Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Sad but some truth to this!

Christmas At Rock-Away Rest

Resthome Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away Rest,
and all of us seniors were looking our best.
Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry;
Our punchbowl held prune juice plus three drops of sherry.

A bedsock was taped to each walker, in hope
That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.
We surely were lucky to be there with friends,
Secure in this residence and in our Depends.

Our grandkids had sent us some Christmasy crafts,
Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.
The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth,
And from them she'd crafted a holiday wreath.

The bed pans, so shiny, all stood in a row,
Reflecting our candle's magnificent glow.
Our supper so festive -- the joy wouldn't stop --
Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.

Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great,
Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.
The social director then had us play games,
Like "Where Are You Living?" and "What Are Your Names?"

Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats,
Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.
Our resident wand'rer was tied to her chair,
In hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.

Security lights on the new fallen snow
Made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.
Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter
(But we are so deaf that it just didn't matter).

A strange little fellow flew in through the door,
Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.
'Twas just our director, all togged out in red.
He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.

We knew from the way that he strutted and jived
Our social- security checks had arrived.
We sang -- how we sang -- in our monotone croak,
Till the clock? tinkled out its soft eight-p.m. stroke.

And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds.
While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.
And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest.
'fore long you'll be with us, We wish you the best!

Author Unknown

Kikds pick the home





8 comments:

Helen said...

I agree with you. There is a lot of truth in that. Helen

Beth Niquette said...

Oh, Patty! That is just hilarious! Just out of High School I worked nine months at a rest home. I had one whole wing to myself. I loved those old folks. They were so wonderful--even those who were cranky sometimes, each had their own particular beauty.

I hope, in the sunset of my life, that I will remember to laugh and enjoy life.

I LOVE this poem. I think I'm going to read it to my children when they come over on Christmas day. (heh heh heh) I think that would be just hugely funny!

Such a clever poem!

Cheryl said...

Haha! Yes, sad but true. Ashton works as a CNA at a nursing home and she loves, loves, loves working there. I do hope when I get "older" she will remember how much she enjoyed those days!! Merry Christmas!

Mental P Mama said...

Oh that is so cute...and I have pictures of nocturnal meds being distributed to me all snug in my bed!

Margaret Cloud said...

This is very funny, the question I have is where did you get that picture of me, ha, ha. Happy Holidays.

Renie Burghardt said...

Kind of funny and kind of sad, too. We went to sing some Christmas songs at our local nursing home, and one very old lady in a wheel chair came up and asked us "Will you please take me home with you?" And someone said, "Oh, sorry, but we can't." She looked at us then and spit out the words, "Then go to hell!" Funny but very sad. All she wants is to get the heck out of there. It brought tears to my eyes.

Have a good night, Patty.

Renie

Gill - That British Woman said...

that's both sad and funny, and you're right be nice to your kids as they do choose your nursing home!!

Gill in Canada

Twisted Fencepost said...

Sad, true. But funny.
I giggled imagining that false teeth wreath.