by Marie Pike, parishioner
Several years ago, I was asked if I’d like to visit a member of St. Andrew’s who’d had a stroke and was in a care facility. Though I’d never met her, I agreed to make a visit.
I discovered she was unable to talk and was quite emotional. I decided to go back and visit again. Knowing it was hard to communicate, I brought a small photo album of a trip I’d taken. I learned she had also taken many trips, so it gave us something in common. I was delighted to learn she understood everything I was saying/asking. As time went by, my twice monthly visits became a joy to both of us, as her speech was slowing coming back.
Last year when I got my first iPad, I decided to take it and show her how to play Solitaire. This turned out to be very successful. We both would play together, with her making the choices. She had a birthday last August and I had the pleasure of sharing a little celebration with her and her family....a lovely daughter, husband and two grand-daughters.
Since she was formerly an active parishioner, I know she misses church a lot. She still thanks me every time I leave and that’s been over three years.
Even though I did not know my friend before visiting her the first time, our visits have been so rewarding. We are both blessed.
I discovered she was unable to talk and was quite emotional. I decided to go back and visit again. Knowing it was hard to communicate, I brought a small photo album of a trip I’d taken. I learned she had also taken many trips, so it gave us something in common. I was delighted to learn she understood everything I was saying/asking. As time went by, my twice monthly visits became a joy to both of us, as her speech was slowing coming back.
Last year when I got my first iPad, I decided to take it and show her how to play Solitaire. This turned out to be very successful. We both would play together, with her making the choices. She had a birthday last August and I had the pleasure of sharing a little celebration with her and her family....a lovely daughter, husband and two grand-daughters.
Since she was formerly an active parishioner, I know she misses church a lot. She still thanks me every time I leave and that’s been over three years.
Even though I did not know my friend before visiting her the first time, our visits have been so rewarding. We are both blessed.
RSS Feed
