Senior Singing

We went to go visit my great aunt, Della Mae, in Lifecare yesterday.  It was a great visit, when sometimes I leave feeling a great sense of loss and sadness.  She has dementia and doesn't remember who I am many of the times that I go and visit.  I feel like I have already lost her because she isn't the same.  She is still as sweet as ever, even if she asks me the same questions five times in a visit.

We went during senior singing yesterday and I was glad to get to sit by her and sing hymns as I used to do as a child.  One of the things that upset her the most when having to go into Assisted Living was not being able to go to church.  I am so thankful to everyone who ministers to the residents!  There are several preachers who come weekly and others who come to sing.  It is such a blessing to the ones who are no longer able to attend church.

A group of people mostly from Copeland's Chapel come faithfully every Monday afternoon to sing with the residents.

There are also three gentlemen who play the guitars and a pianist.  They are very talented and have played together for years.

They sing a few then let the residents request some they would like to sing.  It was so sweet to sit there and watch them all sing.  It means something different to sing hymns about heaven in a room such as this, since they will be going there sooner, more than likely.   

I know some who have a phobia about going to nursing homes because it can be uncomfortable.  I have a funny story about that one.  Last summer my friend Jamie kept getting a call from a lady in NHC.  She was dialing the wrong number but after many times, Jamie felt like she needed to just go and visit the woman who had been calling her.  She has a major phobia about going to nursing homes, so I told her I would go with her.  I practically had to drag her in there because she almost turned around and walked out.  It was my mission to make her face her fears.  lol.

I look at them and wonder what they were like when they were younger.  What kind of mom were they?  What did they do for a living?  What all have they lived through?  Do they have many who come to visit them?  What are they thinking about when they stare off unresponsively?  Are they ready to just go to their heavenly home if they are a believer?

After several requests are made,  any of the residents are invited to come up and sing a special.  I just laughed to myself and thought this will be me when I am old.  I sure hope I will have an attitude like this woman then.  She carried her worn bible in and got up and sang a song with words from Proverbs 15:13, "A

merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."

Della Mae and I went and sang a special too.  We sang "Unclouded Day"☺ 

Once all the specials are finished, members of the Copeland's Chapel group sing a few more and then everyone is dismissed after prayer. 

It was a blessing. 

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,
If it is found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16:31

“Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.

I am the Lord.”  Leviticus 19:32

Easter 2011

We had a lovely Easter Sunday.  We started the morning with some Easter baskets.  Grandpa was here Easter morning and he got them one as well.  They were very excited.

Then off to church.  It is one of my favorite Sunday services:)  We snapped a few pictures before church outside of my handsome boys!

Then the boys wanted to take some pictures....especially Lucas.  Here are a few he took.

We just love Dave!  He took our family picture:)

After church, we have our Easter Egg Hunt.  I didn't like it as well this year because the boys were in two different places, and they were at the same time.  I felt torn!!  I had to run back and forth to try to see some of each.

I was very glad to have my dad at church with us.

After church, we went home to change clothes, but not before we took more pictures with every combination possible.  lol.   My poor kids.  They are going to be ruined.   

The boys couldn't wait to change clothes, especially Logan.  He doesn't like to wear anything but a t-shirt lately.  It is very sad because he looks so cute in polos, but it is a battle that I often just don't choose to fight. They couldn't wait to put on their new shirts from their Easter baskets.

Then off to my aunt Lissa's to have lunch with my mom's side of the family.

Lucas had fun playing with Zander's toys.

I just love this little guy!  Such a cutie!

I thought Granny and I were going to have a fight over who gets to hold the newest addition to our family...baby Casen.

Joah with a goofy grin.

Then, off to Landon's parents.  The family has grown a bit this year!  We had another Easter Egg Hunt and a wonderful meal.  I wasn't even hungry, but I had to eat!  I then felt miserable the rest of the evening.  The adults hunt Eater Eggs also and get prizes. 

Sara took it seriously this year and ended up on the ground diving for an egg.  I don't think she won.  lol.

Landon, the competitive one.

Now the kids turn...

Busy day, but very thankful for the reason for the celebration!

"For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth."

{John 11:25-26 & Job 19:25}