Rebecca’s Story

Mrs North was a very jolly lady and a real joy  to have in the home.  She was often a great encouragement to me and when a new resident arrived I always asked her to make sure that the new lady or gentleman was made to feel welcome, and this she would do.  She was always cheerful and amusing and often made everyone laugh.  I recall a particular afternoon when one of the ladies was telling everyone that half an hour lying flat on your back on the floor, was more beneficial than an hour lying on your bed.  I suggested to her that she might like to demonstrate this, not dreaming for one moment that she would.  However, she insisted on getting down on the floor and with some difficulty stretched herself out on the carpet of the lounge.  At this, five more ladies decided that they too wanted to have a go, to which the staff rose to the occasion and helped each one to get down on hands and knees, and then lie flat on their backs.  Mrs. North was looking on rather longingly, and in a loud voice said that she didn't want to be left out of the fun and insisted on joining the ladies on the floor. The staff tried to dissuade her but she was determined, and so with a lot of help she too managed to get down onto the floor.  However, it proved impossible for her to lie flat, for if her head touched the floor, her feet went up, and if her feet touched the floor, her head came up.  The sight of seven elderly ladies stretched out on the carpet in the lounge was becoming quite ridiculous. Everyone was beginning to laugh, especially at the antics of Mrs North, who was thoroughly enjoying herself in spite of her problems.