As I came through the locked doors of the nursing home unit, "J" was standing on the other side, looking through the small window. She had a blank look on her face, and moved back as I opened the door and came through with "Brother B" (a greyhound.)
I asked "J" if she'd like to hold his leash and walk him down the hallway with me. Her face softened and animated at the same time, and she took the leash. I talked with her, saying we were going down to the open area for some music... would she like to join us?
Brother B is so gentle and patient, especially sensitive to what others are feeling. He walked slowly between "J" and I, and she looked like she was alive again. Such a small act, but what a deep connection. "J" sat in a chair, and stayed with all of us (about 12 other residents) as they looked at Brother B relaxing on the floor, and listened to each other sing the lyrics of very familiar, very old tunes.
Whatwe so easily take for granted means a lot to those residents. The dog lying at (actually on) someone's feet, in a posture that's speaks of being at-home and relaxed sets up some powerful memories and visual effects. The walk down a hallway with a companion who asks nothing of you but is enjoying being connected to you makes living in the moment a whole lot better.
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