I have to start off with the forever repetitious "I'm sorry I haven't posted in forever. Blah Blah Blah"....
Okay. So now that I got that out of the way. MY EMOTIONS.
Can we just talk about the rollercoaster of emotions that I (and I'm sure a billion other people in my situation) am experiencing at the moment? So yes, I am forever still grateful that I have a job during this pandemic. Yes, I am grateful that I am still working in my field of choice (unlike a few of my friends that went from desk jobs for the municipality to housekeeping and dishwashing...that's lame). YES. I AM GRATEFUL. However, it doesn't excuse the fact that I am still a BUNDLE OF EMOTIONS!!!
Am I screaming at you? No. Does it feel good to just...scream? YUP. I suggest you try talking at a higher volume and with much vigor in your tone, it helps.
So, why am I full of emotions? Because it's December. In a Pandemic. How am I suppose to provide a magical, whimsical, and 'jolly' Christmas and Holiday season for my residents?
*Side note: Yes. They are my residents now. I have adopted them all as my own. They are mine now.
ANYWAYS. How.....? How do I provide joy to people that haven't seen their families in MONTHS?! How do I tell them it'll be okay, and this Christmas will still be wonderful? How do I bring joy when (INSERT WARNING OF POTENTIALLY DARK COMMENT) they might not make it to a 'normal' Christmas? How do I reassure my residents that 'when all of this is over, you can hug your family again' when they *might not make it that long*?! This might be some of their last Christmas's, and I am responsible for making it perfect when no one can do their family traditions. I have to remind them regularly in the next few weeks that "Sure, we can FaceTime or Skype your family for Christmas this year" When half of them don't understand that it's via a computer or tablet.
My heart aches for them. For all of my residents that will be alone for the holidays because they can't have family in the building and there are only so many staff members working and they have work to do (i.e., personal care...).
My heart aches that I may not be able to even see my family for the holidays. So I know what they are going through (In some ways).
My heart aches because some of my residents forget that they just saw their family at a window visit this morning, and they are mad and hurt that their family abandoned them.
My heart hurts.
But here I go, ready to spread joy and cheer and magic to my residents. I replaced the Christmas tree and decorations with window paintings because you can't sanitize a pine tree and garland. We are turning our courtyard into a 'Winter Wonderland' with lights and decorations, in hopes that it might distract from the gloom and sadness in the halls.
They know that something is different. They know that something is wrong. But they just don't necessarily have the words to express themselves. They don't remember why they are upset, but they recognize the feeling.
So wish me luck in these next few weeks. Send as much magic and whimsy and joy as you can spare to those in long term care and hospitals. Send joy to the staff and to the residents. Send cheer to those that are struggling this year.
We all need a little extra this year.
Thank you for letting me express my emotions. Comment below, comment on Instagram or Facebook, or send us a message if you need a little joy this holiday season. We are all here for each other.
-Until next time <3
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