And, for the very reasons you stated above, Russ, is why I try to learn the names of many of the residents at facilities where I perform. What most people don't seem to understand, or maybe comprehend, is that those people really didn't intentionally move there. They just happened to outlive their body parts. Most have done things many people only dream of doing, a significant number of the residents are war heroes, some were very successful business owners and CEOs of major corporations. They all had a life before entering an extended care facility, most had relatively large families, and some were just dumped there when they got sick and could no longer care for themselves.

More than 50 years ago, when I was in Italy, when Italian family members got old and could no longer care for themselves safely, they frequently moved in with younger family members. This tradition eventually migrated across the Atlantic and when I was a youngster, my ailing grandmother moved in with us in our small bungalow. My parents provided her care for the next two years, and she died in our home, surrounded by her family.

Many of the individuals I meet still have families, but they rarely visit. One particular person I saw yesterday, was originally from West Virginia, he had a severe stroke, and his doctors said they didn't think he would survive - that was 5 years ago. He is still paralyzed on his entire left side, and cannot speak. When I told him that I would not be back until next April, tears began running down his eyes. I explained that I was just going on an extended vacation, and he wrote on a scrap of paper "We will really miss you. Be sure to come back as soon as you can. You are part of our family." I thanked him, shook his hand, and pushed my gear out to the van. I found it very difficult to refrain from crying myself.

I could have retired a few years ago, but there is a reason that I continue to perform this rather hectic schedule, 5 to 7 days a week. I'm there to bring a little bit of light into the facilities where these folks now reside. It may not be the best place in the world to live, but for them, it IS where THEY live. And, as I stated earlier, some of the care givers I've come across, at least at the facilities I perform at, should be given medals. Those gals and guys do an incredible job and they really care for those individuals that can no longer care for themselves.

Cheers,

Gary