Attrition……

Merriam-Webster relates “a reduction in numbers usually as a result of resignation, retirement, or death…. weakening… wearing or grinding down by friction..”

A family photo album speaks to attrition. Gone, not forgotten.

Our local High School, Liberty, Missouri – holds an “All School Reunion” every four years for everyone that attended “the ‘old’ High School.”.. It’s a nifty affair, spread out around our small town typical “Square”. It starts on the East end with folks who graduated In the 70’s.. wide, open ‘booths’ (for each class) to hold the attendees, each adorned with a large picture of our school mascot, The Bluejay, the year of graduation written upon it.… it continues to the North, booths, each a bit smaller, for the classes of the 60’s… West side – the 50’s.. still, good sized booths, hair a tad bit grayer.. Finally, the South side.. booths smaller.. sometimes the Bluejays of the years are assembled in the same booth.. finally to the 30’s, all of the Bluejays enscribed from the 30’s in one booth – sadly, only a few attendees. Attrition.

Weakening, wearing or grinding down by friction. The number one reason people enter a Nursing Home is lack of stability. Weakening. Wearing, grinding down.

Every Christmas, at least for the last three years, the Sunday before Christmas, we’ve gone to sing Christmas Carols at Nursing Homes in our hometown, Liberty, Mo.. First year was scary, didn’t know what to expect – but pleased to report it went VERY well. We had three gals who had sung lifelong in choirs – and they carried us through.

Two years ago, not so good. Attrition. Things come up, we realize that – especially around the Holidays. Time is precious. Our number that year was not good – and our singing admittedly, wasn’t that whoopee. I am a horrible singer who ‘hides within the crowd’, and unfortunately that day, there wasn't anywhere to 'hide'.

That day, at our final home – I literally ‘lost it’. One of my best friend’s mothers was a resident there. I remember vibrant. I remember her hitting a golf ball a football field farther than I. She approached catatonic. I lost it. Attrition. Grinding down. Sad. Very sad. She is gone now.

Even in year two though, when attrition affected the size of our singing group, the residents had fun. They are, of course – of vastly differing conditions. Some, with great mind, but having body afflictions… some, with great body stability – and a mind that doesn’t necessarily remember loved ones.. recent past.. Attrition. Grinding down.

Last year was wonderful. More voices. Wonderful voices, a violin to keep us on chord (well, keep ‘them’ on chord!).. Even had a Santa among us.. and……. CHILDREN! The folks love seeing the children. Certain they help stir the memories of yesteryear.

Upon arriving at each home, we walked in with “We wish you a Merry Christmas”… Residents sang along – some. Some, ne’er opened their eyes, but lipped the lyrics. Some clapped, some cheered, some even joined in dance. Brief. The homes are big. One had three dining rooms – a song or three in each.. We go at an hour where they are either in the dining rooms – or, are making their way there.

We also had a pact, if we went past a door, and the person was bedridden – an entire song we’d sing from the hallway. Was very fun to see the smiles on the face, and the arms lifted up to wave. Good feel is a two way street.

This year, our numbers to Carol aren’t good – and adding to that, perhaps even more attrition. If we were a practiced choir, a small head count wouldn’t matter. I don’t mean that to be offensive to any previous attendee (remember, I am the one admitting to not being able to carry a tune, and the more ‘my type’, the “eeweier” it sounds!)…

Within these beds, chairs, lie/sit someone’s parents, Aunt, uncle, granny, grandpa. Some have visitors daily, some rarely or never. We’d like to think our brief Caroling uplifts, all. I know several of us who Caroled no longer have parents on this earth. Maybe somehow, attending/singing is the next best thing.

We don’t have enough people to go this year, and if any attrition were to occur it would be completely embarrassing. One final ‘shout out’, and we’ll make a decision tomorrow (Wednesday, 12/17) “yay or nay” as to whether to postpone for a year or not.. If you live close, have the time, and wanna – I can promise ‘good feel’. For you. For them. Love, Victurd:

CHRISTMAS CAROLING AT 3 LIBERTY AREA NURSING HOMES... Anyone/everyone welcome ("Just folks"). Sunday, 12/21, we'll meet *after* the Chief's game, at 3:45pm in the Parking lot of Conrads. (NW Corner of 152/291 Intersection.) We'll go to Pleasant Valley Manor, Our Lady of Mercy, and finish at Ashton Court. 4th Annual, if you've never attended, PLEASE DO! We need a minimum of 15 (Last year we had an AWESOME # of folks show up!) Great singing voice not a necessity, it's the spirit that counts. You are welcome to share this posting, the more the merrier – please (Facebook) message Vic Schultze if you are planning to attend. THANKS!