The Power of Walkers

 We left San Francisco, California on June 16, 2016 and I am just starting my blog today....on July 8! I will try to catch up. 

First stop was JFK, New York to visit Glenn's mom, also known as Grandma. We spent 4 days with her. Sisters Susan and Carol (with husband Dennis) visited as well. It was a nice family reunion. Grandma lives in a really nice independent living/ assisted living/nursing home complex. How convenient when you are old...will never have to move again! In this residence, the majority of the people is old, very old, no question. Our own Grandma is 94 years old. For convenience, there are several cafeteria/restaurants and the residents can have guests. We went several times to eat there with Grandma. It is a difficult scene, particularly to see old people, many with dementia or other serious mobility impairments or sickness, gather around tables, some not talking to each other because they have lost the ability to interact with the outside world. So, many have walkers that are literally saving them, allowing them to get around in the long hallways without losing their balance (and we know what the consequence of it is)....believe me, walkers are powerful. The timing of our visit was perfect and convince us we had made the right choice: travel when you are healthy and well, this will not be forever!

The scene was rather depressing, yes it was, but despite this, there is something that I find rather remarkable. Service in the cafeteria is provided by high school students. What a brilliant idea! The kids serve the residents at dinner time, not only get an hourly wage, but also earn a financial award to go to college if they work for 2 years and write an assay on their work experience at the residence. This award is obtained through a fund raising seeking participation of the residents. In addition, they get a bonus at the end of the year (also a gift from the residents). Yes, a bonus! Isn't it great? What a wonderful way to help and motivate 16-18 year old students. The residents love the students, the students are very nice to the residents and talk to them; truly a win-win situation! Would this be something to start in France?