By Peggy Morris
The greatest pain my heart has ever known has come through seeing my precious father go through the process of Alzheimer's disease. During the last few years of his being in a nursing home, I've discovered some of my visits with him are more difficult than others, especially those experienced during the holiday season.
Once again the time had arrived for the nursing home's annual Christmas party. I met Mom there and we were elated to see the effort the employees had made to make this as festive and as pleasant as possible for the residents and their families. The dining hall was beautifully decorated with a lighted Christmas tree and an array of holiday gifts and delights. Over in the corner was a guest playing and singing upbeat Christmas favorites while Santa and Mrs. Santa cheerfully danced around the room.
As Mom began feeding Daddy his goodies, the sounds of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" were about to bring me to tears. So instead of sitting and sulking in my sorrow, I chose to get up and serve with one of the staff members passing out punch and eggnog to the residents. Like my own father, many of these folks don't have the ability to hold their own cups so I assisted with that as well.
After a while of serving the others, I walked back to my Dad to take over the job of feeding him. With Mom at my side I spoon-fed Daddy just the way he used to feed me when I was a baby. Somehow Christmas carols don't seem quite as "jolly" when you're looking at your father and he doesn't even know who you are. Nonetheless, I sang and whistled along with the carols trying to bring some joy to his heart.
When I finished feeding Daddy I gave him a big hug and a kiss goodbye and then wished many of the residents a Merry Christmas as I began walking away. However, as I passed by one little fellow (with cupcake and red food coloring all over his mouth) he put his hand out as if wanting to shake mine. I quickly offered my hand to him in response and then I felt his tug pulling me closer to him. As my face reached his, he planted a big kiss on my cheek.
With a giant grin and a red messy cheek I walked out of that holiday party feeling a bit lighter just knowing I'd had a small part in making Christmas a little brighter for these precious people. And they had truly done the same for me. Now isn't that what Christmas is all about?
Peggy Morris is a freelance author from Largo, Florida
