We finished cleaning up by 7:30pm and the priest and 3 senior women were sitting in the dining area waiting for the bus to arrive. I asked them if they were going to be alright if I left.
The priest replied, "Oh, we'll be fine. No one messes with grandma," as she looks at her knitting partner.
So I sat down for a few minutes next to J. She revealed to me that she was very scared her first Sunday here. The priest said it's quite natural to be scared of new things and new people. J smiled at me and asked,"Are you coming back?" I told her I'd try my best to come back every month.
She smiled again and said,"Good. I like you." She revealed that her grandmother had also attended this church forty years ago, and she'd never imagine being in the same shoes. J felt more comfortable, and said,"You know, I feel like this is my family. I can't believe I said that. I'm embarrassed."
The priest was happy to hear that, and I told her it was a wonderful thing to say and feel.
As the ladies were knitting, the priest said if someone messes with them, they'll just poke them away with their knitting pins.
I told them, "Oh you'll be fine because you're so OG."
The priest said, "I don't know what that means! I don't text!"
I covered my forehead and said surprised, "Oh, you don't know what that means! Uh..."
So I explained that it meant 'original gangsta' and I called them old school. All four of them laughed.
I gave them all hugs and walked out to my car. I repeated that I'd try my best to see them again.
- - - - -
I've been attending this activity since 2007, but when my own grandmother died, I spent more time visiting my blood relatives.
It was my adopted grandmother's birthday today. She turned 71 and I think that it's pretty young to be in a senior home. She married when she was 16, and fled from her country quickly. so when I asked if she had any pictures, she said the earliest pictures are when she is in her late twenties. I miss my grandmother, and I never met my grandmother on my paternal side, but I don't think my visiting seniors has to do with this replacement of family I lost. I just enjoy old people in general! Ever since I was a wee kid I adored sitting in my dad's waiting room at his shop and conversing with the old customers. They were vibrant when they shared their stories, and I felt like I owned something not everyone will ever possess--a part of the past, and wisdom that cannot be taught any other way. They also radiate this warmth, acceptance of mortality and appreciation of time. People my age don't usually possess this appreciation, and I always wanted to be surrounded by those who do feel this way. (I have met younger people who do learn appreciation, and it's usually those who come from difficult life experiences)
- - - - -
I got a call from the hospice director, and I have an interview on Monday. I feel like I am ready to further my understanding on the process of death, dying and loss. It can only make me stronger and learn methods of assisting others cope with varying forms of loss when I become a therapist.
The priest replied, "Oh, we'll be fine. No one messes with grandma," as she looks at her knitting partner.
So I sat down for a few minutes next to J. She revealed to me that she was very scared her first Sunday here. The priest said it's quite natural to be scared of new things and new people. J smiled at me and asked,"Are you coming back?" I told her I'd try my best to come back every month.
She smiled again and said,"Good. I like you." She revealed that her grandmother had also attended this church forty years ago, and she'd never imagine being in the same shoes. J felt more comfortable, and said,"You know, I feel like this is my family. I can't believe I said that. I'm embarrassed."
The priest was happy to hear that, and I told her it was a wonderful thing to say and feel.
As the ladies were knitting, the priest said if someone messes with them, they'll just poke them away with their knitting pins.
I told them, "Oh you'll be fine because you're so OG."
The priest said, "I don't know what that means! I don't text!"
I covered my forehead and said surprised, "Oh, you don't know what that means! Uh..."
So I explained that it meant 'original gangsta' and I called them old school. All four of them laughed.
I gave them all hugs and walked out to my car. I repeated that I'd try my best to see them again.
- - - - -
I've been attending this activity since 2007, but when my own grandmother died, I spent more time visiting my blood relatives.
It was my adopted grandmother's birthday today. She turned 71 and I think that it's pretty young to be in a senior home. She married when she was 16, and fled from her country quickly. so when I asked if she had any pictures, she said the earliest pictures are when she is in her late twenties. I miss my grandmother, and I never met my grandmother on my paternal side, but I don't think my visiting seniors has to do with this replacement of family I lost. I just enjoy old people in general! Ever since I was a wee kid I adored sitting in my dad's waiting room at his shop and conversing with the old customers. They were vibrant when they shared their stories, and I felt like I owned something not everyone will ever possess--a part of the past, and wisdom that cannot be taught any other way. They also radiate this warmth, acceptance of mortality and appreciation of time. People my age don't usually possess this appreciation, and I always wanted to be surrounded by those who do feel this way. (I have met younger people who do learn appreciation, and it's usually those who come from difficult life experiences)
- - - - -
I got a call from the hospice director, and I have an interview on Monday. I feel like I am ready to further my understanding on the process of death, dying and loss. It can only make me stronger and learn methods of assisting others cope with varying forms of loss when I become a therapist.
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