Striped pumpkins. Today, it was my privilege to take my love for art to the assisted living facility where Jerry lives. In the morning, I work with the residents in the Alzheimer unit. In the afternoon, I work with the residents in the assisted living section. When I first began this endeavor, I didn’t know what to expect. Honestly, I do not expect anything. That’s exactly what makes the time so exciting. If I had my own unrealistic, preconceived expectations I probably would get frustrated. I mean when I brought in pumpkins to paint, one of the residents didn’t want to participate because “That’s not what you do with pumpkins. That’s not even big enough to make a pie!” I made light of the comment and passed out a couple of pumpkins large and small. These would be corporate pumpkins where all the residents would contribute their artistic skills.

Some of the residents can hardly hold a brush and if they can, they don’t know what to do with it. But once, I got the brush loaded and placed in their hand, I moved it once or twice and away they went. The session only lasted about 30 minutes...but it was 30 minutes of smiles.

These smiles may not be remembered for long, but it is the smile of the moment and the more moments of smiles we can have the better.