It all started with a simple phone call at 6:57 AM, Wednesday!
I was getting the kids their breakfast and getting ready to pack two lunches. Hadassah's class was going on a field trip today and I wasn't sure if she needed a lunch to take along. I called a friend from school that also had a child going on the trip. She said that they did not need a lunch. She also said that she was planning to go along and chaperon, but one of her girls had just woke up not feeling well. I made two quick calls and found a baby sitter for Ashlyn and I volunteered to take her place on the field trip.
Going to an old folks home was something I didn't do for years. When I was much younger, Rosa and I would go with Lynn to a old folks home and wheel them down to a room and play bingo with them. It's an experience I will never forget. Thanks Lynn for the taking us along way back then!
Seeing the fifth graders talk and get acquainted with the old folks was a bit awkward at first. They rehearsed at school with what questions would be appropriate to ask old folks. They even did some drills of sticking cotton balls in their ears ... hard hearing. Putting on glasses that were fogged up ... bad eye sight. Etc.. Etc.. Just to get a feel of how it must be be old. But, even after those drills, it still took a bit of smiles and giggles before they got the older person to say their name. :)
Each student had a Pen pal from the retirement home. They each made a gospel track for their pen pal and then on the field trip, they would get to meet that person and spend the morning with them. Hadassah's pen pal lady was sick, so we couldn't get to meet her. Bummer. Instead, she doubled up with Jenna and spent most of our time their with "Emily". They played two games. Made a gospel bracelet with the old folks. Ate grilled cheese and tomato soup with the elderly and then shared their track and bible verses with them. The whole trip was so neat! Thanks to Miss Kreider for organizing it! Great idea!
"Emily" was a sweet 'old' lady. She turns 92 in July. She told us about her favorite memories. Her deceased husband and wonderful two sons. Her wedding day and that they had chicken salad sandwiches and a white cake served at their reception! :) Her favorite food is cheesecake! She said as a little girl she lived on a farm and was right across the field from her school. She excepted Christ in her heart at age 8!!! A long, old Christian soldier was sitting right across from us all morning!
Hadassah was still able to give her small gift of a pansy flower and the track she made to her Pen pal. One of the retirement home employees made sure that her Pen pal would receive her gifts! I still wish we could have met her lady. Maybe, maybe we can go back in a few weeks and see her!?!
Spending time with older people was a great reminder for me to appreciate my health and all that I have! Everything good comes from God! I am thankful for my husband and kids!!!
