Christmas Carol Sing Along

by Kay Heitsch

It was the week before Christmas at the Memory Care Center. Since it was close to Christmas, a Christmas Carol sing-along was the planned activity.

Bob, one of the residents, was in his joy. He was busy handing out the song sheets to everyone. Before each song, Bob would announce the name of the carol. When the people finished singing, he was quick to praise everyone for their participation. I smiled to see Bob so actively involved. The music was on a CD player, and after each song, Bob would say, "Now this is our last song, I've lost my voice." However, when the next song began, he sang out loud and strong.

When the sing-along was finally over, Bob thanked everyone for coming, then he started to cry. He shared how he missed his brothers and sisters, who I assumed had passed on. I hugged Bob and reminded him that we all cared for him. He stopped crying and said, "Yes, you all are my family now." An announcement was made that the activity was over. Bob went around and shook everyone's hand and thanked them for coming.

You never know what Memory Care people might say, and today was no exception. In a loud voice Mary, one of the residents, spoke to the lady sitting next to her, "Well, when I was the Sunday School Superintendent, I at least served refreshments when it was over!"