Paying It Forward

About a year ago, one of my friends, who was also a coworker, passed away. She was a very dear, sweet, open person, and her death affected all of us. Last year on her birthday, in her honor, the owner and many of the employees, went out into the community to do good "Deeds For Diane," which is what we started calling it. I was at home with the baby, and not able to participate. However, this year I was able to.

The boss giving a resident a hand massage

The therapists, the owner (who is also a therapist), another receptionist and myself, all went to an assisted living retirement home. I brought Elie with me, and she walked about, making people smile. The folks at the home just loved her! The therapists gave free massages to anyone who wanted one. All of this was on their own time and no one was paid for it.

We handed out bags of quarters for bingo, and mints. It was quite a hit with the folks there! 

Clover enjoying the day & her work

Some of the people didn't want massages, but they stopped by to visit with Elie, asking me questions about (him) her. Even though she was in a dress, many of the residents didn't think she was a girl, ha ha! Not that we cared. One sweet lady, Dotty, had Alzheimers and asked me the same questions over and over, but Elie really liked her. It could be because she had a fuzzy little monkey on her walker! Dotty LOVED her massage, too, and wanted to take Doug home with her, ha ha! He's the guy massaging Dotty's shoulders and back in the first photo.

Many of the residents just came by to see what was going on, and to chat with Elie, who was eating her goldfish crackers and sitting on my lap. She basically was glued to me the entire time, but ventured out a little bit once she got more comfortable. Her effect on the residents was amazing. They would see her and approach her, with huge smiles on their faces... she responded, too! She was very interested in them, as well! She would yoyo between me and the residents, though not getting TOO close to them. She's pretty wary still, of anyone not in her immediate family. It was just really cute to see her bringing them so much happiness.

I fully enjoyed being part of this awesome day of helping others for our friend, Diane. It also really helped us. Doing something for others, without expecting anything in return, really brings a wonderful light into your soul... and is a huge, unexpected reward.