Signs of the Times

As holidays approach, especially in the main building here at Kendal where I live in an apartment I know that something special is about to happen by the signs around me. There are a variety of signs other than those appearing on TV or in the newspaper that I have come to recognize as indications that a holiday is approaching. For example one of the things I pick up on is the increased use of the ping pong table in the activity room which is next to my apartment. This tells me that grandchildren are arriving with their parents who are visiting their parents. No matter how much young ones may love their grandparents there is only so much time they can spend sitting talking politely with their elders. Naturally they look for something more lively to do.



Fortunately we have an easily accessible ping pong table which helps to dispel some of that pent up energy. Another place that sees increased use is the pool area. It has the advantage of being a place where the whole family can play together for awhile. Then when those gifted with more years than others have had enough, they can lounge poolside while the youngsters entertain them with all sorts of inventive water games.



Another sign is the appearance of more younger looking faces in the dining room at meal times eating with people who usually eat alone. As we approach proud moms and dads introduce us to the sons and daughters and grandchildren they have been telling us about. Sometimes you don't see the young ones until you realize that the line at the hot entree counter has seemed to grind to a halt. Then you look ahead and discover the ready prepared food has not appealed to the young appetites. Instead they have requested hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries, etc. which are made to order. Thus the slowdown. There is one distinct advantage to having a grandchild with you at mealtime. They are most obliging about running back to get any item you may have forgotten to pick up.



Once in awhile a gifted adult child or grandchild will entertain whoever is nearby with either a short impomptu or even once in awhile a planned concert in the lobby. Those are special moments in our lives when we share with each other our blessings.



We know the holiday is over when there are no more children running ahead of parents and grandparents in the halls. No more residents walking down the hall obviously showing off our facilities to their visiting families. No more impromptu ping pong games. No more holdups in the food line. Just a quiet return to the activities which fill our lives between holidays.