Tonight the activity coordinators at my dad’s facility planned a Christmas Pageant. Their intent was to have the residents wear their dressiest clothes and have them walk the red carpet. My parents attended many formals – especially when my dad was in the military, so we thought this would be a nice evening for them. I found a very nice black dress with a sparkly jacket in my closet for my mom. We found my dad’s suit in his closet. The pants were a couple inches too big, so I put a couple of pins in the sides and called it good. When we arrived at the community, we were hopeful to have my dad go along with the idea as everyone said he was in a good mood. However, when we talked to him about getting his suit on, he thought it was ridiculous since he was going for a hike up and down the mountain. Several people encouraged him, but he was having none of it. He saw that my mom was dressed up and said we should go ahead to the party but he didn’t want to. Then our favorite caregiver came into the scene. They clicked from the very beginning. I don’t know how she does what she does, but my dad responds to her like no one else. I am very grateful for her. She got him in the suit – well most of it anyways – as my mom, sister and I waited in the dining room. He was handsome and happy when he returned and we joined the party. They had the residents do a little red carpet walk – or roll as the case may be – and some showed off their talents. One gentleman sang along with “You Ain’t Nothing But a Hound Dog”. Then a woman had to tell everyone that she met Elvis Presley and shook his hand. There was a sing along led by the residents choir. We visited with some residents and family members and found interesting connections. Everyone got a trophy and the ladies received tiaras. My mom really enjoyed the evening and my dad did as well once he got going. It warmed my heart to see them together all dressed up and having a good time at a special event.

I Found God today seeing my parents enjoying a special event.