My grandmother is an artist. At 95 she has a rich life to reflect on and I think it’s a work of art to see the masterpiece she has created. Pictures of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren fill her cozy room at Loyalsock Nursing Center in Williammsport, Pennsylvania. My most recent visit to see our 'Family Picasso' proved to be the most inspirational of my life. I’ll never forget that Christmas in 2014…..
Stuffed suitcases and guitars under pillows and plaid blankets filled every square inch of space in my Hyundai Sonata that Christmas morning.The 7 hour drive from Keene,NH went by fast and I parked at the Nursing Center sometime after noon and walked in carrying my guitar case by my side. As I walked past the front desk I’m amused at the heads turning as folks see me holding an instrument and appear curious. I make my way by and find Meemaw’s room just past the big Christmas tree.
Meemaw appears strong and healthy in her festive red sweater that holiday morning. Despite her not seeing very well, she recognized me right away and smiled a big smile as I walked in and gave her a big hug. It’s really cool that she is lucid and energetic enough to hold longer conversations and I always find it interesting to talk to Meemaw.
Mee-maw has a roommate and her name is Helen. Helen is 87 and Meemaw says she is just a kid. It’s cute to see these 2 little old ladies in this cozy space together sitting with family. I love the feeling of being around people who seem happy and my Meemaw certainly does. The room was full of family all day long.
After visiting for a little while I took Meemaw’s hand and asked if she would like to hear me play the guitar and sing a song. She smiled and said “Christopher, of course I would love to hear you play!”. Helen overheard me and scooted her wheelchair up slowly as I strummed the first few chords. I played for a few seconds and then I saw Meemaw smile. Then Helen smiled. And then one of the nurses going past the room had stopped and listened and she smiled. I sat there on a rocking chair in Meemaw’s room strumming my old Gibson guitar and everyone around me was listening and smiling and it was the best feeling in the world. Then I thought of how many more faces I could bring smiles too.
I had the idea to create a little storytelling program for residents like Meemaw who enjoy hearing folk songs and folk tales. Since visiting Meemaw I have performed at 2 nursing centers and 1 storytelling festival and I am experiencing more richness and fulfillment in my life. I am doing what I love and loving what I do and it is an amazing feeling.
Meemaw inspired me to follow my dreams of being an artist and contribute to the world in the best ways that I know how. Now, I don't measure the success of my life with my job or the dollars in my bank account. I measure it on the smiles I bring to the world and enjoying the journey of success that is never ending.
Inside each of us there is an artist. And I learned that life is about shining on the world the true version of yourself in all your glory. Now, let's move!