Since 2007, I have been a group fitness instructor at Goddard Skilled Nursing Center, working twice a week with a diverse group of residents. Many of the residents suffered from Altzheimer’s and dementia. I grew to love them. Over the course of the years, deep bonds were formed between the residents, staff and myself. The residents often shared moving memories and stories of their long history, which were interwoven in our class. While invisible to the outside world and quietly alive within the walls of this excellent facility, they shone in their ability to cope and live with their serious medical issues, the loss of independence and being away from family and friends. They are the real and true heroes.
I was deeply disturbed and saddened by the news of Goddard’s sudden closure. During the last three weeks, I have said goodbye to more people than I have in my 55 years. One of the staff members said to me, “I never imagined leaving Goddard.” I told him that I felt the same. I always looked forward to my Tuesday and Thursday classes there. I understood the importance of my work in eldercare. We need to care for the elderly. We can do better. I have made it my mission to seek other opportunities to work with this remarkable population.
