The
richness of our own lives, creative and receptive,
depends
on how closely we identify ourselves with the struggles
and
problems, individual and social, as well as with hopes
and
ideals of the age in which we live.
Anita Block
Life has a way of throwing curve balls at us at
some point in our lives. If you have ever watched or played a baseball game you
will understand what that means. Unexpected changes in our lives that throw us
into a different direction and we must deal with it. That is what it means to me.
There have been a few curve balls thrown into my life
and the lives of a few people that I care about lately. I have never been that skilled
at dealing with curve balls, but I do my best when they do come along. Some of
these I have hit out of the park and wondered how. Some I have missed
completely and wondered why. There have been a couple of them that I have
clipped just the corner of and have hurled them off into the land of unknown.
Those ones even with the best of intentions have gone afoul and disappeared out
of sight, possibly to return once again. The odd few have been caught by the
people in my life who understand me and they have held that ball until I could
once again build up the strength to begin swinging again. I know this sounds
familiar to many of you out there dodging or hitting those curve balls thrown into
your own lives.
Story telling has always been a huge part of my life.
During my lifetime, I knew that when those proverbial curve balls have been
hurled at me, I would always be able to turn them around or at least get
through them by using my imagination and my pen. I am so grateful for that.
This blog means a lot to me. My blogger family has always been here to support
me through many of my curve balls, and I am also grateful for that. I will
continue to blog about my life, dodging curveballs and giving and receiving
support from those of you who are dealing with their own curve balls. The ones that
were missed completely, or hit into the unknown and not knowing if they will
return. This is the place (Blogland) where we all can celebrate together those
hits out of the park, a place that has gotten us all through the curves.
I am sharing this with you now because one of those curve
balls has had me thinking about a new way to try to straighten a curve ball. My
Mom has now been placed into a nursing home, to get the extra care she requires.
This was something I guess we all knew would have to be done eventually, but I
think we were not emotionally as ready for it as we had hoped.
My Mom has always responded to my stories, the same
ones I share with all of you on this blog. The stories of cows, and the
shenanigans that go on in my everyday life have had her giggle out loud and
smile, that has always been our connection. I had a thought. Could these
stories make others smile and giggle too? That thought had me approach the coordinator
of the activity center at the nursing home and volunteer to read my Buttons
stories to whomever would like to listen. My hope is that my stories will help
make people smile just like they do my Mom. I hope she will be sitting in the
front.
If I do not faint or get booed off the floor I think
this will be a good attempt to straighten out one of those curve balls to make
it into a positive thing not a negative one. Wish me luck.
If
my blog posts seem to be a bit irregular for a while, you will now know where I
am.
Later
I recommend the documentary Sunset Story. Very sweet and positive look at nursing home life. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea. Some people there have little company and a pleasant story telling time will have you writing more stories. I have often thought a program involving the elderly and children sharing their stories and skills would benefit both.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Buttons, you have hit this one out of the park.
Wishing you the best of luck, I'm sure everyone will love hearing your stories.
ReplyDeleteLynne x
This is an excellent idea, Buttons.
ReplyDeletei know you are working hard to make this new place a 'home' for your mom and for all who reside there. bless you.
ReplyDeleteHoping you continue to bring happy stories and giggles to your mom no matter where her location. Hugs to you both.
ReplyDeleteHope your Mom gets the care she needs and that everything works out for you......I'm betting all the residents will enjoy your stories of hats and cows and things farm like.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea, Buttons! Your Mom's new friends will enjoy your stories, I'm sure, and you'll be making new friends too. Hugs my friend.
ReplyDeleteSuch a difficult time for you. And yes, I KNOW that your stories of love and laughter, and hats and cows will be more than appreciated.
ReplyDeleteButtons you are really making the best of this curve ball though. No one is going to boo you off the floor. They will love your stories. And your Mom will be front and center with her sweet rings on her fingers! And you won't faint because you know your Mom is supporting you with all her heart. Good wishes!
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful idea. You will be well recieved and loved I'm sure. Some of those folks get no visitors.
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted of how it goes. :)
Cheri
I think you will be a home run at the Nursing Home. :)
ReplyDeleteI did that when my mother went into extended care...I even hauled a mare and foal to the parking lot and let the senors who were able come out and pet them. The time spent with our most valuable assets is harder to get these days but spending time is the BEST thing for all. Your efforts will reward all. God Bless you.....hum take one of your bottle calves to visit on a sunny day:)
ReplyDeleteI think this is one curve ball you're going to knock out of the park, and bless your big, big HUGE heart!
ReplyDeleteButtons, I send along hugs and love to you at this point in your life. I like that reply of Far Side of Fifty. I'm sure you will be a home run at the nursing home! Sending along thoughts for your mother as well!
ReplyDeletexo Nellie
Button, this is a great idea. You have nothing to loose and so many have a lot to gain. Your stores are fun to read and I bet you they will be more fun to have you read them to the folks at the nursing home and your mom will benefit of your presence and stories she is accustomed to.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs at this difficult time in your life.
Happy Good Friday.
Hugs,
JB
I have no doubt that your stories will be enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteIf you can, take a laptop with photos relevant to your story, so you can show the audience your cows, their hats, the taunting turkeys etc.l
ReplyDeleteThis is a terrific idea and one that I know will warm the hearts of the people who will be grateful that you are taking the time to share your stories with them. Such a good thing you will be doing, B! Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteGreat Idea! Hugs for your sweet mom. My mom began home care while I was away. Still trying to wrap my head around that. Linda@Wetcreek Blog
ReplyDeleteB! What an outstanding thought! They are going to love your stories. I like the suggestion about taking a laptop to show them pictures to go along with them. You are going to be on the news along with your Mom. Keep on swingin'...you are one very special lady.
ReplyDeletePerfect . . . they will be loving your stories and you telling them!
ReplyDeleteYou've used a nice metaphor to discuss the challenges in life, Yes, read your stories. You will be amazed at the reaction you get. This will be an out of the park activity. You will get as much or more out of this than your listeners.
ReplyDeleteYour mum will be ok in her new place, I'm sure. It's often the relatives who are more worried and concerned. sometimes patients don't understand, that makes it very hard for the family....but remember, she is being well looked after and that is a good thing....a blessing really..
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter to you and your family...hugs M xxx
I agree with others, she will be safe and well looked after. I think the residents will love all your stories and I agree make sure you take photos with you of the things/people/animals that you are talking about.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I am sure they will love it, and some may have similar stories to share too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea, Buttons. You know how much I love your stories. You are a wonderful story-teller, of the kind that lived on the farms of long ago and sat around the fire in the evenings, telling stories. I have some books of Swedish ones and your stories remind me of them. I know the other people at your mom's place will love to hear yours. And they will smile. For sure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thought and I cannot imagine that you will not be well received... sometimes I do wish I were more adept at hitting life's curve balls out of the park, but often I miss completely or I get the least edge and it dribbles away a few feet... It has taken me about a year and a half to figure out that I do still want my love of photography in my life and how to enjoy it with the least pain possible, so I recently switched camera systems from a Pentax K5 DSLR to a Fujifilm XT1 Compact Mirrorless System, the weight savings of the heavy DSLR gear over the Fuji gear is quite significant and hopefully will keep me out there clicking away. I am so sorry that the time came to place your mom in a home, it is very difficult and I don't think a person can ever really be ready for it, not really. Bless you and your mom and the days you have together...
ReplyDeleteGrace, what a beautiful idea, and I can imagine the pleasure that so many other people will get from your beautiful stories also. It will quickly become a bright spot in their days, and it's going to light a spark in your heart also. You have turned a situation that could be so terribly sad into something that so many more are going to benefit from.
ReplyDeleteWill they also allow you to film some of it...imagine the memories you can capture if you are allowed to film you reading those stories, and your Mom participating in them.
Jen
great idea buttons.
ReplyDeleteit's not always an ease thing dealing with those curve balls. but sounds to me like you're gonna hit a home run.
having worked in nursing homes...i believe ONE of the things many of the residents are missing in their lives...is interaction!! someone to listen to their stories...and to share in others!
you are a blessing.
happy easter. happy sunday.
Oh Grace, I think this is a perfect thing for you to do. Don't worry, you will be fine and they will love you. Happy Easter to you and yours, and {{hugs}} to your sweet mom as she transitions into her new world.
ReplyDeleteHi B, I do think you'll be totally and thoroughly welcomed with open arms by everyone at the nursing home with your beautiful stories. For you to give that time is such a gift in itself. All the best and be really proud of how you're not only continuing to enrich your Mum's life, but those others in the home. Hugs and xx :D)
ReplyDeleteI think that is a wonderful idea, Buttons. It is so hard when those we love start to drift away. We want them to stay the same and they cannot. I'm glad that you are able to spend so much time with your mom - and how much it shows your very large heart that you want to share it with others who may not have a Buttons in their life.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of you and your Mom. I hate curve balls, even though they are a part of life. A cartoon I cut out says: "I didn't realize a dose of reality had so many adverse side effects." So true. I'm pretty sure your stories will help your Mom with her side effects.
ReplyDeleteButtons,
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure the elderly at the nursing home will enjoy your stories as much as your Mom and we do.
God Bless!
Hugs,
Sandy
Hey Buttons - What an awesome idea!! You'll totally rock that curve ball. Sending lots of good wishes. I think talking is harder than writing, but I know you can do it. Volunteering for this will give back to you tenfold. I can't wait to hear how it goes.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Buttons! You are totally turning this curve ball into a winning play! You are so sweet for thinking about those dear people. I know they will enjoy your stories as much as we do. Blessings to you and your Mom.. xo Karen
ReplyDeleteWow when you hit a curve ball you sure do a good job of it. This is a wonderful idea and a very kind gesture as well. Good luck...don't be surprised if some nod off. It is not because you are boring its just because they are old.
ReplyDeleteI think your stories will be a wonderful blessing :)
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Oh this is the sweetest of ideas born from very difficult news. I'm sure everyone is going to love your stories and send you a few hugs and strength.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME IDEA!!!! I'm sure they will all enjoy your stories!
ReplyDelete