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I used to play the piano at area nursing homes. It was a way to make money doing something I love. I started playing piano when I was in 4^th grade and the passion for music took hold. I wanted to play when I was happy and I wanted to play when I was sad. Music can be an emotional expression for the musician. Not that I’m a musician, but I can certainly relate to their passion.

When I started playing for nursing homes, I figured, I’ll just go in, play for an hour and leave. The residents don’t really care anyway. They are probably just happy to get out of their rooms. And I couldn’t possibly relate to a group of old people!

One day, while playing for the first time at a particular home, something was different. I sat behind the upright piano, an “audience” of elderly in front of me. I couldn’t see them, though. The piano itself blocked them from my view. But I could hear them. I heard singing. A little off-key, true, but singing nonetheless. And I heard clapping. With the beat. I raised my eyes which could just barely see over the top of the piano and I saw smiles. I saw people swaying in their chairs. I saw a man and woman holding hands. I was playing Disney classics for crying out loud! What in the world could possibly have inspired such a reaction?

I left without saying a word. Just went home. Went about my day. My ordinary day.

But I couldn’t stop thinking about them. Their faces. Their smiles. They way they gently swayed together with that silly music.

The following week I returned. This time I angled the piano a bit so I could see my “audience” better. So I could study them. I began with some classical pieces I thought they’d appreciate. But the reaction was blank stares. I played some new pieces written by musical geniuses like Andrew Lloyd Webber and  Stephen Schwartz. Again, nothing. So I pulled out the old Disney book and began playing silly songs like Minnie’s Yoo Hoo and Chim Chim Cher-ee. It was amazing! The men and women in that room almost immediately changed their demeanor. They lit up! Smiles. Claps. Toe taps. It cracked me up! Literally I started giggling. But I kept playing out of that book. Then I started taking requests. One by one, I received requests for Disney “old” classics and Disney “new” classics. It was a virtual Disney-Fest!

As I packed my things to leave that evening, a gentlemen wheeled himself over to me, grabbed my hand, and to my surprise, kissed it. I smiled down at him and sat on the edge of the piano bench.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“Donald Smith.”  he sweetly replied.

“Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Donald.”

“Oh, no honey, it is my pleasure to meet you! Do you know what you bring each week with your music?” The twinkle in his eye could not be denied.

I looked at my bag and books and sheet music and said “some bad notes?”

He laughed; a hearty, deep in the belly, room-filling laugh.

“No Dear. You bring us our memories. You bring us face to face with our childhood; with our teenage years, with a time when we were young parents, with the moments curled up on the couch with our grandchildren telling stories and watching movies. You allow us to revel in those memories.”

I was quite taken aback  by this revelation. But it wasn’t surprise that music could bring back such vivid memories to those listening; that, I personally understood. The surprise was in that I had never even considered the stories each person in that room had to tell. Of course each man and each woman had been a child once, but I had never pondered it; never pictured it. Of course they had school teachers, and teenage antics and love stories and tragedy and mischievousness and success and failures, but I had never once asked about them.

I had been playing piano at church, in performances, at nursing homes and long term care facilities for years and had never once talked with a listener long enough to hear their stories.

I sat with Donald for the rest of the afternoon. I learned how his dad died in a mining accident leaving his mother to raise three children on her own. I learned how he and his brothers climbed trees, broke legs, dated girls, graduated high school and learned to hide their cigarettes from their mother. I learned about Donald’s first and only true love. I learned how they had 6 children together and how they all were successful in business and families now, but all were scattered across the country. I learned how his wife passed away last year and how a day hadn’t gone by that he didn’t sing their love song to her.

I learned a great lesson that day: everyone has a story; you only need ask.

And I ask! Each and every day, I ask! I’m richer for it; more fulfilled; and nothing beats the twinkle in the eye of every Donald who tells me their story!

About the Author:
Pamela Terhune is a freelance writer, mother of 5, and big fan of Walt Disney music. For questions or comments you can reach her at pamela@terhunecopy.com or call 419-370-COPY

Take Bethany Hamilton for example. At 13 years old, she was attacked by a shark while lying on her surfboard and lost her left arm.  Quick thinking by her friends, saved her life.  At that age it would have been easy to justify a defeatist attitude.  Yet the ocean welcomed Bethany back after a mere month.  Two years later she would claim the crown in the National Scholastic Surfing Association’s National Championship.  Another few years pits her against the best female surfers in the industry, and she comes out in the top 3.

That shark didn’t stand a chance in dictating Bethany’s future.

What about Ashley Fiolek?  In 2008 she was named the youngest champion ever in the Women’s Motorcross Association at only 18 years old.  The thing that makes that feat even cooler is that in a sport dominated by sound, Ashley was born deaf.

Since she can’t hear the rev of the engine to alert her of a needed shift change, she learned how to find that timing through the engine’s vibrations.  A trick she learned from her father.

If you watch “Glee” then you also know who Lauren Potter is.  She has Down Syndrome and enthusiastically plays the role of Becky Jackson, a school cheerleader.  Lauren’s mother supported Lauren’s desire to be a cheerleader at her own high school.  Not only is Lauren a successful actor, she also participates in organizations determined to stop the use of the “R” word and groups aimed at raising awareness about bullying and especially its impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As you read about these courageous and inspiring people, one theme runs parallel: they all have attitude!  Not a testy, why me, my life is so hard kind of attitude; but an “I can do anything” attitude. Some people with disabilities seem to have this inherent quality, but let’s not forget the support systems that surround them. Family, friends, and organizations like Beacon of Light all buoy them up.

Everyone has tough days – even the incessantly happy.  What gets us back on track is the love and encouragement of those we care most about.

Do you know how kites fly?  The wind tries to drag them along in its own current, but the kite string won’t allow it.  A kite achieves a glorious flight by virtue of it’s resistance to the wind!

As caregivers and family members of loved ones affected by disabilities, we are their string; their tether; the reason they have the strength to resist and the ability to rise above a strong wind.  They provide the attitude; we provide the anchor. Together, nothing is out of reach!

Who is most at risk for heat related illnesses?

• The elderly, chronically ill, incapacitated, or the very young
• Those with medical conditions such as cardiac (heart) disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, diabetes, kidney and lung disease
• Those with poor physical conditioning

What conditions increase the risk for heat related illnesses?

• Poor ventilation or cooling in buildings
• High environmental temperature and humidity
• Poor fluid intake

How to avoid heat related illnesses

• Drink lots of fluids such as cool water and sports drinks – at least 8, 8oz. of fluid a day.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Seek shaded areas
• Avoid crowds
• Use fans/air conditioning indoors
• During the heat of the day keep the blinds closed and windows shut.  Then move to a cooler room.
• Wear light-colored, cool clothing.  Cotton is best.  A lot of synthetics actually trap heat.
• If no air conditioning as at home, go to a shopping mall or public library.  You can also check with the city to see if they have any community cooling centers available.
• Eat regular, light meals to ensure you have adequate salt and fluids.
• Take a cool shower or bath

Be aware of those with added risk factors.  Check on and observe them at regular intervals to make sure they are doing o.k.  Practicing these tips yourself and encouraging others, especially those at extra risk, to do likewise will help keep summer safe and enjoyable for everyone.

1. Take out the trash for them.  Especially when it’s really hot, dragging a large garbage can to the end of the road might pose some problems to the elder community.  Help them out by taking it to the curb for them.
2. Help with yard work.  Is your elderly neighbor out watering her garden or mowing his lawn when its 90 degrees out?  Ask them what needs to be done outside and then do it or offer to do it for them at a cooler time or on a cooler day.
3. Check in on them when it gets really hot.  Set up a schedule to check and make sure they are not dehydrated or overheating.
4. If they don’t have A/C, bring fans or better; invite them over to your house (if you have air).  You may also want to check with the city to see if any community cooling centers are available to take them to.
5. Run errands for them so they don’t have to go out in the heat.  Run to the drugstore and pick up their prescription or grab a few things at the grocery store for them.
6. If you see them outside, encourage them to wear sun block or a wide, loose hat and to take breaks often.
7. Bring them something cool to drink like water or ice tea.  Nothing beats a neighbor coming over bearing gifts – especially if it’s something to help you cool off!
8. Bring or share a light, cool dish with them.  Remember to take into consideration any health-related issues in your food preparation (i.e. diabetes, etc).
9. If they have a dog they normally walk, offer to walk it for them.  Take note that dogs, especially long-haired ones, can get overheated too.  Bring a little flask of water for the dog.
10. Include them in your summer fun!  Sometimes people don’t think about bringing granny on their summer vacations.  If you are having a barbeque or other backyard fun, think about including your elderly neighbor or relatives.  They like to enjoy the summer too!

These are just a few things to help those who are older in your community to enjoy the summer and stay injury-free.  And I can guarantee that you’ll get just as much enjoyment from it.  What are some other things you can think of doing for the elderly in addition to the above?

The newsletter contains company updates, employment opportunities, events and other news.

• Is there anything you’d like to see more of in our newsletters?
• Do you have a funny or touching story that you’d like to share?
• Poems, tips or encouraging words for or from those in the MRDD or caretaker community?
• Share it with us!  It may end up in the newsletter or even our blog!

You can send it to beaconoflightltd@gmail.com.

Respecting that each person is an individual, Beacon of Light, Ltd. will provide choice opportunities, securing the individual’s contributing role in the community.

Beacon of Light, Ltd. firmly believes that our greatest resource is our individual and collective commitment to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of our clients.

The great thing about supportive living is that it offers the individuals a wide-range of service options. We provide  choices, encourage independence, and offers appropriate support without taking over the person’s life.

Our day habilitation services include outings, crafts, computer skills, reading, personal care, skill reinforcement and job vocation.

• Grocery shopping
• Light cleaning
• Laundry
• Grooming
• Cooking
• And more!

To be eligible, they must -

• Be at least 60 years old
• Have Medicaid
• Have a medical diagnosis which causes a need for assistance in the home
• Meet certain income requirements.

If you know someone who fits the criteria for elderly care and is in need of our services have them contact us at 419-536-4730.  We would love to serve you!

He is holding classes every Saturday at the Beacon of Light for training and certification and certification renewal.  If you, or someone you know, needs First Aide/CPR/AED training, please call Lamont at the Beacon of Light at 419-536-4730.  Anyone can attend even if they do not work for the Beacon of Light.

Crystal has been with Beacon for 2 years. She was instrumental in helping us perform a smooth transition for a consumer during a difficult time. Crystal stepped up to fill a vacancy when Beacon lost a cherished employee to tragedy.

The Beacon of Light is very appreciative of Crystal and her service to us and the consumer during our time of need. Congratulations, Crystal!

Judy has been with the Beacon of Light for 2.5 years.  She is very dependable, reliable and flexible which we totally appreciate.  She takes a no-nonsense attitude to her work with Tye.  She takes her job very seriously.

Judy is everything we could want in an employee which is why she is Beacon’s employee of the month!  Congratulations, Judy!