One hot, humid mid-August evening back in 1982, I spotted it!  Energy and excitement flooded my mind!  Was this it?  Is this what I truely wanted to be when I grew up?  A nursing assistant at a local nursing home.  Well, I loved my grandparents dearly -- but I had never visited a nursing home before.  Would I be able to perform the tasks they expected of me?  Was I the person they were looking for?  After a night of tossing and turning while questions flooded my mind, I rolled out of bed bright and early to begin preparing for the important phone call I would make.

 

Nervous and shaking, I picked up the phone and dialed the number listed in the newspaper ad.  A kind, refreshing voice on the other end of the phone assured me she would meet me at two that afternoon in the front lobby of the nursing home and guide me through the steps necessary. 

 

When I arrived at the nursing home, I was excited, scared, nervous, and didn't have a clue what questions would be asked of me.  I didn't have any experience working with old people. 

 

As promised, that kind, refreshing voice on the phone met me in the lobby at two o'clock.  She asked if I'd like a tour of their home.  I eagerly admitted I would enjoy seeing their home.   Although it was somewhat like a hospital, the feeling of warmth came over me as staff and elders alike welcomed me into their home.

 

As we made our way through different hallways and gathering areas, we stopped to visit with two nursing assistants.  I noticed an elder sitting in a sort of reclining chair.  Hmmmm, I thought to myself.... she looks comfortable and content.  As I stood there, one of the nursing assistants stated "Don't stand too close to her... she'll grab and pinch you."  My heart sank at that moment -- those eleven words seemed to rip through me like bullets....

 

My mind was instantly flooded with questions... Why did she feel the need to grab out at people?  What was it she was in need of?  What could I do to help her?  ................ As my mind was wandering in what seemed to be an instant, I felt a surge of pain rush through my upper thigh.  The nursing assistant was indeed right.  The elder woman had reached out and grabbed my thigh.

 

In that instant I knew I could indeed make a difference in the life of this woman.  It was like a challenge to me to reach out to her.  It didn't matter that she had hurt me.  What mattered to me was that I search out for answers and try interventions. 

 

The interview process continued with the application and a few questions.  During the entire process my mind continued to wander back to the painful incident.  When I refer to 'painful' -- I am reflecting back to the way the words cut into me like bullets.

 

The very next day I received a phone call from the Director of Nursing.  I was offered a position working nights as a nursing assistant!  Excitement flowed through my blood!  I was ready!! 

 

By the end of the week, I was indeed working as a nursing assistant.  Kind people led me down the path, giving me directions and being patient with me when I asked how or why ten times. 

 

Within a few months, I felt as if I had the 'routine' mastered and was ready to take on more of a challenge.  I visited with the Director of Nursing about a consistent schedule.  I wondered if it would be alright with her if every time I worked, I would get the  same people up, including the elder that had reached out to me.  She obliged by granting my wish.

 

I set small goals each night I worked.  First off I wanted so badly for her to reach out for my hand.  I wanted to hold hers.  Step by step, night by night, little by little I gained her trust and she mine.  Within a few months each time our eyes met we could read the sparkles in each others eyes...

 

You see, she didn't speak.  Thus, we communicated through our eyes and touch.  Each morning around five I would assist her out of bed and into her chair.  I would begin assisting her early  so I had enough time to spend without feeling 'rushed'.  I didn't turn the light on when I walked in the room simply because I don't like having the light shine in my eyes first thing every morning.  I would knock on her door lightly and tell her who I was. . . if she didn't wake up, I would step in to her room and call out her name  until she woke.  I didn't want to startle her. 

 

I will never forget the morning she reached out and softly touched my cheeks as I drew near her to get my morning hug goodbye.  As her eyes sparkled, her smile glistened from ear to ear.  Then at once, she offered in soft-spoken words "Good-bye, see you tonight".  She could talk!!!  I was so excited!  Tears rolled down my cheek as I held her tightly.  From that day forward, our friendship grew.  Day by day she began to need less assistance in getting herself ready for breakfast.  She would brush her teeth if I set out the supplies for her.  She would put her make-up on if I got the make-up bag out for her.