I’ve spent a large majority of time in a retirement home so far this summer. It’s my job, so of course it kind of sucks. And sometimes I want to quit. But there are some things there that keep me going… give me that extra smile or laugh I need. So I decided to list them off.

1. TRUE LOVE. There’s one couple there that has been married for 60 years. They will both cry if they are separated for more than 5 minutes. Even if they barely say a word, they always need be near one another.

2. AGE-LESS FRIENDSHIPS. Sometimes they’re not even with another human. Right now, there’s a lady who is BFF with a doll.

3. GETTING TO BE SOMEONE ELSE. Literally. I’ve been mistaken for a sister, daughter, grand-daughter, a boy, someone named “Vicky”… the list goes on. 

5. EMPTY STARES. Nothing like a group of 10 senior citizens staring blankly at a television that’s playing Ellen or Oprah. Little do they know, Ellen is gay and Oprah is most likely talking about sex. 

5. EARLY CHRISTMAS. One lady enjoys singing Christmas tunes… even in June.

6. PICK-UP LINES. “Let me get a closer look at that necklace you’re wearing.” or “If you give me a kiss, I’ll give you a hug.” 

7. VETERANS. I love seeing the old men there in their “WWII Veteran” and ”Vietnam War” veteran hats. You know how much they’ve been through when you see them.

8. WISDOM. The people there put things in perspective for me. They remind me on a daily basis that there is so much more to learn and see in life.

I really need a day off though.