Visiting Assisted Living is always fun and relaxing, but it got even better once I met Harry.
I arrive at lunchtime as the ladies are gathering at their table. Della greets me, “Hello Harriett!” Then a moment of doubt. “Are you Harriett?” I nod with a smile. I look like Harriet, you see. So today I am Harriet.
Then I begin the neck massages. First Della, and then I move around the table, always asking permission and almost always told “Oh, yes, please” with a big smile. Everyone is having a good time, each eagerly waiting her turn.
One woman, I don’t know her name yet, is very funny. I ask if I can give her a neck rub. “What? Well, yeah.” she shrugs dubiously. After a minute she basically says “Meh,” and waves me away, clearly unimpressed.
I turn to the men’s table, first Jim and then Harry. He is tentative at first, with short bursts of notes and tones. The notes get stronger and more rhythmic and a melody emerges. I can’t see his face, but I am told he is smiling.
His song gets louder and stronger. It soars. Absolutely glorious.
Everyone in the dining room is rapt with attention. I find it difficult to stop so intoxicating is his song, but the soup is getting cold.
We all burst into applause.
Everyone is just wild about Harry!
