On December 4, Gregory had an art show at The Lieberman Center. I will write about the opening reception in this and the next blog post. The first one took place at 2:00 for residents and was a great success. The second one took place at 6:00 for family and friends and it was a great failure ... but with a surprising twist.
If the first paragraph doesn't have you eagerly coming back to find out what happened, I don't have a good grasp on understanding the literary vehicle called the "Cliff Hanger."
On a previous post I shared photos of the first floor area where the show took place. It looked great. Refreshments consisted of cheese, cracker, fruit platters, and apple juice all served in an adjoining room. In the excitement of the event, I did not remember to take any photos of the food which was beautifully catered by the Lieberman Kitchen.
Approximately fifty to seventy five people attended including residents from all floors, many residents from Gregory's floor, family members of residents, and staff. The Lieberman Life Enrichment Department ran the show helping residents get down to the first floor, partake of the refreshments, and above all see Gregory's paintings.
Since the event took place at "shift change," many of Gregory's nurses and resident care assistants (RCAs) were able to drop by, say hello, grab some food, and learn a little more about the talented man they help every day. Many of Lieberman's executives, directors, and coordinators etc dropped by briefly to say hello.
Every one got a "Free Post Card Souvenir" of the show and seemed pleased to have a little "take-away" to keep on their nightstand or desk or bulletin board. As I passed them out I used the above phrase so people would understand what they were getting and that the gift would not cost anything.
Music was playing in the background. People were moving around slowly viewing the paintings (by push kicking their wheel chair, being pushed in their chair by a helper, or walking on someone's arm) Visitors were enjoying the cheese, crackers, and fruit. Jan, a volunteer, documented the event taking photos. When I receive them, I will share the ones she took of Gregory, Mannny, and me but will not be able to show you the wonderful, happy, engaged, energized crowd due to privacy rules.
At one point our photographer organized a large group of people consisting of Gregory's "Community/Family" into a semicircle consisting of G at the center, Manny, me, six or seven staff members, and approximately a dozen of Gregory's "Floor Mates." Again, such joy was being shared by all.
Gregory, while still acclimating to his new medications, was fairly present and seemed to enjoy the all the attention he received. Several residents from other floors wanted to take a picture with him. Many compliments were given at how beautiful, colorful, etc his paintings were.
In the refreshment room, I welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming on Gregory's behalf and orchestrated a round of applause for him. His face showed a smile and he knew that the attention was directed at him.
There was a wonderful energy throughout the entire area and entire event which I have not seen in such proportions previously. Sometimes at a Sunday Afternoon Concert I have felt it but maybe because this was in honor of my Gregory, it felt stronger to me.
I think that all of the residents felt good at being included in this celebration, happy at knowing Gregory, and excited by the novelty afforded them on this Thursday afternoon.
I am so grateful to the Life Enrichment Department (including Andrea, Wanda, and Katherine, and Leslie) to Gregory's Social Worker (Hannah,) to the head nurse on Gregory's floor (Alicia,) to Gregory's Activities Director (Alma,) to the Lieberman Kitchen Staff, to our Photographer (Jan,) to Lieberman's Volunteer Coordinator (Debra,) to Gregory's Helper (Manny,) and to others which I have inadvertently failed to mention who helped provide this experience to celebrate Gregory.
Finally, I am grateful to everyone at Lieberman who makes this community a safe, happy, comfortable, enriching place for not only Gregory but for so many people to live the rest of their lives being well taken care of with dignity and respect and love.
