Recollections of Christmas Caroling at Nursing Homes the last five years……

I remember the first – kinda sorta invited graduates (and friends) of the Liberty HS Class of 1970. I’d gone in advance to ask each home if it were permissible for us to come/carol… “Of course”, so in recent years, have just gone, not asked – and they’ve been very accommodating…

It’s been a different group almost each and every year. Different stars have shown, some years our ‘talent’ has left a little bit to be desired! (A couple of years ago, one resident tugged on my sleeve and said “I used to teach choir, and you gentlemen could use a little work” – and I very much knew she was correct!.)

I/we were maybe admittedly scared to go. Neither of my parents lived in a home as such, and we didn’t know what to expect. As we would enter the foyer, starting with “We wish you a Merry Christmas”, slowly, wheelchairs, walkers and regular walkers would gather..

The ones that meet in the foyer seemingly still have very good hearing, and a pep in their step. After a few songs, we’d make our way slowly, singing down the hall toward the dining area. It was here we’d pass one that we absolutely knew they could not, would not, get up for dinner – so we’d stop, sing, maybe even in more recent years, gone and shook hands.

Once in the dining area – we’d (initially) rigidly stand, sing a carol, turn the page, and sing another. Responses, of course, varied upon the resident’s condition – anywhere from gayly smiling, singing along with us – to, pretty much basically comatose.

I/we knew there would be sad – but it FOR SURE wasn’t all said. Very, very many happy, smiley people. A few within our singing group – in recent years, ‘taught’ us it’s ok to go shake a hand.. to kneel, hold the music up where you/the resident could see/sing along.. and we’d mingle.

We’ve been fortunate in most of the years to have children with us. They literally steal the show and are afforded many, many smiles…

Yes, we’ve gone through alzheimer's units, and they too are happy. They to would lip (or sing) the songs with us. A great appreciation has been afforded to us in these units.

Oft times, the staff will stop and sing with us. It’s a wonderful time of year, and it’s, of course, our hope it will bring back memories of yesteryear..

We, the initial mostly 1970 graduating class, even related “hey, we’re looking for our next residence” – and there very well could be truth in that. Sadly, I can recall two who have caroled with us in the past that are no longer with us. Wouldn’t want to know how many residents have been lost in these past 5 years.

Now, our group is very literally anyone and everyone. Yes, I know most, but we’ve had years where people come, support/sing, and I had no idea who they are. Cool. Very.

You never know the residents that have frequent visitors (or not.) They are people, just as us – a little bit older, a little bit slower, just as much as joyous, and, in keeping with ‘their era’, quick to stop and show appreciation, clap, simply say thanks. We return that gratitude for welcoming us into your home.

If you can’t sing, come. If I can blend in, it’s for sure you can too.

If you are scared, don’t be. It’s a happy event. Yes, some sad cases – but it’s the right side of the grass – and many are vibrant, leaders, communicators.

Just last year we were in a dining hall singing Silent Night.. allofasudden I hear this MOST BEAUTIFUL voice.. I didn’t think it was one of us, but was unsure. In checking further, one of our group members was kneeling down next to this beautiful lady.. with a beautiful voice.. a moment I’ll never forget.. We should have had her do a solo – it clearly would have been enjoyable.

You’re invited – I guarantee you’ll smile. I guarantee you’ll see smiles.

Sunday, 12/18 at 3:15pm (after the Chief’s game) we’ll meet in Conrad’s parking lost (NW corner shopping center @ 291/152 intersection.) Wear Christmas’y stuff if you can. Thanks and Merry Christmas, Vic