Dhiren was as pleased as ever to see me today and ate his chocolate with joy, only complaining it wasn`t enough.
The manager came to see me. She had been on night duty on Sunday. Dhiren slept well and actually stood up for her the next morning. Who would have believed it.
He was quiet today so we sat together and watched the news about the new Government.
I didn`t know it was exercise day. The lady who conducts chair exercises breezed in and one of the carers rounded up the participants.
There was Dhiren, Big M, Little M, A, B and me. I was glad to join in just to see how Dhiren responded.
Big M is a sad lady with a big voice. Whenever she is asked how she is she says `Terrible.`
Little M is a very sprightly, very deaf, tiny, smiley 97 year old.
A is wheelchair bound and very arthritic.
B is a little round lady who seems quite anxious most of the time.
Dhiren is Dhiren.
We began the exercises to Perry Como singing Magic Moments.
Wrist flexes.
Ankle flexes.
Knee flexes.
Hip flexes.
Elbow flexes.
Shoulder flexes.
Alternate hands to shoulders.
Hands `playing the piano`.
Arm stretches.
Leg stretches.
A got tired very quickly.
Big M talked most of the way through to avoid the exercises.
B was hesitant to begin with but soon got into the swing and was keeping up really well.
Dhiren was following with his eyes but struggled with the rhythm and the sequence. He attempted all the movements and retained his interest.
Little M aged 97 was amazing. She kept to the rhythm, she stayed with the sequences, she followed the teacher and completed the full 45 minute session.
I had fun.
Dhiren must have tried really hard because he grew warm and wanted to undo his shirt buttons. I felt his face. He was sweating. So somewhere along the line he had exrecised enough to grow warm.
The teacher gave him a drink of juice.
It was time for me to leave. I said I would have to go. Dhiren said he would come with me.
Big M said [very loudly] `We`ll have trouble tonight. He`ll be shouting for Sylvia.`
I stayed a while longer.
Dhiren asked for a cigarette. I said I`d go for some. He said `Go now.`
So I did.