A Resident’s Eye View: Looking Back to the Beginning of Everything

Written by Sarah Monthany, St. John’s Home Resident

Throughout the chords of my life I have always heard different genres of music that played upon the strings of my heart, mind, soul, and spirit. “Life is worth living, life is worth living,” the notes reassured me. My first few steps into St. John’s were accompanied by the songs of Now We Drum filling the air and vibrating the atmosphere. If you find yourself near the auditorium at St. John’s Home on a Friday afternoon, chances are you will hear the undeniable sounds of hand drums, specifically djembes and congas. Our residents lead the show with an array of other instruments ranging from tambourines and shakers to wooden blocks and bells.

In my life I had journeyed to many similar places, but instinctively knew St. John’s was special. Driving around town with my daughter, Kat, after the tour the dream of living at St. John’s flooded my heart with love. Here is where I wanted to be and I wanted no other nursing home. The songs created by Now We Drum, seemed to be a creative sanctuary. The art created would blow your mind; it was the calling card and easel upon which I wanted my poems to unfold. I knew this would become my home. By the end of the day, my decision was clear and I had my room reserved in Hastings 2. I was thrilled to attend my first session of Now We Drum and claim my seat.

Pictured above are Sarah and her daughter at the Tulip Spring Reception.