At one point in my career I lived beside an Extended Care Home. The location was great for daycare parents that worked there, and the quiet neighborhood was a nice fit for my family and I. I started to notice aged faces peaking threw their curtains smiling at the children arriving for the day. The same seniors would again watch as we would go for walks to the park. You could see their joy with each little person that would smile back. My heart hurt for the elderly on lookers, knowing if they could have the opportunity to be a part of these little lives, they would.
Taking the opportunity on a beautiful sunny day to go for a walk, we decided to take the long way. Walking the block around the Care Home, those beautiful faces started to peer through their windows. The kids decided to wave at them and the residents waved back with big smiles on their faces. As soon as we noticed some of the Seniors sitting in the gated garden we decided to walk by and sing. The kids sang the alphabet, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, You are my Sunshine, and more. Some of the Seniors chimed in singing, or clapping their hands, enjoying the impromptu show. It didn’t take long for the kids to become restless and we had to head to the park to play. Goodbyes were a smile, a wave, and a promise to return soon.
The detour for our walks became a constant addition. The children would ask for us to sing different songs, smiling through them all. There were times we would get invited into the gated garden to sing, and everyone would gather to listen. The audience began to increase with each song the children would sing. The parents of these children appreciated the protected exposure for their children, loving the idea of bridging the gap. Shy children embraced the opportunity to dance and laugh in the new environment. The children loved their new singing partners. Different generations in harmony together. Music is a language for all to enjoy:)
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