“He who sings scares away his woes.” Cervantes
Karaoke. That was the ‘activity’ in the rec room/dining hall of the subacute today. Vernon and I thought, why not? Its not like we had anything better to do.
I don’t know if its a bi-monthly thing or what, but the sweet Activity Director that runs the microphone mentioned that though she is the only one who usually sings, she always offers a chance to any willing performers between songs. Most of the folks who had been wheeled around the TV for the entertainment didn’t seem capable of singing into a microphone. (But then isn’t that the way most people feel, disabled or not?)
David is a heavy metal fan, so he had a go at an Aerosmith song, but he got frustrated at how slow the background music was. He also couldn’t believe that Metallica still wasn’t on the playlist.
I’ve always found Karaoke so intimidating. I tried once, but giggled embarrassed through the whole thing. I can’t complete with the pros that frequent the Karaoke bars. So since no one else was biting, I took the microphone. Let me just say it was a very kind audience.
I had a great time, fumbling through songs I thought we might all know: The Beatles, Carpenters, Mamas and Papas. The little old lady at my elbow began to smile at me as if I was singing to her…and so I did! Then I noticed another start to wave her hands in a dance and mouth some of the words. This gave me the confidence to bust out my best Janis Joplin, till now reserved only for long road trips with very close friends.
Thanks ladies and gentlemen, I’ll be here all week.
One more thing.
I finally brought in the Soccer Ball that Vernon’s Unofficial San Clemente Soccer Team personalized for him back in the early days of his coma. It had come home with me when he left the hospital, but this was the first day he had seen it himself. He seemed to be quite moved as I read him the notes and names. He still doesn’t understand how long he has been in his situation, but he is beginning to realize that people care about him and are wishing him well. He was still holding the ball when I left in the afternoon.
60
Bit of Metallica would have got everyone foot tapping!!(hope Dave gets his wish next time) ..i hope you belted out “I did it my way” , Allison!!
love that you brought the football in for Vern to look at and read the comments, all those items that were in his hospital room, can now be shown to Vern to read and be cherished, it is good for him to know people care and have been wishing him well for six months
xx love to you all xx
Well Allison you had us laughing first thing this morning. We could definitely identify with the karaoke thing and we actually sing, but that all goes out the window in a moment when you get the microphone and try to follow some popular song!? right? Sounds like you did pretty darn good….we’d like to be there for the next one. One of my friends from my high school days is the activity director for a convalescent home and that takes a certain type of person to do that! You have to be really enthusiastic and clever! We’d love to head up and see Vernon sooner than later. We loved the picture of him holding the ball. Love to you both, Nancy and Joe
so awesome!!!!…….and look how you ministered to sooooo many! I know you made their day!!!
Thank you for your time in sharing the details of the recovery for you all…..it will probably be a great read for Vernon when he’s really “with it” and needing something to brighten his days…..you are a jewel. Praying for you continually. How great to share this difficult time with you.
“Me & Bobby McGee” at the top of our lungs in Sausalito. That was a GREAT road trip. We even got to spend time with Nicole who had just moved up to Merced with Ash. Wow… the three of us have known each other a REALLY LONG TIME. ; )
You knew exactly what I was thinking about yesterday! You were definitely on my mind, dear one! That one went out to you, Stephanie!
Allison,
That sounds so good to me to hear that you are up doing singing at the mic and keeping some of them in a more upbeat mood. I have worked in a Assisted Living for 10 years and I enjoyed it. You never know when you can be a blessing to someone that is just sitting there with no hope it seems. Keep it up. Vernon looked great with his soccer ball.
Love to you both,
Becky