Helen: A Rainbow on a Cloudy Day
Caleb A., the Public Relations Officer from our Maryknoll High School Chapter, reflects on his first GG Senior Home Visit and interaction with Helen, the embodiment of a rainbow on a cloudy day.
Before coming to our first event, I felt anxious and excited because I did not know if my nail painting would live up to expectations, since they were only okay when I practiced on my mom's nails the night before. When I got to the care home, I helped set up and then talked to my friends. Then, when I saw the seniors entering, some of them made thoughtful and positive comments about seeing us, young people. Seeing all the older adults gathering and smiling, sparking something in my heart that made me instantly adore them.
When the event started, I approached an elderly lady named Helen. Helen was very kind, and I asked her about her life growing up here in Hawai'i. I found out that Helen went to the same school my dad, uncles, and cousins went to. After hearing that, I was so interested and amazed, and it just made me want to learn more about her. After telling me a few things, I told her a few things about myself, where I grew up, how I lived, and what I wanted to do in the future with my interest in the medical field. I felt like I was talking to someone who I felt like I knew my whole life. Helen made me feel happy and joyful and continued to ignite that spark in my heart, and I hope she knows that.
While doing Helen's nails, I learned more about her, which made me attuned to my own thoughts. Hearing Helen telling her story about her life and her family made me realize how different perspectives of life can be. I honestly wished that I hadn't finished her nails, so that I could continue talking to her. When I finished Helen's nails, she thanked me and said I should continue doing what I love and that I'd make a great doctor one day.
As our event was ending, I was given a card to give to Helen that said, "Be a Rainbow in someone's Cloud." I loved that card because it's always something here in Hawai'i that people see after it rains, as the sky clears up from being cloudy to blue and sunny with a shining rainbow across the sky. When Helen looks at the card I gave her and reads the words, I hope she knows she will be my rainbow in my clouds to bring in all the positivity and sunshine. As saying goodbye to Helen, I asked to get a picture of her to show as another symbol of a new bond. I wish Helen the best life ever because she deserves the world. She always seemed happy and smiling, and I hope she can remember me, a casual boy, whom she has now inspired to make him do his best and that she will always have a part of my heart. I wish you the best, Helen; continue being the rainbow in other clouds. Take care.
