Today Brian and I visited my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home. Today is Harvey’s 82nd birthday.
I took a picture I painted –
and Brian brought a packaged apple pie.
Harvey didn’t realize it was his birthday, even when I showed him the picture and we explained it to him. His nurse jumped in, though, joined us in singing, “Happy Birthday,” and said it was okay that I put the picture on the wall where he can see it. She also arranged for him to have a precious cup of coffee with his pie.
He didn’t say anything that made sense today, but seemed to be comfortable and definitely enjoyed the pie and coffee.
Later the nursing home sent us a video of the staff surrounding his bed holding a ‘cake’ with fruit all around it, plus two lighted candles, singing, “Happy Birthday” again, and passing around another plate with fruit that they all shared while celebrating with Harvey. He dived right into the plate, grabbing a sliced banana 🍌 after trying and finally succeeding on blowing out the candles.
I can’t imagine a nicer gesture. It brings me to tears that they dropped everything today to help make his day as pleasant as possible.
“Happy 82nd Birthday,” my love.
That was so sweet what you did for your Harvey. That was also very sweet of the staff to celebrate with him and send you a video. Holding back tears for you, as I know it must be difficult for you, as this is a different birthday celebration, unlike any other, as he is unable to verbalize his appreciation.
Do take good care of yourself. (Donna)
Thank you for your kind words and understanding, Donna. It was a bittersweet birthday this time. I’m just glad we could share it.
Ohhh I am thrilled to see this and know they did all they did for Harvey on his birthday! Wow, Linda. This really touches my heart!
Yes, we did a really hard search for a place for Harvey. There were some fancier places, but this one had heart you could feel the minute you drove up. Harvey’s nurse is one special human being. She considers Harvey her ‘dad’ and cried when he had to be rushed to the ER with pneumonia. We really lucked out on a caring place with people who will work with us on what is best for our Harvey.
Oh, she must be super sweet! What a kind person you have for Harvey to care like that!! Ah! Fantastic!!
She is. We hug each time we go visit Harvey.