New York Times writer John Leland Wrote a marvellous, lengthy article that was published by the Times on December 31st. Three years ago, he began following the life activity of six New Yorkers who are in their 90’s. I just loved the article and wanted to give it a “shout-out” here. Click HERE for link to read the piece for yourself. One woman told him, “What keeps me going is when you’re lively. You’ve got to be lively.You can’t be an old beckyhead.” I’m not sure what that word means, but she found a new romance at the nursing home where she must live — another resident who is also in his 90’s.

I wrote this song in honor of people like these. I call it “Two O’Clock.”

“This nursing home’s a lovely place, I walk the halls with style and grace. My sweaters match my pants and scarf. A nice red bracelet tops it off.

“They help me dress, they help me groom. I lose my way, can’t find my room. At dinnertime, they come for me. They bring me cookies with my tea.

“You think I’m just like her, or her. Aged body, mind a blur. But I’m still here, please don’t forget: I was a Dancer. I’m not gone yet.

I once was up there on the stage, my name in lights on Style page. I leapt, I whirled, was caught mid-air, a bird in flight, such brilliant flair! And I performed in many halls, adored the thrill of curtain calls. I had such fans, they followed me, from town to town and big cities.

“Now every day is just the same. I can’t remember my last name. And sometimes when they look at me, I wonder what it is they see, BUT!! Two o’clock is time to dance! I’m in the limelight, it’s my chance,  to whirl, to reach, to take a bow, I was a dancer, I’m still here now. Yes two o’clock it’s time to dance, and I’m still here, it’s still my chance…  to whirl, to reach to take a bow, I AM a dancer, I’m still here now.”

Call for elder care planning for a good old age … 732-382-6070

 A post by Linda Ershow-Levenberg, Esq. for Fink Rosner Ershow-Levenberg Blog.

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