It is a truth universally acknowledged that normal people are afraid of needles. It is also true that this fear is probably rooted in childhood trauma—I still shudder when I think of my early trips to the doctor’s office for annual shots: the quiet anxiety of the car ride turning slowly to agony in the waiting room, building quickly towards panic upon entering the patient room, yielding to horror as the doctor unsheathed his weapon, and culminating finally with uncontrollable sobs as the needle plunged. If preventative health required sharp pokes to the arm, I preferred the flu.

Perhaps Virginia Speese never got her shots. Or maybe she’s just not a wimp. Either way, the 84-year-old resident of the Lodge at MapleCreek went willingly, even happily, to an establishment called “Screaming Needles,” a moniker evoking all the warmth and charm of a haunted house. Insanity, you say, but with her birthday month just around the corner, Virginia could think of no better way to celebrate than by fulfilling a life-long dream—getting a tattoo!

“I’ve always wanted to get one,” says Virginia with a tinge of rebelliousness in her voice, “but I never dreamed it was possible, especially at my age!” Inconceivable though it may seem, her wish, dismissed for so long as an opportunity missed, was reborn during a conversation with her great granddaughter, Brittany Wellman. Realizing this was something more than mere mid-life crisis mischief, Brittany sprang into action with all the fire of a new generation. Buses were called, appointments were made, and on April 7, 2012, laughter could be heard coming from the operating room of Screaming Needles.

Before you ask, “it did NOT hurt. Why does everyone always ask that first?” More interesting for Virginia is the meaning behind the tattoo itself: a small, curled-up kitten perched at the top of her shoulder, representing her own cat “Sandra,” which currently lives in another building on campus. Its real meaning, however, is best summed up by Virginia herself: “I’ve learned this—you are never too old to do the things you want to do.”

Fun was the goal at the dance party for the residents at The Lodge at MapleCreek, our skilled nursing and rehabilitation center at MapleCreek, on Wednesday evening, March 30.  Starting with a wedding reception favorite “The Chicken Dance,” staff and volunteers for the dance party got people moving. 

The gathering in the Great Room of the Lodge was hosted by the Kentwood Jaycees, who provided a DJ playing music from ’30s, ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. Kenyana “Kiki” Gary, Lodge activity director (dancing with Lodge resident Harold, right), explained how dancing works with nursing residents. “Some residents are able to stand and dance, and for the other residents who are in wheelchairs, we stand in front of them and dance with them.” 

Judging from the smiles on all the faces (like Pauline's, left), the dance party was a big hit. Thanks to the Kentwood Jaycees for bringing the party to The Lodge. Come back soon!

 On Monday, January 31, Beverly Walker, a licensed practical nurse at The Lodge at MapleCreek in Grand Rapids, will celebrate 39 years of employment with Lutheran Social Services of Michigan. When Bev began working for the skilled nursing center in 1972, it was called Luther Home and was located in downtown Grand Rapids. The center moved to the current MapleCreek campus, originally called Luther Village, in 1987. It was completely renovated with a new rehabilitation center addition two years ago.

Earlier in her nursing career, Bev had worked on the property that is now MapleCreek. She took a job at the Maple Grove Medical Care Facility located there. "I lived across the street," she said. "I needed to be able to walk to work, because we had only one car."

The center eventually merged with Sunshine Hospital, a tuberculosis sanatorium that became Kent Community Hospital and was relocated to Fuller Avenue north of the Ford Freeway. "I stayed on with them for another year, and then saw the ad for the old Lutheran home on Division Street," she said.

She has seen a lot of changes over the years. "The newly renovated Lodge building is fantastic, and the people here are wonderful." Bev admits to being 'retirement age,' but she's not ready to retire. "I like it here, and I like what I do," she said. "It's nice that some residents know you and remember your name. They're like family."

John Thompson, whose mother lives at The Lodge at MapleCreek, has a 13-year-old Sheltie named Traverse who is struggling with arthritis. He asked Chaplain Becky Ebb-Speese if she would bless the dog during a future visit. On Thursday, John and Pastor Becky met in the Lodge chapel with Traverse, John’s mother and some other residents and staff. In the spirit of St. Francis, she annointed Traverse’s head with oil and prayed for God to help relieve his pain of arthritis and to bless him in the love that he gives to his family. She also noted that it was Earth Day, a day to celebrate all of God’s creation, including animals.