While at my house for Christmas, Etta noticed the faux ficus tree with white lights I had in my foyer and thought it was “so classy”. Since she liked mine so much, I purchased one to surprise her with. I thought it would be a nice addition to her room!
The tall Chinese Maple tree was hauled up to the nursing home and placed it in a lovely planter one afternoon while Etta was eating lunch. Upon her return from the dining room, her latest surprise was revealed! She looked at in awe and could hardly believe it wasn’t real! I smiled with pride to have brought her another moment of joy….or so I believed…
The next day when I arrived for my visit, the expression on Etta’s face indicated that something was troubling her. Touching her hand, I inquired, “Etta, you seem a little sad today, are you feeling ok?” Without hesitation, Etta peered over to the tree, and bluntly said, “The management informed me that this tree is not allowed in here; it has to be removed immediately.” Hmmm, I thought. Etta paused as if to see if I bought into her statement. It quickly occurred to me that certainly “the management” did not make this statement, but rather, that Etta just did not like the tree after all. It made perfect sense. She knew I was excited and was concerned with hurting my feelings.
To test this theory, I responded, “Well, I am so sorry to hear that. Perhaps I can move it into a corner of the bathroom for now.” Before I finished making my offer to relocate the tree, Etta said, “Oh, no, it’s not allowed there either. It can’t be here at all. It draws too much attention to my room and confuses the birds.” Pursing my lips in an attempt not to grin, I assured her that I would take care of it immediately. “The management” and I got a kick out of Etta’s approach to removing the tree…even now…she is still a clever and witty woman!
The tall Chinese Maple tree was hauled up to the nursing home and placed it in a lovely planter one afternoon while Etta was eating lunch. Upon her return from the dining room, her latest surprise was revealed! She looked at in awe and could hardly believe it wasn’t real! I smiled with pride to have brought her another moment of joy….or so I believed…
The next day when I arrived for my visit, the expression on Etta’s face indicated that something was troubling her. Touching her hand, I inquired, “Etta, you seem a little sad today, are you feeling ok?” Without hesitation, Etta peered over to the tree, and bluntly said, “The management informed me that this tree is not allowed in here; it has to be removed immediately.” Hmmm, I thought. Etta paused as if to see if I bought into her statement. It quickly occurred to me that certainly “the management” did not make this statement, but rather, that Etta just did not like the tree after all. It made perfect sense. She knew I was excited and was concerned with hurting my feelings.
To test this theory, I responded, “Well, I am so sorry to hear that. Perhaps I can move it into a corner of the bathroom for now.” Before I finished making my offer to relocate the tree, Etta said, “Oh, no, it’s not allowed there either. It can’t be here at all. It draws too much attention to my room and confuses the birds.” Pursing my lips in an attempt not to grin, I assured her that I would take care of it immediately. “The management” and I got a kick out of Etta’s approach to removing the tree…even now…she is still a clever and witty woman!