Monday Night Bingo

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MONDAY NIGHT BINGO AT THE NURSING HOME....

You haven't lived until you've gone to Monday Night Bingo at the nursing home. It's a transformation of meek, mild mannered elderly and young unfortunates who are no longer able to care for themselves independently. Suddenly, someone announces the activity for tonight is Bingo and something magical happens. There is excitement in the air. 

It started at supper time. "Bingo tonight" someone shouted to his hard of hearing neighbor. "Singing? Who's singing?" asked someone to the left. Two table mates look at each other, rolling their eyes. She can't hear a thing," they mouth to each other. "She asked if he's single,"  another responds. 

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Bill and I excuse ourselves from the table to go outside for some fresh air. "Where are YOU going??" I hear. "We have to play bingo." Slowly, we sat back down. This was serious stuff.  

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The bingo cards are chosen, the chips are distributed, and it begins. 

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This wonderful transformation 

slowly converts the helpless 
into the helping...

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and a simple activity 

turns into a moment  

of friendship 

and communion 

with each other, 

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and a simple reminder that 
they are Somebody. 

Somebody important. 

Somebody with confidence. 

 A winner. 

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It doesn't matter that everybody wins. Twice.
I (the residents) won. And so did my neighbor.