Dads health aide
By webeishere
@webeishere (36313)
United States
July 9, 2008 6:34pm CST
Dad has a health aide that comes once a week for his bathing. Sometimes a haircut or nail trimming etc. Well the man is named JAH, he is from Liberia and has been in the States just a few months. He has not had the privialge of seeing much of the plants etc outdoors as he is busy a lot. Well he and I sat out on my front deck yesterday after he was done bathing dad. I gave him some of my homegrown strawberries which he has never had. As he bit into it he said the funniest thing, "Yumm Bob. Nice and sweet and wet." Not juicy, but wet. I laughed and explained to him why. Then we walked around my yard showing off my flowers which he absolutely loved to death having never seen such things back home in Liberia. So I cut a few for him and he was giving them to his wife. So my gardening has now been enjoyed first hand by a forienger from Liberia that had never enjoyed these things before. Have you ever had a foreigner enjoy something you had that they had never experienced before? This was a great feeling for me giving him the pleasure of tasting his very first strawberry and having his very first lily etc. Thanks all.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
11 people like this
23 responses
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
10 Jul 08
years ago when i was at the U of South Dakota I met a fellow student who was from Liberia and he had never tasted green beans. we were lucky that our cafeteria used farm grown produce, and he made me say the name over and over, green beans, and i unconsciously was sort of stressing the words too much, saying greee reen bee ans,instead of just green beans, so the poor gy got all confused and some other coeds were teasing him. he had gone around telling everyone about the delicious gree reen bee ans and they were mocking him, so i stepped in and said, JOse I am sorry I didnt teach you quite right, its just grean beans, and he said it after me. then I turned on theseolder kids and said you all quit making fun of him, he is really trying to learn good english, shame on all of you. then I walked off, I was really mad.
3 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Funny and cute story.
Thanks for sharing this here.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@greenglitterturtle (2750)
• United States
10 Jul 08
we also have a bath aide come once a week for my mother. it's a real help to have good people who do care for others come to your home and give a helping hand in the care of a loved one.
i had a sort of reverse experience regarding someone from another country. i was introduced to something new from them. when i was a child we were having a picnic with some people from mexico. before i ever knew what mexican food was i had my first taco from this family. it was a new experience to me and i couldn't believe how good it tasted. but being new it also looked odd to me and i asked what it was. i look back on that as a fond experience of my childhood.
talking about all your beautiful flowers. when i was a kid we were so rich with lilacs. we had two very long rows of lilacs . and we loved them. we always enjoyed picking as much as we wanted to for a long time until they were gone.
i really miss them and realize how extra blessed we were to have them. another fond memory.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
We are in the process of starting an area alongside two fences with Lilacs. We have one large bush planted and two baby bushes planted. 5 years time and they are will be filled with the aroma of Lilacs. the large one already has about 4 shoots growing along side it this year.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
I also have Lily of The Valleys. I love the tiny little white bells on them. Roses are too much work for me actually. Lilacs don't need a lot of care. A pruning here and there to shape them is all I will be doing other than seperasting and transplanting them ever so often.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@greenglitterturtle (2750)
• United States
10 Jul 08
that is so wonderful. i just love lilacs and as much as i love roses too, i actually think that lilacs are my favorite.
i remember too at one house we had lilys of the valley. they had such a delicate and sweet aroma. wow in flowers we were wealthy.
1 person likes this
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
10 Jul 08
I've had many foreign PCA's myself. That's what we call home health aids in Massachusetts. It's always fun to watch them experience new things. The first time one of my PCA's had a cheese steak at home in Pennsylvania with me, she said, "oh, how nice". I also get to watch many disabled people experience new things for the first time in my role as an activist. There is nothing better than witnessing the first conversation a mother and child get to have because the child just got a new communication device or watching someone who has never moved by themselves get their first power chair. I still remember mine and smile every time I have the privilege of witnessing anything like that. We, as people living in the richest country in the world, and even those of us with disadvantages who know how to work the system as I do often forget what we take for granted that other people have never seen or imagined.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Yeah, PCA - Personal Care Attendant. But the company calls them Home Health Aids here in Minnesota. The new things especially from the injured once the recover is amazing to witness.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
10 Jul 08
What a great experience for that guy! No fair! He gets your strawberries and I don't! LOL! Other than my neighbors, family and friends, I haven't had the good fortune to be able to share my roses with anyone. But if I get the chance, you can bet I will be bragging my butt off! 1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Come over and give dad a haircut and bath and I'll give ya strawberries, tomatoes, brocholli and a Lily plant as well. tee hee hee.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
2 people like this
@Zelmarq (12585)
• Cebu City, Philippines
10 Jul 08
Wow grandapabob, I hope I can be a visitor and be given the chance to eat your yummy strawberries and se your wonderful plnts and your tomatoes and everything there in your garden. Well, too much day dreaming, I know it wont be possible and I know it wont be happening.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Anytime. My house is open for visitors.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@squaretile (3778)
• Singapore
10 Jul 08
that's very nice of you grandpa bob.
I think foreign workers always feel quite left out in their host country. so that's why they congregate together during their off days to have the same food and chat.
in singapore there are many foreign workers from india and bangladesh and they usually congregate together on sundays when they are off work. they are usually construction workers.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
He left Liberia due to the warring there, and all
the killings. So he loves the States and out freedom.
He got this job right away I guess as he was a nurses
aid type back home.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@lucy02 (5016)
• United States
10 Jul 08
I can't recall anything right off. I have had friends from other country(mostly in college) but they had been here awhile and probably seen more of this country than I had. I have tasted food from other countries that I had never had before. I worked for a man from India when I was fresh out of college and his wife made this dessert and they gave me some. It was so good. I don't remember the name of it though. I wish I did cause I would love to eat it again.
1 person likes this
@bonbon664 (3466)
• Canada
10 Jul 08
You did a good thing Grandpa! I'm sure he was thrilled, and will be doubly happy when he goes and plants his new plants for his own.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
I loved it as much if not more than he and his wife did.
My RAOK for that day I guess. Thanks also.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Plus it made my day as well. I did my RAOK yesterday.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Well maybe you'll get a plant from me soon enough if we meet that is. I love sharing and especially to a starnger or online friends when possible. Take care and have a great day/evening as well.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
9 Jul 08
Good morning, dear Grandpa Bob. I am also very happy for you that you have already shared with your Dad's aide some of the strawberries and lilies you plant in your own garden. You are so nice and kind to the aide. Good day.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Ohhh his face as he ate the strawberry was pricelss. I gave him about 15 berries and he ate each and everyone on the spot. I didn't have anymore but I wanted to share them and he loved them so much.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
10 Jul 08
I am so glad that he loves it and eats them up all. I would like to visit you and have some strawberry as well.
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
10 Jul 08
It is such a heartwarming feeling to share something you truly enjoy with someone who is new to our country and our culture and is appreciative of your willingness to share. Many times new foods and flowers and ways of doing things make strangers to our country feel uncomfortable.
I'm glad he enjoyed your gifts so much.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
yes it is. I actually enjoyed the experience more
than he did I think. I love doing for other people especially when it deals with a new experience for
them as this was. Thanks also.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
9 Jul 08
yes, in a way. When i was in college a whole group of us got together to go to a Major league game. Only two had previously been to one. One of the guys was from India and he had nevre had a hot dog...and at that point he was already in the states for about 2 years...he wanted to have his first dog at a ball park. I remember how fun it was when he ordered that dog and ate it...course we all were a little tipsy too...but it was fun nonetheless.....
It was a Brave and Brewers game and Yes the braves won.....
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Kewl deal. I can still recall my very fist ballpark hot dog as a child. I ate 3 and got sick to my stomach throwing up on a guy in front of my Uncle and I. HAHAHA!
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@CharRay7 (1549)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Hi my friend,
I loved your story. It is so nice to be able to share some of your "home grown" things to a foreigner. He must have been really thrilled and I bet his wife will be when he gets home with the flowers for her. I have never had this opportunity before. I am so glad you received pleasure from sharing something that you have grown.
Have a great day!
Char
:-)
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Thanks bunches. I loved sharing it just as much. He already gave them to her yesterday and he called just before I posted this discussion to thank me from him and his wife. She was thrilled seeing and getting her first Lily.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@mummymo (23706)
•
12 Jul 08
That is so nice AGB - it must have been wonderful for you to introduce Jah to strawberries an all your beautiful flowers! I cannot recall ever having that experience. My friend spent 6 months in Africa on mercy ships as a dental nurse and 3 months of that was spent in Liberia. xxx
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
11 Jul 08
I am glad you where able to get help for your dad. I have never met anyone from Liberia. I am glad you can teach him about your garden and you are willing to share your strawberries. I am so glad they are watery.
My sister had a girl stay with her from London and we met her and taught her about some of our customs. She was a very nice girl young lady. I enjoyed visiting with her. She wants to come and see Yosemite National Park I told her she could stay with me when she come to this part of CA.
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
11 Jul 08
We are so hot here again we where 107 today and 112 in Fresno CA which broke records. The record was set 112 years ago what a coincident. We use our AC, fans and ceiling fans as much as possible with this heat. I try not to have my AC turned down to low. I keep it between 80-83 degrees. When I go outside to swim I turn it up to 88 degrees and when I leave we turn it off all together. It does not get above 85 degrees in the house when it is closed up.
Pacific Gas and Electric has asked all of use to Flex our Power now so we do not have brown outs. That means turn off all electricity as much as possible and set your air conditioner to 78 degrees or higher. I only turn the fans on in the room that I am in. We have a formal living room and extra bedroom that we do not cool or heat unless we are going to use those two rooms. Right now no one is using those two rooms so they are closed off. That will save on electricity.
@tyc415 (5706)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Isn't it a good feeling when you can do something for someone that puts a smile on their face? You are one great person. I bet his wife was really happy to get the flower and I can just hear him now telling her about the nice, sweet and "wet" red things he eat. hahaha
@GreenMoo (11834)
•
11 Jul 08
I'm a 'foreigner' where I live myself, so I appreciate everything around me.
I do enjoy introducing the wonderful things that this country has to offer to other people, and I often get the opportunity as we accept working holidaymakers. We offer food and accommodation in return for some work about the place, so I've always got people new to the area about.
Different things obviously impress different people depending on on where in the world they come from. The lakes and rivers are always popular though, and citrus and olive trees are also unusual to some.
