Saturday, May 29, 2010

Some Characters

Hey, Y'all,
Well, I thought I would write about some of the people who populate the nursing home, since I am spending quite a bit of time there, and the news is pretty much the same about Gramps most of the time. I know it is going to be some time yet before a lot of improvement is going to be evident.

One of the characters is his room mate, Paul (Polecat). He was born in Jefferson County and has lived here all his life. He cusses something awful, and so the other day I asked him if he had ever been in the navy. His reply was: "H..., no. I've never been in the D... navy." I told him that I thought maybe he had since he talked like a sailor. People who know him say that he has always cussed like that. He talks about how he used to be a driver of trucks for the light company and how he got about six men fired from their jobs for not working. I was speaking to someone today about him and they said he was so lazy, he had no room to talk about anyone else being lazy. They called him a windbag. Ha ha.

Another of the residents is a former preacher, named Coy. Now, Coy grew up near us when we first moved to New Market back in 1947. He lived over on the Dairy Farm that belonged to a wealthy lady who was an owner that didn't visit the farm very often. He bacame a preacher in his later years. He walks with a cane, and spends a lot of time sitting out on the front porch of the nursing home. One day, one of the housekeepers was walking down the hallway spraying Febreze air freshener. She said that Coy had left a little "gift" in a bag in the bathroom and apparently it wasn't the first time that had happened.

Then there are the residents who sit in wheelchairs out in the hallway, some of them sleeping, and some asking for help when you walk by them. There is also the sweet little old lady who carries a doll around like it is a baby, and apparently may believe it to be so. Some people seem to never leave their rooms, and not all of them have people come to see them. I know Polecat doesn't have many visitors.

We have several friends who are out there as well, and it is so sad to see these people who were once viable citizens that can no longer communicate well with others. It is sad for me to see my husband in his condition, but like many others, he enjoys eating and watching tevee, and visiting when I am there. He is always ready to be put back into bed when his meal is over. He sleeps as much as they let him. I took him out today after he had his lunch, and we sat outside for about an hour, before I left to have my lunch.

It is evening now, and I am just about ready for my bed. I seem to be quite sleepy myself, and I know I am tired. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love and many thanks for all your support. Please forgive me for not personally responding to comments you all so sweetly make. It is just about all I can do to post. I do enjoy keeping in touch. Goodbye for now. More later.

10 comments:

Charmaine Clancy said...

Thanks for the beautiful imagery today Ruby. So many lives hosted in one building. It's amazing. :-)

Unknown said...

Oh sweet Ruby...you are so good to continue posting and keeping us abreast of all that is happening with Gramps. It is good to know where the prayer is needed. You certainly don't need to be worried about getting around to visit us!

My husband is a chaplain at a nursing home and there was a sweet little lady that always carried a baby doll around. She used to come up to Steve after his sermon and tell him how much her little girl enjoyed it. Sadly, she passed away several months ago. That is the nature of his business though.

God bless you all!

Amber at The Musings of ALMYBNENR said...

As always, thanks for the update Ruby. We are all here for you in mind even if we can't be there for you in body.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Thanks for such a lovely blog giving us an insight of Gramps nutsing home, I used to be a warden in an elderly persons complex many years ago and it was one of the best jobs I have ever had. Helping each individual's needs is paramount. Hope you and gramps are as well as psoosible as you must get very tired, yet you think of us.
Make sure you rest a while.
Yvonne.

Margie's Musings said...

I have recently been following your blog, Ruby. I lost my husband this past week and know how difficult it is to see someone you love and have had for ages go down.

My prayers are with you.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I remember some of the characters in my grandmother's nursing home. Some were funny, some were just sad...

Lisa said...

This was an interesting read. It's so sad that some people are essentially forgotten. It makes me wonder "WHY"? But I'm glad Gramps has you Ruby. And I'm praying for y'all.

Clara....in TN said...

Thanks for keeping us informed about Gramps. I haven't been on line much this past week as I have had both my grandsons with me. Lisa came for them today.
I hope you don't wear yourself out going to the nursing home. It must be hard going every day. And I just read that you are looking for a house in TX. Wow. Be sure and keep us updated on that. I HAVE to meet you before that happens! Take care now and you and Gramps are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Hi Grammy, You have a way of writing that makes Polecat seem like such a funny character. I loved hearing about the other patients in your words. I hope that Gramps continues to improve and you take care of yourself, too. Love and hugs.

Nishant said...

It's amazing.
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