The memory cafe last Thursday was absolutely wonderful. There were 19 people total, more women than men. The activity this time was creating lyrics to be formed in to a song at the next cafe. The woman who lead the activity, Jeanne, asked the audience to finish sentences like: "I forget things such as..." and "It's funny when I forget to..." and "It's easier to remember things when I...". Almost everyone participated and chimed in with stories of their own. She wrote everyone's answers and also recorded the entire activity on a voice recorder. She was a good communicator, and made it easy for those who had dementia to interact. Jeanne also sang us one of her own songs at the end that was called The Circle of Giving. The song sparked good conversation about the art of giving and receiving.
The overall atmosphere and energy was very welcoming and friendly. A couple care partners shared emotional, touching stories about their spouses. One woman who's spouse has dementia said, "These cafes are a place to be with others who have similar life experiences and to be with others who understand. Sometimes when family doesn't understand, people here do." So much wisdom and warm conversations filled the room and I'm glad I was able to be a part of it.
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