Lily’s Christmas Cheer – Barbara’s Story

Christmas is a the most joyous time of the year, but for some, it’s the loneliest.  Residents at Nursing Homes, the Homeless, and those serving in our Military are often without their family at Christmas.  Holiday songs are prevalent, and those such as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Blue Christmas” are constant reminders of their losses.

Lily has been visiting Barbara for over a year. Barbara is a long term resident at a Skilled Nursing Facility. She has a medical condition that does not allow her mobility. She is basically in a bed all the time, and she has been enduring this for three years now. Barbara is a beautiful person, but she doesn’t receive any visits from her family. The Christmas Season is a constant reminder for Barbara that her family chooses not to visit her.

This Monday afternoon, Lily and her Ministry Team of Linda Cinquegrana (Handler and Lily’s Top Dog) and Linda Gustafson (Lily’s Prayer Partner) made their regular visit to the Skilled Nursing Facility. They came armed with pictures of Lily with some of her favorite residents and Lily’s Christmas Card. They visited Barbara, as usual. Barbara is one of Lily’s favorite people, and Barbara loves Lily as much as Lily loves her.

When Lily and her Ministry Team presented Barbara with her gifts, they were not prepared for Barbara’s reaction. She had an medical episode that required assistance from the machines and nurses…and she could not stop crying. Linda and Linda were worried they did something wrong, but she soon regained her composure and had her regular visit with Lily. At the end of the visit, Barbara shared that she became overwhelmed because her visits with Lily are so special, and she couldn’t believe the love she felt. Lily and her Ministry Team made Barbara’s day, and she said that Lily’s visits keep her going.

Among the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season, Lily’s Ministry Teams have remembered those that are shut in. This week was such a wonderful week of visits with our favorite people. So many smiles from Lily, her handlers, and her friends. This is why Lily’s Team, and all the Comfort Dog Teams, do what they do. It is such a joy to bring happiness to others.

Wishing you and your family many, many Christmas Blessings.

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