Every Wednesday, we take our class to an assisted living home, called the Lutheran Home. The students help clear the dining hall from lunch, set it up for dinner, and then they play card games with several of the residents. I was all set for a nice leisurely afternoon, supervising a game of Rummy. However, upon arrival, one of the ladies asked a student to paint her nails. I promptly volunteered to paint her nails, knowing full well that the student would end up painting her entire hand.
Moments later, one of the employees comes out with two HUGE bins of nail care products. Not only was I painting, but I was to file, soak, clean, push cuticles, paint AND dry these ladies' nails. WOW! I had 1.25 hours and only managed to get through three women. My calling in life is surely not to be a manicurist. But, I did hear some fascinating stories. One woman turns 100 next week. Another was a war bride and lost her first daughter at age 6 to a rare intestinal problem. The last woman just wanted to remind me NOT to paint her nails, as it makes them split. Just file them down; they're really strong and so it might be tough work going.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these women, and realize I have much to learn from past generations.
3 comments:
I never thought you'd be doing this during the week! I so remember the Lutheran Home, though. We often went Christmas caroling there with my church and one of my grandmother's friends lived there.
Welcome to my world of fun! The stories are the best part.
I've had some similar experiences, though none involved nail polish! You're right--we have MUCH to learn! Most of the time it just requires us to push aside our agenda and ask questions. :o)
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