners of Sarah Care, and after a time, they invited me to
work there, so a couple of days a week I work part time at Sarah Care. I would
like to share with you some of what we do to keep people engaged and happy at
the adult day care center.

Every day at one p.m. we pledge allegiance to the flag and sing some
patriotic songs. Many of the folks who come there have memory issues, and some
cannot put together a sentence that makes sense. But not to worry, because I am
going to share something that will make you smile.

When we sing God bless America and pledge allegiance to the flag, they
remember every word. They stand up with their hands on their chest and
they sing loud and proud! God Bless America.

It never fails to make me cry with joy. Each and every time this happens, I
am amazed at the way some memories stay with us. Even if we can’t remember what
a fork is used for!

What is even more special is, the ones who stand the proudest and sing the
loudest are usually people who started out life in another country. Immigrants
who came to this country looking for a better life for themselves and their
families. The gratefulness showing on their face is so impressive.

I thank them for reminding me, as my parents often did, to be grateful for
our privileges. It helps me to be thankful for the blessings I have in my life.

Valentina Boonstra