As Lady-Links, we know the importance of keeping thinking and memory connections active with our dear friends, those ladies in our retirement community in various stages of cognitive decline. Such connections can actually slow the progression of cognitive impairment and help maintain brain function. Any type of craft activity offers a sense of purpose, provides mental stimulation, and improves fine motor skills. But making Christmas crafts together goes a step further by sparking memories of Christmas traditions resulting in great social interactions as they are shared and acknowledged.
Each year, we engage our dear friends in making Christmas and holiday crafts during our weekly visits with them. In addition, the Lady-Links and their guests enjoy a Christmas party where we make additional crafts to give to the residents who reside in our community’s continuing care neighborhood.
It all began in 2013 with our first dear friend and 12 Lady-Links.
Today, our numbers have grown to include 66 Lady-Links and numerous dear friends. The goal remains the same: to engage our dear friends in activities they enjoy and to enrich their lives with love, laughter and joy. The latest Christmas dear friend visits and party met that goal with lots of love, laughter and joy shared as we made the Christmas crafts together.
A group of Lady-Links distributed over 100 Christmas and holiday crafts to the residents in our continuing care community.
The Lady-Links realize that the blessings go multiple ways with our Christmas crafts events. Although we do this with our dear friends in mind, we benefit just as much as they do from the joy that is shared. Our lives are enriched and our hearts are touch by the friendships we make with each visit and connection. It is a Wonderful Life, and the Lady-Links agree with Clarence (the angel) who told George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), “No man (woman) is a failure who has friends.”
From the Lady-Links to you…May you have a Wonderful Life filled with joy as you interact with dear friends you know and love.
Dennie,
Lonna and I have been so blessed to have you as our friend. Your creative vision and sustaining leadership has been amazing! So much love, life and laughter for so many Lady-links, dear friends and families for 13 years!! Your the greatest!
This is a fantastic photo album! THANK YOU!
Jim
OMG! What a glorious gathering of men and women, preparing such precious blessings to be shared! Thanks so much for sending these photos of the wonderful Lady Links team… I see MANY whom I love and send hugs and kisses to via this comment. God bless you, Dennie for seeing this vision become a reality!