When Laurie Morse started bringing her son Simon and daughter Etta to Avita of Wells, a couple years ago, she had no idea her little girl would make a new best friend.
Etta, now three, was only one when she met Stanley, a 95 year old veteran.
Stanley had been calling the assisted living and memory care facility home for the past two years, when they first opened, specializing in caring for residents living with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Avita holds a music generations class where kids from the community are welcome to come in on Fridays and sing, play instruments and games with the seniors who want to hang and watch or even participate.
That’s why Laurie and her kids were there, but Stanley is why they come to visit not just on Fridays.
Little Etta and Stanley developed a beautiful friendship that transcends any age.
Kids in the class will hand out instruments to the seniors who want to participate, and one Friday Etta brought Stanley an instrument, then another, and another, until Stanley had eight. It was like she didn’t want to give them to anyone else except her buddy Stanley.
Laurie share, “I have no idea when it actually started. They just kind of have a little connection.”
Avita staff have pointed out that Stanley isn’t typically an early riser, but when they mention Etta’s name he jumps out of bed and gets ready for their visit. He can’t always remember Etta’s name, but he always remembers his little friend. She’s been good for his memory, as every time Stanley sees his young BFF, something in his brain clicks that it’s her and his face lights up.
While Stanley also doesn’t use many words, he is very clear in his feelings towards Etta, saying “I just adore her.”
The feeling is mutual. Etta talks about her buddy Stanley all week long, and goes to see him quite regularly to play puzzles, games, draw, and just hang.
They went to visit Stanley for his birthday when Laurie asked if any of his family would be coming to visit, to which he replied ‘No.” Without hesitation, Etta goes, “well now you have our family.”
Etta and Stanley’s friendship is a true blessing.
(MSN)
