I woke up on Saturday, feeling a sense of excitement as I thought ahead to the excursion I planned for my father– visiting the Holland Art Museum. Filled with Dutch artifacts and masterpieces, I thought this would be the perfect way to distract him from his sadness. But again, I was wrong.
“I don’t want to go anywhere,” he answered, placing his hands on his head. “I am too tired.” Inwardly sighing, I sensed that no persuasive arguments would change his mind. “What about if we change some things in your room instead?” I questioned, remembering that the lighting needed to be changed. “I don’t care. Do what you want.” While I was disappointed that we didn’t head to the art museum, I rejoiced that he didn’t care how I redesigned his room!
My first step was to change the blank walls and add more family pictures to help him remember that his family dearly loves and adores him. I headed back to his condo where I somehow hauled his dresser back to Room 211. This arduous task included locating the cart, dragging the dresser to the cart, and then transporting the dresser/cart back to his room amidst many comments from the residents. “What ARE you doing?” they all asked. I am sure that it was quite a sight seeing me pull the cart with this dresser all through the hallways. However, it was totally worth it when I finished. I also added more lamps.
My next step was to create more color in the room. “What is your favorite color, Dad??” “I don’t have one,” he responded. I persisted.
“What about green? Blue?” “Well, I guess I do have one: orange.”
“ORANGE? Did you say ORANGE, Dad?” I could not believe it. After all these years, I never knew that orange was his favorite color.
“Yes,” he smiled. “Orange is a good color.” I didn’t know if he was just saying that to get me to stop asking him, but I was thrilled.
“Okay! Orange will work great!”
I ended up leaving to head to the nearest home store where I located another jewel– Scrabble letters that could be stuck on his wall. My dad and I played Scrabble for countless hours when I was growing up!
On Sunday, I headed back to Royal Park where I added the extra design elements. It is such a little thing, but the design of a nursing home room is important in the healing process. I found myself thinking of more ways to add fun to his room and hope it helps his grieving process.
These are the Scrabble tiles. I wish I could cover up the call light, but that is rather important. 
I don’t really know if these pillows will stay like this, but it was fun to rearrange them! 
My dad’s bed doesn’t have a headboard, so I placed the pillows here. 
I want to add a round mirror on top of the verse. I would also like to change the handles, but my brother will think it is too frivolous. Style matters, though!
A Journey Worth Remembering 
Love all of your fun ideas for you Dad’s room! I am sure he knows how hard you are trying to mend his broken heart . . . . it’s just hard sometimes!
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