“Did you see Dale’s post?” Susan, co-owner of the two health and rehab communities where I work as a Creative Enrichment Specialist asked after a recent gathering with our residents.
“No,” I replied.
She then handed me her iPhone so I could read his FB post. My eyes welled with tears, and as I read it out loud to my husband the next day, the tears flowed freely as I recalled working alongside my dear friend Dale back in 2006-2008. He showed up unexpectedly for a “Kareen’s Kettle” at Wellsville Health and Rehab and sat as a guest in my circle of residents who were there to enjoy a virtual visit to Scotland where my daughter Rachel and her husband recently celebrated their 10th anniversary.
My daughter Rachel and Aaron’s photo shoot at Quiraing in the beautiful Isle of Skye in Scotland
It’s a rare privilege to have someone attend one of my gatherings and write about it. So, enjoy the following snippet of my work. May you be inspired to BE the energy, the love, and the creative force to those around you, in whatever space you may find yourselves.
“I had a true blessing yesterday. My former boss picked me up in Lawrence and drove me to Wellsville for a program directed by Kareen King. Kareen had a quiet joy, a detailed understanding of the needs and wants of her audience and a true love of sharing the beauty of Scotland with the WRC residents. She made sure residents with hearing problems and visual problems were close and she had her doll Emilou (made after a much-loved resident) blow kisses to everyone in the room. CEO Scott Averill went outside behind the shades and imitated the Loch Ness Monster. Everyone was smiling, Kareen empowered the staff to be happy, free, and unhinged, to let the beauty of the elders be demonstrated to each and every one. I have worked for many years with Kareen. I used to dress in black and sing Johnny Cash songs with her. It was amazing to see a miraculous woman who deeply enriched my life so engaged. For a bit, she confessed she was a little saddened that she was no longer doing concerts or presentations, but I told her in the trenches of care one seizes the highest reward. Thanks for an out-of-the-world experience. And because it was Carl Jung's birthday yesterday, here is a quote from Naomi Feil’s "Validation" for my quote-loving friend: "The cat ignored becomes the tiger." Much love to you Kareen and those whose lives you touch so mightily.” - Dale B.