It’s almost christmas and time for winter break! So, the other co-directors, assistant directors, and I decided to have our annual White Elephant. It’s a great way for us to bond and relax after all our work this semester.

Now, I mainly see Nancy in the visiting or guest room. It’s a pretty spacious room located next to the dining room. Today, we talked a little bit about poetry, and I read her some of my poems. One moment remains poignant in my mind, even now.

t’s been great getting to know my new buddy, Nancy… Nancy is pretty quiet, very sweet, and strong opinionated. Some of my discussions with her have been really interesting!

Between research, service, and other things, I’ve managed to stay pretty busy. There’s no easy way to put it - Pearl passed away. Writing it out makes it that much more real. A lot has happened, as I said, but I think that time has managed to make it a lot more bearable. For me, it’s been really helpful knowing that Pearl passed away without pain and was so deeply loved by so many. Just as importantly…

Harvard College Alzheimer's Buddies visits started up for the summer, and today I had the opportunity to see Pearl for the first time since the summer began. What a change this has been from the snow greeting me when I first blogged about my visits starting last semester!

Today was Pearl’s birthday, and she turned 102! It’s astounding how old she is - what an accomplishment. To be that old and be so happy and cheerful; to have loved ones who care for you and surround you; and to be in relatively good health - all wonderful things making her life meaningful and fulfilling.  

This week was filled with Alzheimer’s buddies activities including reflection sessions and our end-of-the-semester brunch. The reflection session is one activity all members of HCAB are required to attend because we believe that the time we utilize allows our us to grow as better individuals and volunteers to our buddies.

Today was hair day at Abe’s! Everyone was confidently rocking a fresh new style. This week I was supposed to visit my buddy, Miss. Waneta, but she was still busy being pampered when I got there. Although I missed Miss. Wanera, I got to spend another day with Mrs. King! She had a brand new hairdo and pink manicure

This visit with Bernie was unique because I got to spend time getting to know many other people, too. When I got there, Bernie was eating lunch with her five friends, who are very social, actively engage in conversation, and love talking about their past. I sat down at this table with the warmest welcome from Bernie, who immediately stood up when she saw me and offered me her seat. I smiled and hugged her and pulled up a chair right next to her

I had another beautiful day in the sun with Bernie. When I arrived, Bernie and her friends were outside getting ready for the exercise class that we almost always go to together, but this time the chairs were set up outside. Bernie always lights up when we go outside, so I knew how happy she was to be doing the exercises out in the garden. When I arrived, like last week, I saw recognition in her eyes. She immediately introduced me to everyone and said, “This is my good friend."