Juniper Village At Forest Hills: "Manicure Day" By: Christine Doreian Michaels, published by Pittsburgh Post Gazette Saturday, February 5th 2011

We are committed

At Juniper we are committed to nurturing the spirit of life in each individual we serve so that they may live fully throughout all seasons of life. To us this means understanding an individual, not only their needs but their desires and responding with programs and services which provide for the highest quality of life possible. Our Alive in All Seasons program of activities is designed to foster healthy bodies, enriched minds and fulfilled spirits. These pictures and stories are living proof that we at Juniper are dedicated to walking our talk!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

"Manicure Day" By: Christine Doreian Michaels, published by Pittsburgh Post Gazette Saturday, February 5th 2011

"Manicure Day" By: Christine Doreian Michaels

published by Pittsburgh Post Gazette Saturday, February 5th 2011

Ruth bowls along the hallway,
two weeks past Christmas, bawls, off key,
"- red nosed reindeer, you'll go down in historee".

Jean pads behind in her wheelchair,
vacant gaze, her face lights up
when anyone greets her.

Aide Lauren's already enthroned
waits for her subjects in Wellspring's lounge,
center stage, a bottle of nail polish.

Clipping, filing, buffing,
Hot Pink , the color of the week,.
brush loaded, "pay attention!"

She draws enamel down each nail
"hold still till it dries!"
She gently imprisions each fluttering hand.

Flesh withered, muscles atrophied ,
minds deserting them, but manicures intact.
Released, butterfly fingernails flit and flirt.

In Memory...Dr. Richard Michaels...