Once a month my prekindergarteners visit with their adopt-a-grandparents. My school, Primrose, works along side SarahCare (Senior Adult Recreation And Healthcare). They developed a program where young kids and senior adults get together and play games, make art projects, sing songs and read books.
Today we were able to visit with our 'older' friends at their center.
Over thirty of us crammed into the dining hall of SarahCare and read books to each other. Many of our 'older' friends preferred telling stories instead of reading them. Every time we visit with SarahCare I'm so touched to see so many smiling faces. The look on the seniors faces is absolutely priceless. They are so excited to see the same group of little friends every month. Some even remember our little ones names. I always make my rounds giving hugs to my regular 'older' friends; Sandra, Ed, Arnie, Queenie, and Don and tell them how much I love visiting with them.
One man, Ed, really enjoys our visits. He tells us stories of his travels around the world and draws pictures of the planes he use to fly in WWII. It's interesting. He says that being around the kids makes him feel young. He cried when we had to leave today. I gave him a big hug and promised that we'd see him again next month. For some people, a month is too long. (It just brought me to tears.)
At times it's hard for me to see this, it reminds me a lot of my grandparents who were left in a nursing home and also begged for more visits.
Although...I can't help but love this program and am so proud to be a part of it.
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