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Creative Corner...
Activities? Oh, they're okay for some of these old folks. I'm not fond of groups, though. I like being by myself. Don't you like to be alone? Snap your beans together? No, thank you, I'm retired from those things. Watch television? No, turn that noisy thing off and the lights too, please. Play cards? Now there's one I would do. If I could be home and invite my friends in, I'd play all day long. Five-hundred is my game, what's yours? Just talk to me, honey. Tell me about your busy life. Let me become a part of your day. Talk about your family and I'll tell about mine. The way it used to be.
Anna Engler ________________________________________ When I first came to this facility, I was so confused, so scared. Then you came along -the activity director. What is an activity director? In my mind I had a vague idea; that you were to keep us busy and occupied. But in days to come I find you did much more - involving yourself with our diets, our behavior, our hygiene. At first I was sure I didn't like you. I mean - you were so plain spoken - all activity directors seem to be. Since day one you saw me as valuable to your program since I'm in good health and mind. You were ready to get involved! Yet I was still trying to get over the shock of being sent here by my own children. I wasn't ready for arts and crafts. After a few requests to come participate I think you finally realized what I was feeling. You didn't bother me again. You gave me room to get my thoughts together. It's been several months now and I realize that you are an important part of my life. Just in your being, I am reminded of my own daughter and/or my own younger days. I just want you to know that I enjoy activities - the more the better. I enjoy group situations. I like to keep busy, it passes time by. And if ever I can help, just ask. One more thing, not everybody is as interested as I am. Try to give them the room to choose, like you did me on those first days.
Ms. Wilma House ________________________________________ To my honey pet Activity sweetie:
When you are old
If you get down
S.R. Campbell ________________________________________ I was almost eighteen when I was married. I was married to a man with hazel brown eyes and brownish hair, and he was taller than I was and a whole lot older, eight years. No! No! He was ten years older. His mother spanked him when she found out we were married. I cried for him. Louie was a musician and he played the piano. We danced together. He was so crazy — so crazy about me. I can dance yet and I am now eighty-seven years old. I haven't crocheted yet today, I crocheted very much when my children were young. I like to crochet and sew. You know, I haven't stolen anything, and I'm honest and I try to be good to everyone. I want to die with a clean mind. My only living son, Herbert, lives in Chicago. He sends money and visits me at least once a year. Herbert is so busy. When you think of me remember I can still dance. I will dance until I die.
Katherine Miller ________________________________________ Editors Note: This issue's Creative Corners' items have been contributed by residents of a number of long-term care facilities in the state. These individuals are too often neglected as leisure consumers even though leisure activities often occupy more significant roles in their lives than for most of us. We appreciate very much their perspectives on leisure, their activity programs, and on life itself. Humor, insight, honesty, creativity, and a willingness to share are apparent in their writing — reflecting much of what our profession is about — or should be. We also gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the activity directors who helped to generate the materials. A single regret is there was not enough space to publish all the efforts submitted. Illinois Parks and Recreation 33 September/October, 1979 |
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