It has been a long time since I have posted anything. Sugar & Spice have been pretty busy, but did have some time off for illness and cold weather. We missed two months in a row at a few places. This morning we were in Ankeny and it was one of the places that we missed 2 months. They were so happy to see us and we were as happy to see them! They usually come to watch us set up, I guess we are pretty entertaining! Spice has been "opening" the show as Old Spice by singing a couple of songs that I don't play or sing on. So while he is singing I usually walk around to make sure the music isn't to loud. This morning as I was doing that I noticed a woman was brought into the memory unit and she was visibly upset and crying. Immediately one of the residents - Kathy came to her and held her hand and sat beside her. As I walked by I could hear the new lady say that she didn't know if she should be there. So I stopped to visit with her for a while. Come to find out this was her first morning there and didn't know anyone. Kathy was telling her how much she was going to like our music and that she would set by her. I asked her if she had a favorite song and she shook her head no while wiping tears from her face. By that time it was time for me to strap on my guitar and start singing. As the show went on I could see her getting more comfortable and even smiling at some of our bantering and April Fools jokes. Kathy was so caring and helpful to her, it brought tears to my eyes to watch them! To top it off today was Kathy's birthday, so we all had to sing Happy Birthday to her.
We always go around and talk to each person after we are done singing, and I saw a completely different person when I went to her after the program. I gave her a big hug and told her that we would see her again next month, and as Spice was walking by he made her feel welcome with a hug too.
Sometimes we wonder if our actions please God, today I know that what Kathy showed for this new resident was exactly what is asked of us Christians. Something as small as a smile, hug or just holding a hand is all it takes to turn a frightening situations into something pleasant. I am anxious to go back next month and see her again.
