The Boys Visit Romeo in the Nursing Home

Romeo forgot that my grandchildren, Justin (11 years old) and Jason (6 years old), were coming to visit him in the nursing home, so he was happily surprised to see them. Lack of memory sometimes has advantages. In Romeo's world, there is often no anticipation of an event, no inkling that a pleasant experience is about to happen. When it catches him by surprise like this visit did, his experience is that much sweeter.

The exuberance of children, no matter the event, can permeate an entire area. No doubt, Justin and Jason were excited to see Romeo, and the entire nursing home knew it. Romeo and the boys became instant celebrities as the residents, visitors, and staff focused their attention on them. They walked into the building and down the hall, unknowingly spreading their joy as a fairy sprinkles her magic dust. Everyone they passed burst into a colorful balloon bouquet of joy, their faces floating in the airiness created by the boys' presence.

We brought Romeo gifts: two new pairs of linen pants, a bar of dark chocolate, steamed soy milk, and an oatmeal raisin cookie. These days his wants are simple, yet the pleasure he receives from them is disproportionately immense. The pants are tucked away, waiting their turn to be laundered and worn. The chocolate and milk and cookie have been consumed. Only the joy remains.

Later, having dinner with Romeo seated at a table with other residents, the entire room was abuzz with their presence, all three of them. Romeo, the proud grandparent, and Justin and Jason, the innocent reminders that life, no matter where you are in it, no matter where in the world you are, no matter what age you are, and no matter what your present mood, life...well...life is sweet.