Ethnopoem

Catholicism
      something I don't do
      my own church
Volunteering
      for years
      before I even moved here
      helped another woman
      took care of her
Oh, Yeah
      husband worked here eleven years
      brother and his wife
      lived here for ten
      parents both died here
      but that's not
      what got me in here
      waiting list for four years

Interveiw

I had my first formal interview on Tuesday. I talked with Latish. She lives on the third floor of the assisted living area. She is in a wheelchair. Just talking with her, you would think she had a stroke that affected her speech. But, after being around her for a while, I noticed she had other problems with motion. In my interview with her, she divulged that she is suffering from Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's is a progressive nervous system disorder that worsens over time. There is no known cure for it as of today. However, Latisha does not let her illness get to her. She is very happy living at the Jeanne Jugan residence. During the interview she repeatedly said she felt like she was surrounded by angels. Also when I asked her about feeling like she lost her independence, she answered with "I feel like I have more independence". I found this quite intriguing. After the interview I brought her back to the room she was helping out in. As I wheeled her back, I noticed she was using her feet to help move the wheelchair. She is battling her illness with her head held high.