KEEPING UP

WHILE WE WERE INVOLVED with Mr. Bob's medical condition, the Manor population swelled and we find ourselves far behind on both the residents' directory and the one we put together for the staff. While we were bringing the album for residents up to date, it was somehow easy to approach people, but now with new folks, I'm finding it a little awkward to say essentially, "I'm Jane. You don't know me but now I want to know all about you". 

We made a little headway last Saturday when we were seated for dinner with Asta, a new resident who was born in Denmark. While I'm asking questions of the interviewee, Mr. Bob snaps several pictures and we ask the subject to choose the photo they like best.

Cynthia is a new server who is intent on doing a good job. She's very conscientious and something that I've noticed about the waitresses from the Philippines is that they read back for verification what a person has ordered, which cuts down on possible mistakes. (In an old folks' home, there's every chance that the resident might forget her choice between the moment of ordering and when the plate is put in front of her.)

 Corrado was born in Genoa, Italy, and was recently married to a Korean lady. I wonder what he'll think of our pasta dishes? For the two years we've been here, the populace has been begging for better spaghetti sauce. Maybe now we'll stand a chance of getting it.

Saturday was Blake's first day on the job. The evening before, he had the leading role in a play that opened in a small theater. When I asked if he'd leave us if a better part came along, he said it would take a long time. And he remarked on the positive atmosphere that one feels on coming to the Manor.

Sergio is from El Salvador. We were to meet at 2 o'clock in the lounge after he finished his duties, but I, with a full tummy, forgot all about it until a phone call reminded me. Sergio seemed all forgiving and even gave me a hand up when we were finished with the interview and picture taking.

We have miles to go before we get caught up on the directories. It's a never ending task, but so rewarding in getting to meet the people who seem to know that we regard them as special. We're the lucky recipients of lots of friendly nods and waves. It's a good job we've taken on.


"To do a really good interview, you have to be truly interested in the person." 
                                                                                                         Daisy Fuentes

ATTITUDES

Violeta, browsing through the new Staff Directory

YESTERDAY we unveiled the Staff Directory that we've been compiling for the past five weeks. On our part, it's been a labor of love as we've been privileged to meet each of 100 people who take care of us here at the Manor, plus a handful of other people who are part of our daily lives without actually being employees of the facility in which we live.

Of each individual we asked 7 questions, putting the answers on the lower half of a notebook page, with a picture of the employee above. Always we took several photos, letting the subject choose the one to use. Nearly everyone was not only highly cooperative but also pleased to be a part of the project. However, one individual couldn't seem to find the time and kept putting it off until later. Near the end of our venture, this person found ten minutes for us and okayed one of the several pictures we took. Mission accomplished, or so we thought.

Today, we were told that she didn't like the picture. I suggested that perhaps she'd like to bring a more acceptable image and I removed the one that we'd used.

Two hours later, one of the maintenance men who has worked here for 23 years, came to me to tell of his delight with the directory. He said that in all those years no one had thought of the importance of compiling such a book and he thanked me with warm words and a big hug.

Now I know full well that it's impossible to please everyone and I've often wondered why I tend to grant negativity greater power than all the good and positive things that happen.

I'm going to try to break that pattern in my thinking and remember my intent in putting together this directory. I wanted to recognize and honor these hardworking individuals and I thought it would help residents to get to know these dedicated helpers who are guiding us through our latter years. It's much larger than just a pretty picture. With that said, I'm stepping down from my soapbox and going to bed.