Halloween 2008
This photo was taken outside of an assisted living facility where Emily volunteers once a week and Katie sometimes tags along. Emily plays the piano one week and plays the Wii (usually bowling) the next. I came up with the idea originally just to play the piano for the residents a few times a month. After 3 years, she plays pretty well. I know how it lifts my mood to hear her music in my home. I thought having a place to share her talent would help in motivating her to continue to play. She is a very compassionate child, and as we approach the "tween" years, I don't want her to lose this character trait. The week before she started, the center got a Wii which gave Emily another way to be involved.
In the "it's a small world" category, one of the residents is our neighbor's brother. It is sometimes stressful getting her there, but we're always glad we went. As a teenager, I visited the Willow Cabin at facility for the disabled in a nearby town through a Junior Civitan project. We "partied" with disabled teen girls once a month--you know ate junk food, listened to music, etc. I think it was a good experience, and I think Emily may learn some of the same lessons with this experience.
I really want to do this more...put up photos of those I love and write about what is good in our lives. Other bright points:
