Last Tuesday, during one of my classes at the altzheimers and dementia unit of a local nursing home, I inquired about Keith. Keith had been sick for two weeks, his health in serious decline. Bedridden during his last weeks, he was sorely missed by the residents and myself.
The last time I saw him was in one of my weekly classes, sitting feebly in a wheelchair, barely able to move his arm during a gentle stretch. I detected a weak smile and note of recognition when we did his favorite stretch – a shoulder shrug. I smiled at him and said, “This one’s for you Keith.” Keith coined this exercise, the “I don’t know,” one.
This Tuesday, I learned that Keith died. In the short time that I had come to know him I discovered that he was a true gentleman. At the end of a class, he would grasp my hand, and peck a kiss on my cheek as he softly inquired, “Dear what day is it? When will you be back?”
Keith possessed an endearing spirit, a positive attitude and a delightful sense of humor. Even though he suffered a host of ailments, he was a trooper, a consistent member of our weekly class. Keith would slowly make his journey down the long hall into the sunroom and grace us with his gentle and kind presence.
Keith is a testament that despite your age, health and environment, you can still be proactive, taking small steps to your health. I will think of him every Tuesday and Thursday, as we do his favorite exercise the shrug.
