Pages

Monday, June 15, 2009

Mardi Gras?


Has Mardi Gras come to West Michigan? No, but it's starting to look a little bit like it in the Nursing Home where I work.
We have 2 men who are mentally challenged and they have discovered beads! They have been busy making necklaces, key chains and have now started on bracelets. If you were to visit us, you would see a majority of the staff, many of the residents and even some visitors wearing a necklace.
If someone forgets to wear theirs, they will most likely get another one to wear. If you look at the picture, you will see that I have one for Christmas, one for the Fourth of July and several for other colors. I was told that the wooden one would match anything, so I could wear one necklace everyday!
We have started taking apart the ones that look similar and our activity director bags the beads and gives them back to the guys so they can make more. Several of mine are going back for recycling this week.
They love giving these away and are happy when they see someone come in wearing one.



post signature


15 comments:

Groomer Angie said...

How cool! I love it!

septembermom said...

Wonderfully creative and generous way to spend some time together! Those beads must bring such smiles to everyone :)

Brooke said...

its awesome that something like this could make them happy - and that you guys are willing to play along! :)

Susan said...

How wonderful that they can not only enjoy making these necklaces but giving them away and seeing the other's wearing them. That is a triple win for sure!!!
Susan

Rebekah said...

That is cool. Maybe you should give one away....(and maybe I would win again) ;)

Penny said...

What a sweet thing!! This post just made my day. =)

Grandma Elsie said...

They are like little children, Doesn't take much to please them or hurt their feeling I bet.
We all need to be more like little children in that it doesn't take much to please us . The simple things in life I find are more satisfying most of the time.
Your work must be fulfilling.
God bless your day.
Elsie <><

Kayren said...

That's very sweet, and it's fantastic that they have something they like to do that can also make them proud. Also resourceful to recycle those 'duplicate' projects!

Mary said...

Mari,

What beautiful necklaces. I'm sure the guys enjoy making them and when they see someone wearing them they would be happy. Yours are very pretty. I would keep the wooden one and the Christmas one.

This is great therapy for those men. I hope they continue to enjoy their hobby.

Blessings,
Mary

Cherdecor said...

The guys are very creative in their color choices. I do like that wooden necklace. They do a great job!

Just Mom said...

Hi there. Just popped over after seeing your face in the comments section of several blogs I frequent.

Those beads really are beautiful. They become more beautiful when you realize that the men who made them did so out of love. What a great way for them to cultivate a talent.

Bonnie said...

how wonderful mari !! i love that they are doing this sort of stuff. i have a sister who has a syndrome similar to down syndrome (but not the same) she LOOOOOOOOOVES beads. i cannot tell you how many beaded keychains i have ! she taught the kids how to make them last time we visited !! :) i love it !! anyway ... i think it is so sweet that the staff actually wear their beautiful necklaces. i'm sure it makes such a difference to the lives of the necklace makers !! i'd love to see the smiles on their faces !!

Kim said...

What fun! Good idea to recycle the beads, too. How nice for something so small to bring such joy to so many!

Lynn said...

Such a great idea! I'm sure the occupational therapists on staff are proud. ;o)

Unknown said...

I love those two they are so sweet!! I have beads up the wazoo too!!