HAPPY HOUR

"What are you doing here? I thought you left." I am asked that question every Friday. Every Friday I return to NHC. I asked to volunteer at NHC one day a week. The activities director told me that my job is to participate in Happy Hour each week.  My job is to have a good time.

I had no idea that I would miss living at NHC as much as I do. I even miss my physician and my therapist. I didn't know that  I would be missed by the staff. I . fought so hard to get out of the nursing home. Now, I look forward to Friday afternoons all week. I know that some of you reading this are shaking your heads in disbelief. Six months ago I would have been shaking my head too.

I began doing research for the Activities Department. I choose the cocktail that is featured all month during Happy Hour. I may not live there anymore, but I still do the research and email suggestions. My recent suggestion, a Mexican Sea Breeze, was a hit.

Each Friday offers different entertainment. My favorite Fridays are when there is a DJ. I also enjoyed the staff talent show and staff karaoke. Sterling is a frequent entertainer. He plays and sings everything from. Lionel  Richie to Frank Sinatra..Sterling gets everyone moving. The staff and residents have a good time.

When I began exploring the transition process I was told that they try to match housemates on the basis of their interests. The only thing that my housemates and I have in common is that we share the same disability. We each do our own thing. They attend day programs.  I am either writing, on Social Media,. listening to music or practicing Spanish.

There is a difference between enjoying being alone and being lonely. This is a lonely place. The staff here encourages me to go out. I am not going to go out just for the sake of going out. I need a reason. I am paying off my dental bill. I won't have any extra money for a couple of months.

Maybe I won't be happy anywhere. Maybe there is no place that's right for me. In some ways living in a group home is similar to living in a facility. The main difference is that I can go out if the van is not being used by my housemates. It's short-staffed here too.  I have been reprimanded by aides young enough to be my granddaughter. I want to thank Dawn and Ebony. They are awesome aides who get it.  Thank you for the care and compassion you've shown me. This morning my young aide told me that I needed to speak louder and clearer. I have written in previous posts on how thankful I am to be able to speak as well as I do.

I have my own room,/bathroom,  I don't wait long for assistance.and  sitting outside on the patio is nice. I should be happy. Everyone here tells me to make new friends. I am shy.  It is not that easy. Everyone needs .to feel connected. Everyone needs to feel like they belong. Happy Hour is the one time during the week that I do.

Cheers!!






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