Cotacachi Nursing Home Christmas Celebration – 2010
Fifteen Gringos packed into a couple of vans bringing coconut pies, homemade cakes, sodas and lots of fresh fruits to the Indigenous Nursing Home.
As we approached the front door in our Santa Claus hats – the women were eagerly awaiting our arrival in their Santa hats. The music was playing and in we went with baby rattles for noise, a fresh rose for each person and our little mascot Gizmo ( pomeranian dog)
A hug for each lady (ages 80 to 101) a rattle and a rose with Gizmo greeting each person. Now these elderly women were ready to dance – with a little help from us to get them on their feet. No sitting in wheelchairs or drugged. They had made Christmas items for us to purchase – hands are always busy with indigenous people and their creative arts.
We gringos sang some Christmas Carols and the women accompanied us with the rattles and a few flute instruments. Some of the elderly might be hard of hearing and some mumble – lots of missing teeth but very little grey hair.
We enjoyed sharing the pies, cakes and drinks with them and it was a festive occasion.
The home is spotless, they have a garden and dormitory rooms – each bed has a large stuffed animal. The cheerful dining room had fresh roses on each table.
What a way to grow old – not confined and still able to be creative.
