In my reflections, I meditate on moments during my dance journey, my volunteering work in dementia care, and more.
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"Thanks for coming by to sign the papers. How have you been?" the coordinator asks. It's been two months since I've last visited the nursing home, as I've been busy balancing my new job, courses, and dance rehearsals. "Since I'm here, I'll head upstairs for a bit," I reply.
I take the elevator to the third floor with the old man with the walker who loves a smoke. His face lights up when he sees me, though I know he probably doesn't remember who I am. "You're a nice girl," he says with a smile as we catch each other's reflection in the elevator mirror. I take it as his soul telling me, "I'm happy you're back."
As I walk into the living room, a nurse greets me with a knowing smile. "She's right over there, just finished her breakfast," she says, already aware of who I'm here to see. I walk over to her. "Hǎojiǔ bújiàn! (Long time no see!)" I say, catching her eye. Her face brightens instantly as she responds, "Nǐ hǎo!" I sit beside her, our eyes still locked in a shared warmth, smiles unwavering. "Xièxiè nǐ," she whispers, squeezing my hand gently. "Wǒmen qù wàimiàn sànbù ba (Let's go out for a walk)", I say after some time.
We head to her room, but her door is locked. A nurse accompanies us, explaining that she has been pulling clothes from her closets, making them decide to lock everything. Guilt tugs at me, but instead of feeling sorry, I focus on helping her. After the closet gets unlocked too, I take a pair of shoes, place them at her feet, and help her slip into her jacket. I patiently guide her right foot into the right shoe, then the left. When Giselle picks up her slippers to put them over her shoes, I gently take them from her. "Let's leave them here for now," I say with a reassuring smile, holding her hand softly.
In the elevator, she beams with excitement, seemingly aware that we're about to head outside. The crisp air greets us as we step onto the street. We both take in a deep breath and exhale together, savoring the refreshing wind, shūfú. The day is overcast, but we point out the warm autumn colors decorating the trees. "Piào liang," she says, admiring the beauty of the leaves. I place my hand next to a large leaf and invite her to do the same. A burst of laughter follows, it's amazing how nature can make us laugh like this.
As we walk back to the nursing home, I softly sing The Moon Represents My Heart (月亮代表我的心). In response to her smile, the clouds part, and the sun breaks through. I point my finger to it, and her gaze follows. Its warmth touches our faces, and with a smile, I face the sun and repeat with the same excitement, "Hǎojiǔ bújiàn!"
