How fast could the hands of the clock move and tick that we never had any chance to stop the
time and live to the fullest the precious moments we had and treasured the most? Yes, the clock is ticking and we are transforming. Once in our life, we were cute, little babies that always grab the attention of others. Afterwards, we were these adults that strives to do something good. Then, we marry and have babies. Because the time is moving, we now become the
old wicked men/women that we are today. Yes, accept it or not, we are mere victims of the concept we so-called time.
I am Sandra. I was diagnosed as a first stage Alzheimer Disease patient. I know that I’m old and is becoming a burden to my family so I decided to submit myself in a
nursing home. I
chose Blaire House, though, I don’t have any information about it. I just chose it randomly.
On the first day that I stepped my feet in Blaire House, I already felt the warmth and hospitality of the nursing home. I was welcomed by the receptionist together with the lady named Lisa, who is the social worker officer. She introduced me to a
lot of
people, the staff members, the unit managers, the nurses, the nursing assistants and to the rest who will be with me starting this day. In all of those people she introduced me, old as I am, I can hardly remember their names at all. I was overwhelmed at that time so I was not able to pay enough attention to what she was saying. But despite that, I clearly remembered one important thing that she said, " Welcome to Blaire House".
I can feel their warmness and sincerity. That is true. But on my first night, I just can’t close my eyes and put myself to sleep. Here I am, surrounded with kind people that will really take care of me. I am not anymore a burden to my family. That is what I want, isn’t? But I am sentimental old woman who longs for their family. This is just my first night though and I miss them already. Their hugs, laughter, jokes and even their quarrels. I miss all of those. If I can just only go to my home country and stayed there with my husband and sentimentalities. If I'll be there, I’m not certain but I think this longingness I fell right now will be erase.
I stayed here in Blaire House for the last six months. I’m already used to their usual routines and I also already knew a lot of workers here. The nursing home offers a lot of activities for the old people to grab their attention and not be bored. In the mid-day, I usually watch T.V. and enjoys a lot if I saw Elvis Presley on screen. After that, I take a nap for the satisfaction of my old body. When I wake up, it is dinner time. They usually asks me if I want my dinner in bed or join the others in the dining room. I usually chose dining with others to gain some appetite in foods.
Six months, I’ve been staying here and still longing. That’s why I’m so happy when my eldest daughter visited me bring me the good news. She said that she and her siblings with my husband, had a talk and decided to bring me back to the Philippines with my husband. Imagine how glad I was! Though Blaire House showed me kindness, gratitude, and sincerity in serving me, home is still the best place to go. I have nothing against Blaire House. Actually, I love the nursing home. But my happiness really belongs to my country.
And, as this old, wicked woman leave this nursing home that became my home for the last six months, I know in my heart that I will always remember the time I spent on this place. It is here where an old woman with fading memory like me is given attention, love, support and warmth. It is here where I was adopted and hugged and felt not alone in this middle of agedness. Thus, Blaire House became my home.