Hop, Jim along

7/9/2015

Everyone's eyes were on Bob, playing the spoons. One of the daughters pulled a camera from her purse and began snapping pictures. The sons sat forward on their chairs; their faces softened, their shoulders relaxed. I felt the heavy atmosphere begin to dissipate.

I made up several extra verses to the funny folk song to prolong this precious time for Bob's family. Hop Jim along; Jump Jim along; Laugh Jim along. And so it went.

When the music stopped Bob spoke. "Boys, get me out of this wheelchair and over to the coffee table. I want to play that limberjack." What would Hospice and MHTP say to this? I wondered.

Bob was so alive in this moment, but there were rules, guidelines about sharing instruments with patients. What should I do?

What would YOU do? Please share below.

8 Comments

Susan Wayland

6/11/2015 01:42:12 am

I hope they allowed him to have the spoons! And that he tapped out a lively beat!

Joanna

6/11/2015 02:24:55 am

Sometimes, ya just gotta break the rules and go outside the box. It's called RISK.

David Fillpot

6/11/2015 03:05:32 am

In a joyful spirit,break the rule.
Just wash the spoons well before he eats his oatmeal with them

joanna

6/11/2015 07:03:08 am

Mary Young

6/11/2015 08:02:39 am

There are times that one should bend the rules a bit;
especially when it makes the patient happy. Not too many chances left to see that sparkle in his eyes again.

Edna KuikenFrank

6/11/2015 10:11:48 am

I think I would break the rules, unless it would seriously stop my being there.

Norma link

6/12/2015 09:42:09 am

I agree with all of the comments. I would take the risk and bend the rules. One happy moment can be a lifetime memory.

Michele

7/6/2015 02:39:44 pm

I had to look up what a limberjack was! I know in the moment its our first response ( to allow him to play it) and as long as it can be cleaned..what a wonderful memory for his family and the host of memories it brought back to them of earlier times hearing him play

Blog

Hop, Jim along

Leave a Reply.

Categories