Elderly Man With Severe Dementia Finds Joy In Day Care Across The Street
91-year-old Gene McGeHee lives out in Vidalia, Louisiana. Across the way is a daycare where a fun bunch of kids spend their time. And what a blessing for him, the kids bring fun into his life also.
“Everyday I cross the street and we meet again,” said the daycare teacher, Megan Nunez.
They have met one another everyday for three years to date.
His memory struggles go so far as to cause him difficulties recognizing even himself in pictures. When shown pictures of himself by his daughter, he sees someone else. A stranger.
In addition to his struggle with dementia, Gene also suffers from loneliness, his daughter Cathy shared.
What has helped has been those daycare children.
“ Oh my goodness! They have been such a blessing to Daddy. And he lights up!” Cathy said with great enthusiasm.
Every day the kids are at the daycare, Gene gets to spend around an hour with the kiddos, exchanging words, laughs, and hugs.
“Everybody responds to love,” Cathy added about her father who forgets the children, but has developed a constant idea that being outside of his home is bound to bring some joyful experience.
He doesn’t know what, but knows something will happen. His mind though unable to remember exactly what happened from the day before, still retains some feeling of the fun he had.
That is love, according to Cathy.
However sad his dementia has proven, there’s beauty that Gene has been able to find in his time with the children, maybe even beauty that the rest of us miss out on for taking such moments of joy for granted.
His time with the children is extra special because he enjoys those moments each day as if it was his first encounter with them.
Jesus told us life is like a mist. What if we thoroughly felt joy for even the smallest moments of life, the hours we see family, the hours we spend at church. We are blessed indeed, more than we will ever know.
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14
Elderly Man With Severe Dementia Finds Joy In Day Care Across The Street
91-year-old Gene McGeHee lives out in Vidalia, Louisiana. Across the way is a daycare where a fun bunch of kids spend their time. And what a blessing for him, the kids bring fun into his life also.
“Everyday I cross the street and we meet again,” said the daycare teacher, Megan Nunez.
They have met one another everyday for three years to date.
His memory struggles go so far as to cause him difficulties recognizing even himself in pictures. When shown pictures of himself by his daughter, he sees someone else. A stranger.
In addition to his struggle with dementia, Gene also suffers from loneliness, his daughter Cathy shared.
What has helped has been those daycare children.
“ Oh my goodness! They have been such a blessing to Daddy. And he lights up!” Cathy said with great enthusiasm.
Every day the kids are at the daycare, Gene gets to spend around an hour with the kiddos, exchanging words, laughs, and hugs.
“Everybody responds to love,” Cathy added about her father who forgets the children, but has developed a constant idea that being outside of his home is bound to bring some joyful experience.
He doesn’t know what, but knows something will happen. His mind though unable to remember exactly what happened from the day before, still retains some feeling of the fun he had.
That is love, according to Cathy.
However sad his dementia has proven, there’s beauty that Gene has been able to find in his time with the children, maybe even beauty that the rest of us miss out on for taking such moments of joy for granted.
His time with the children is extra special because he enjoys those moments each day as if it was his first encounter with them.
Jesus told us life is like a mist. What if we thoroughly felt joy for even the smallest moments of life, the hours we see family, the hours we spend at church. We are blessed indeed, more than we will ever know.
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14
Today's Devotional
A Prayer for Strength When You're Feeling Alone - Your Daily Prayer - July 13
Even in a full house or a busy day, loneliness can find us. Here’s a gentle reminder of the One who sees you and cares deeply, even when others don’t.
Most Popular Right Now
GodTube Inspiration Cowboy Single-Handedly Stops Armed Robber
George Jones George Jones Sings 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee'
GodTube Performances Stunning ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty' Hymn Cover Will Give You Goosebumps
chris rupp Chris Rupp’s Soul-Stirring A Cappella Version of 'Beautiful Savior' Is a Must-Listen
Bill and Gloria Gaither Guy Penrod's Stirring Live Performance of 'Then Came The Morning'
Brad Stine Has Issues Brad Stine’s Hysterical Take on Adam Naming the Animals is Pure Gold
GodTube Inspiration Young Hospital Patient Cries Out to Jesus and His Deceased Father and Shares Glimpse of Heaven
Oak Ridge Boys 'Jesus Is Coming Soon' The Oak Ridge Boys
Bill Perry Whatever Happened to Sin?
Oak Ridge Boys 'Because He Lives' Classic Performance From The Oak Ridge Boys
