Saturday, August 13, 2016

Celebrating Your Birthday

For years we have brought in balloons for our class participant's birthdays.  I have a wonderful friend and SilverSneakers participant, Ginny Francis, who helps me with this.  The class really seems to look forward to the acknowledgement of their special day!

 I spend a few minutes asking them about their plans for their birthday and about their families.  I, also, ask them for a few words of wisdom- How have they stayed healthy as they've aged?  This is one way to get to know your participants and to help participants grow closer.

Sometimes I change things up.  I use the following poem and give the birthday person a copy of it on a bookmark, which I make.  On their copy, I use their name.  I give everyone in class a copy and we read the poem to the birthday person.  I love the words to this poem and feel that every person's life should be treasured!

Here's this special poem:

Celebrating You on Your Birthday
by Star Nakamoto

We hope you know
just how much your life means
to those around you-
how their days are brighter
because you are here.

Your presence adds something 
special and invaluable to the world.
You bring joy to those
who know you and a smile 
to everyone you meet.

Your life is a gift
that is treasured.

Happy Birthday Dear Friend!

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