As I sit here at my desk, I find myself thinking about how different the holidays will be here at Copley and in the homes of our staff and families. Copley remains focused every day on preventing COVID from re-entering our facility, which means we still cannot have group activities of any kind. Unfortunately, our residents will not be able to host their families and friends at their annual holiday party.
For those of you that have not attended one of these holiday gatherings, it is the focal point of the holiday season. It starts with a full Thanksgiving dinner in our Main and Plaza dining rooms, which were always at capacity.
A few weeks later, we (staff and residents) host a gathering, including everyone’s families, and provide food, drink, and entertainment. The record is hosting approximately 300 guests.
I can’t help but think the upcoming holidays will be a letdown for all of us. I asked Cheryl Woodward (our activities director) to help me develop some ideas to make our residents happy. I first asked her about Thanksgiving, and if she would inquire what, if anything, our residents are thankful for this year. I prepared myself for some depressing answers, considering everything we have been through, but boy was I wrong!!! I thought I would share some of the responses with all of you. They lifted my spirits, and no matter what, I know we will have some positive, happy memories of the upcoming holidays.
Here are the responses and what our residents are thankful for;
MG: “my family, my health, and the pleasant staff that works here”
ES: “my family”
CMc: “when it comes down to brass tax, I’m grateful for everything”
DA: “my family”
JG: “the ability to walk”
PL: “my girls”
JD: “I’m able to wake up every morning”
CS: “being alive, my sister and my friend”
KZ: “life, family and my health”
GH: “my family and my husband”
AG: being alive, my family, television, and humor”
MG: “my family and love”
EG:” the gift of family and the gift of love”
SV: “at my age, everything! Family and being able to laugh”
SM: “my kids, my health and god”
AB: “food and family”
JM: “my husband and family”
PB: “my life, my sons and the Copley staff”
LT: “my family”
CL: “my husband, my children, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, and Copley”
EF: “being alive and my health”
DB: “being alive and friendship”
GA: “a wonderful family”
JK: “my excellent family”
ES: “my family and Copley”
LL: “I’m about to be 93 years old, my wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and luck”
RB: “that I’m alive, I’m able to do my puzzles, my family and the world around me”
KN: “my family, the Red Sox, the Patriots, Lisa and my independence”
ST: “my family, my co-workers, our residents, and their families”
After reading their responses I have faith the holidays will be different, but very meaningful for all of us in our own special way.
If there is anything we can do to make your holiday more special please do not hesitate to ask.
HAPPY Holidays!!
-Steven Tyer