A few weeks ago, I called Wilmington Nursing and Rehab to ask if I could bring a batch of cookies to the residents.
Having lived within two blocks of the nursing home for the last two years, I’ve often wanted to go visit with the residents, but could never seem to get over the small hump to do it. Our minds are always throwing excuses in our paths to not do things like that, but when we actually do, it’s not only ridiculously easy, but wonderfully fulfilling.
I called. Jodi, the event coordinator, was thrilled.
“How about the 31st?” she asked. “It would be a nice Halloween event for the residents.”
This, I decided, would be my 31st adventure. I started planning backwards from here.
After a three-day trip to Lake Erie which didn’t include much sleep, I was crashing on Wednesday.
But at 4 p.m., I was in the kitchen with my wonderful friend Katie and sister Sarah, baking up a storm of delicious treats.
We made pumpkin cookies, sugar cookies and iced brownies, as well as sugar-free iced brownies for residents with diabetes.
My apartment, which had transformed into a mess of suitcases, backpacks, coats and muddy shoes in the aftermath of this adventurous month, needed attention. Sarah buzzed around, swiffering and vaccuming, while Katie busied herself in the kitchen packaging the brownies.
Then our reinforcements showed up, ready to head to the nursing home. I changed into my ridiculous cow costume and we headed up the road.
It was warm and bright in the nursing home. We were greeted by happy residents who loved the costumes and were excited to get a special Halloween treat. Every single person had a laugh or a smile for us.
A kind nurse walked around with us to advise us of dietary needs as we went. Within 20 minutes, we were done.
After we left, I wished I’d gotten to spend more time with the residents. I realized that I had gone in hopes of lifting their spirits, but they had actually lifted mine.
Like so many times this month, I was happy I had stepped out of my comfort zone, and thankful for the wonderful friends by my side. I felt like I had a new community, and also like there were plenty more friends to be made. We headed to Buffalo Wild Wings for a bite to eat and to celebrate.
We were all smiling as we walked out the front doors and back into the rain.