The document describes the author's experience caring for their elderly neighbor Mary over two years until her passing. The author would help Mary with daily tasks like waking up, bathing, eating meals, and going to bed. They enjoyed dancing and singing with Mary, who at 99 still had a great spirit. The author is grateful for the opportunity to care for Mary and feels she taught them to love and care for others without judgment.

1. Taking care of Mary 

2. Around Christmas time two
years ago, my mom spoke to
me about helping out my
neighbor Al’s mom Mary.
They are like family to us. We
have known them for many
years since we moved to
Rhode Island. She was 99
years old at the time! I know,
she was old but an amazing
women. As with age, she
couldn’t take care of herself,
even though she was very
independent. She was still
able to walk, but still needed
some help getting up in the
morning, eating, and going
to bed.

3. Taking care of Mary was a lot of fun! It wasn’t easy all the time, but it was definitely
worth it. I would go in the morning and wake her up. I would change her and bathe
her from her bed. I would prepare her oatmeal and feed her. Then, I would change
her sheets and talk with her. Because she would sit down most of the day, I would
make her get up and walk back and forth with her walker. As she would walk I
remember her dancing along. She loved to dance when she was younger, and just
because she was getting older, that didn’t stop her from singing and dancing anyway.
She had a great spirit. Then, I would go to work. When I was done, I would come
back, and put her to bed. I would change her clothes for bed. Although, she wouldn’t
want to go to bed right away sometimes, I would remind her that she needs her rest.
Then, I would go home, and return the next day and continue the same routine.
Time flies by when you love what you’re
doing

4. I am so grateful for the
opportunity I had to take care of
Mary until the day she passed
away. She has blessed me more
than she will ever know. It was
great to forget my worries when I
would see her, and just to smile
when I was around her. I love her
dearly. She has taught me to love
others no matter what, without
judging them. She taught me to
always smile and to dance. One of
her favorite songs was: You are
my sunshine. She would always
sing this part. “You are my
sunshine, my only sunshine. You
make me happy when skies are
gray. You never know dear, how
much I love you. Please don’t take
my sunshine away.” I will never
forget her smile, and how she
would always smile no matter
what and give me the warmest
hugs. She was like a grandmother
to me, and I miss her so much.

5. In Conclusion
I love and miss Mary
so much! I know that I
would never want to
take back the time I
got to spend with her.
She has taught me so
much, and although
she passed away this
year, I know that I will
see her again. I have
more love for the
elderly, and I know
that without her I
would not have my
heart grow more with
love for my fellow
loved ones. I love you
my Mary, now and
always.