Tiger and Gertrude

Friday May 10, 2002

Hi,

I just had to tell you this story. I almost can't believe it myself. A few months ago, one of the American House employees saw Tiger and I go into the back building. She practically dragged us in to see a woman named Gertrude. She was laying in her bed, and I wasn't too sure she realized we were there. Then she visited with Tiger for a couple minutes, and we went on our normal rounds.

The next few weeks, we stopped by to visit Gertrude. Her apartment door was open, she was laying in bed 20 feet from the door, but couldn't hear me ask if she'd like a visit, so we left. After awhile, the lady across the hall told me to just go into Gertrude's apartment and see her, so I did. She told me to come every week, and just come in if she doesn't answer the door. We visited her every week, and she started telling me stories, WHILE SITTING IN HER WHEELCHAIR. She was more vibrant every week, talking and laughing and loving Tiger. Last night, Tiger and I had our usual visit with her. She told me about another resident that's been coming over to smoke with her every day. When we started to leave, she kept thanking me, telling me how we made her day, and how she's going to think of how Tiger jumped up (he didn't, but he did sit up, maybe that's what she meant), kissed her hand, layed down by her, etc. I could tell she was truly happy.

She also told me she was 94. At the end of my rounds, I visited with Helen, a regular. We got to talking and Gertrude's name came up. Helen told me that up until a couple months ago, Gertrude never came out for anything - not even to eat. For the past couple of months, though, she's been coming out. She's coming out. She's making friends. She's smiling again. One more thing Helen told me. When Gertrude first came to American House, the residents were told she probably wouldn't be there very long - she was probably going to die soon. Gertrude went from dying and (apparently) bedridden to happy, lively, out and about and making friends. The changes started about the same time Tiger and I started making regular visits. Coincidence? You be the judge.

Laura Tonkovich