Remember your Senior Prom.......

Well, National Nursing Home week was a big hit. I've never been so tired in my life, but it was worth it for the residents. We planned a lot for the week, almost too much, with a Mother's Day Luncheons, a Food Show, an Employee Grill Out and raffle and A Senior Prom.

With all the things we did, my over all favorite, and the most work, was the Senior Prom. Watching the anticipation and excitement build in the residents and even the staff and family members was just awesome.

Not having attended my own school prom, I wanted to make sure I touched all the bases and didn't leave anything out. This was going to be the event of the season!

A few calls and the dresses were being donated by the bunches. Every color, size and style you can imagine. And while the tux rental donations came easy last year, this year was another story due to the recession. No tuxes!! A few more phone calls to the families and the suits and ties were in the bag. Who needs a tux anyway?

And even though we have a weekly beautician come several days, to do the hair of her regulars, this was a special occasion. Everyone who wanted to have their hair or nails done would be on the the schedule. Paul Mitchell beauty school came through beautifully with an instructor and ten student. They spent the day making the resident beautiful, even if they didn't want to attend the prom.

The flowers were ordered and set for delivery. The music, the same as the year before, booked and ready. The local newspaper even set to attend and do pictures. (they haven't run the article yet, but say they are a couple weeks out on delivery - I hope he wasn't pulling my leg). And more volunteers, girls and guys, than we knew what to do with, available to dance and take pictures with the residents or whatever was needed..

On the day of the prom, the staff got really into it too, helping fit the residents with evening gowns and making sure their hair and make up was just so. Even dressing up themselves. You can really tell you work with a great team when everyone comes together and makes sure everyone is involved and having a good time.

It was a lot of work, but well worth it! The room was smaller than we wanted, and some of the families didn't get to attend this year because the prom was held during the day rather than in the evening, but the prom went off without a hitch. Everyone had a wonderful time and we have the pictures to show for it!

So I may not have attend my own prom, but who needs it. This is one of the best proms I have ever been to. And what a way to celebrate our residents. Everyone was sooooo beautiful! Am I ready to do it again tomorrow, no way. But you can count on next year being even better.

Quote for the day: Celebrate today for tomorrow may never come. Besides, look at all the fun you're missing out on.

God Bless. Good Night.