Albert Warms - Resident of Salem Home

At first I feel hesitant to intrude on his half-asleep morning, but a Health Care Attendant assures me Mr. Warms would enjoy a bit of conversation.  Tucked neatly into a reclining chair by the soft morning light, Mr. Warms, 92, peeks out from under a dark, woolen throw-blanket.

Twelve days earlier, Mr. Warms moved into Salem Home. At first he felt, “like a stranger and didn’t feel at home.” But now those feelings have been replaced with feeling welcome and comfortable. The nurses were “all very good, every one,” he said.

We talk about his life, his cattle farm, his sons, his wife and his guitar.  Since moving to Salem Home he has especially been enjoying the music at the chapel service.  “I can’t sing anymore, but I hum along,” he said. “My wife and I each had our own guitar. We sang and played.”  He explains that his wife has since passed away from cancer.  The pangs of sorrow show in his story as his voice lowers and slows.  He remembers the exact look on her face when they sold their farm in 1968. “We loved it very much”, he said.  Tears rolled down her cheeks as they auctioned their machinery and packed up their family.

“You’re taking a lot of pictures,” Mr. Warms said to my photographer. “You’re going to never forget me!” We all laughed together and knew that it was true. 
 

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