Prior Thoughts to Time Spent. dcook

Before I started spending time at the Due West Retirement Center I had soem preconceived notions about what it would be like spending time with retired elderly people. I assumed first of all that it was going to be a very awkward experience for me and even for some of the residents that I migt encounter while being there. Now it was sometimes awkward for me and I am sure it was for them but i learned that if you find a way to relate to soemone they will accept you for what you appear to them to be. Although I was just a college kid assigned to serve and spend time with a group of elderly people I was able to relate through games they played (Rummikub). Another preconceived notion I had was that spending time there would be no fun for me at all. Being the grandon of a retirement center resident back home I have often visied retirement centers and for me they have always been the archetypal symbol for sadness and loneliness. I cam to learn that within those walls is a small community of older folks who find anyway they can to have a little fun even though their age may restrict what they can and cannot do. Even though it is depressing to think of the somewhat lonely life that these folks posses it is clear that I myself had a good time playing rummikub and learning anew game with some elderly counterparts.