A REAL GIFT

The holiday season at a residential home is not typical of our personal homes. How thankful I am of that fact, as I would have issed some of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

The Winter of 1995, I was the brand-new person staff asked to work Christmas Day, 7am-3pm shift. No problem, my mother-in-law was coming for the holidays, so she can help cook the dinner at my house. Noon on December 25th, all the other persons served had ben picked up by their family and would be back home either later that evening or Boxing Day. JK and I were left at his home, having coffee and playing Jenga. The 3pm staff did not show up ad so I followed the protocol but no one answered their phones. What to do? Asked JK if he would like to come to my home for dinner and the evening? JK 'bolts" out of the room and comes back with a clean shirt, still on the hanger. I ask, "Do you want me to change your shirt"? Answers "No". Put a note on door and off to P's home. Pre-warn JK that we have 12 people for dinner so it may be a little loud and he nods yes. Two things became quite evident during turkey dinner with GRAVY. Why I hadn't seen gravy or soup at the group home and why JK brought an extra shirt. There were mashed potatoes and gracy absolutely everywhere, JK basically bathed in gravy. His hair and eyebrows were adorned with culinary delights.

Christmas of 1996 would be my last one in Kelowna, I asked for Christmas off to come to Chilliwack. Having dinner one evening at work, I asked JK what he was doing for Christmas. he said he was coming home with me. can you say road trip? My family and friends were delighted to share another holiday season with their new friend JK. Sadly JK passed on but the gift of his friendship, his smile and his mashed potato face will live on.

Just a couple of funny Christmas stories, that make you have that panicky feeling at first, but then in the end, you laugh. Some I hve been on shift for and some I have heard of.

When you call Safeway and order the"turkey dinner in a box". Don't arrange to pick it up the day of the dinner, as it is completely frozen.

When a person served says he is having Christmas with his Mum and Sister, find out where, especially when they live out of town. Can you say Christmas Eve ferry to Victoria?

When a person served says he has invited his social club friends for Christmas dinner, believe him. Can you say add another potato to the pot?

When a person served has a very long list of allergies, might be a good idea to check out if a fresh fir Christmas tree is one of them. Not a man dressed in red and white, a man covered in hives and pink calamine lotion.

Twas the night before Christmas, and all throught the house not a creature was stirring not even the overnight staff. What to our amazement on Christmas morning did we see, not one tree but two, how could that be? When a person served says he doesn't like the ornaments on the top half of the tree, believe him.

The gifts I have received from persons served outweigh and stay with me long after any purchased gift. The gift of oneself is the ultimate present.

Paula Anderson
Team Leader