A Tender Touch

I saw the most wonderful thing today. Tenderness and love in a most generous way. While taking pictures on assignment at the Brookside Glen Assisted Living and Alzheimer's residence, I turned to see one of the caregivers with her

arms gently but fully wrapped around one of the old women in a wheelchair. I missed that shot, but the serenity of the moment filled my heart with that joy that is also sadness.

A bit later Sylvia, who was quietly and constantly aware of Catherine's movements in her chair, had stepped back behind Catherine to rub her shoulders. It was difficult to get a good angle for a photo, because about 15 people were seated around a piano in the small foyer, and I did not want to just plow into the middle of their sing-a-long. Catherine McGarr is 88 and in the late stages of Alzheimer's, so she wasn't singing. But she was well cared for.

As the group broke up to return to their rooms, Sylvia walked over to Carmen Rivera, 70, who was smiling and swaying ever so slightly to the music that was still playing inside of her. Maybe in her memories. Carmen shuffles more than she walks, but Sylvia was in no hurry. Such gentleness. What a gift.

Have a nice weekend,

Robin