Written Reflection #3- Grant Guenther

Peggy's wonderful picture during coloring time (above).

My picture during coloring time (above).

     Written or Video Reflection #3
           On Friday the 13^th I went to Best Friends Daycare for my last required time. It was an eventful visit that certainly did not disappoint. I had not been to volunteer in three weeks before this final visit because I was way ahead on hours compared to the rest of my group, but I missed the experience dearly. Kalee and I went to Best Friends at 10:00 for this visit, making it a whole new atmosphere since it was in the morning rather than the usual afternoon. As soon as we walked into the building there were only 5 patients or so there but they immediately invited me to come color with them. Coloring took up close to an hour of time as we talked and colored. During this time, I really bonded with several patients I had not really talked to much before. Their names were Peggy and Martha. Both of which were very proper ladies who loved coloring. As I was coloring my flowers, it seemed as if I was having the same conversation over and over again. I would be coloring and Peggy would tell me that I am a great colorer, then she would proceed to ask me what other colors I would use. I had the same conversation close to 10 times and could really notice her dementia kicking in, but coloring was still a blast.

          Once coloring time was over, we went and stretched out a little as more and more patients began to flood into the daycare. During stretch-time I found really big heart shaped glasses and put them on which the patients got a kick out of because I looked silly. I loved this occurrence because it really emphasized how much I could  brighten their days. While I had my glasses on, Marie, my girlfriend, started chasing me around the room till she finally caught me and ended up giving me a hug and then pinching my side. Next was lunch where they had fish (since it was Friday and it is a Catholic based daycare), cole slaw, corn, a roll, and a brownie for desert. It really looked like a great meal. As we were eating, I was talking to several patients including Norman, Julie, and Peggy. And boy can Norman eat! He had two plate fulls of food.  It was a great meal.

Lunch time!

           As soon as we were done eating I helped put away the trash and clear off the plates when suddenly a new elderly women walked in; she was checking out the daycare with her daughter to see if she would like this place for herself. The daughter asked everyone how they liked it at Best Friends and everybody said they loved it. Paula then made the comment “If we didn’t like it we wouldn’t be here.” It was so great to see how much the patient like Best Friends. This was one of my favorite visits because there was more time for talking rather than games. It was great to experience the family atmosphere of Best Friends and I hope to go back even though it isn’t required of me anymore. I sure do love that place because I can give great times and receive amazing memories in the process. The people may have diseases hindering them, but they are still living their life to the fullest.

"Best Friends" even decorates for Holidays!