1. Perhaps one of the greatest ideas I’ve ever had
Perhaps One of the Greatest Ideas I've Ever Had
I love the game of cornhole. I also love the idea of sharing the fabulous game with others. I feel it
has so many positive attributes that it lends itself well to all types of situations!
Getting to Know Some Really Great People
Growing up, we always went Christmas caroling each year, we had a long lasting friendship. My
dad schlepped my brother, sister and I around town, bestowing our awful musical talents on
unsuspecting neighbors. One place we always visited was the local nursing home. As much as I
hated singing, I loved seeing the residents’ faces light up.
Last month, as I tried to disguise my off-key caterwauling behind my brother and sister’s perfect
harmony, I was struck with an idea. My visits to the nursing home didn’t have to be limited to
Christmas time. The residents were there every single day; I could visit any time. I eagerly made
arrangements to volunteer once a week at the nursing home.
At first, I was the resident’s manicurist. The director sat me at a table in the dining hall and
provided me with all the necessary supplies. Within minutes of setting up shop, the (mostly!)
female residents surrounded me. With a relatively dull day ahead of them, painting their nails a
festive color seemed so very exciting.
It was kind of sad and depressing, sitting there painting. I wanted the residents to look forward to
something besides nail polish. I thought for quite awhile. Was there something I could do? Was
there an activity I could introduce them to? I wanted to provide a little excitement, especially for the
men who didn’t seem too jazzed about paint colors. Then it hit me…cornhole!
I Really Think It Will Be a Hit!
After I finished with the last manicure job, I sought out the director. I was eager to share my idea
with her and she was more than happy to listen. I ran down the list of benefits, which were
numerous. I got so excited just talking about it!
It wouldn’t be difficult to store a set of cornhole boards; they folded up and became quite compact.
The residents wouldn’t have to go outside; they could play the game inside where they weren’t
susceptible to adverse weather conditions. Cornhole beanbags were lightweight and would be
easy for the residents to toss. And, the best part, participants could toss their bags from the seated
position; wheelchair contenders would be welcome!
2. The director liked my idea. She was a bit skeptical that the residents would have the necessary
hand-eye coordination. But we figured it was worth trying! I offered to track down the necessary
supplies. The director recommended we start with just one set; if the game was popular, we would
get some more.
I couldn’t wait to introduce the residents to cornhole. They would love it. At least I hoped they
would. I could just imagine the little old ladies talking smack and the guys wearing their rally caps!
I envisioned cornhole tournaments in our near future!
I had really come to love the nursing home residents. If they didn’t like cornhole, I would just have
to think of something else to do with them. Even if it just meant sitting and chatting, I looked
forward to the time I spent in their company each week.
