The Celebration: Resurrection Sunday

“It’s going to be a wonderful Easter!” said Maggie, a senior citizen confined to a wheelchair because of multiple sclerosis. “Our family’s having an Easter egg hunt. I invited them to our Bethany Nursing Home celebration afterwards.”

“My folks live too far away, but Amos, my blind friend, will attend our Easter church service and stay for the party,” replied Myrtle, a seventy-two year old woman with rheumatoid arthritis. “I love it when he holds my hand.”  

“I’ll find a stranger to spend Easter with again,” said Jesse, a seventy-five year old diabetic with one leg. 

“No point in moping, as this is my portion in life.”

Denise, the evening supervisor, had brought the Easter decorations, white lilies and chocolate rabbits for the residents. Many of them had no regular visitors, or anyone to celebrate with on special occasions.

“If only they were all as good about being alone, as Jesse. So many are depressed and just sit in their rooms,” she thought.

“I’m going home for Easter,” boasted Clyde, a man in his nineties. “You’ll have to party without me.”

“Clyde, you’re always the life of the party!” chided Maggie. “We need you here.”  

“I’m going home!” Clyde actually had no home, but every holiday he claimed to be going home. He walked away, waving his cane in the air. “The only place to celebrate Easter is at home!”

“Many patients with Alzheimer’s Disease feel that way,” said Myrtle. “They keep trying to go home. It is so sad.”

“Adolf and Andy can move the tables tomorrow,” Maggie said. They were twins in their eighties, who did the heavier work for special occasion celebrations.

"We’ll push the grand piano over by the window and use the long table for our luncheon buffet,” added Jesse.

Soon, the streamers were up, the tables decorated and everything was ready for the party.

"Thanks, everyone! Anyone want hot cross buns and lemon tea?” 

Just as he said, early Easter Sunday morning, Clyde went home, but it was to his heavenly home. The other residents were saddened, but celebrated his life on Resurrection Sunday.