Willowbrook: A first-hand account of life in a nursing home.

by Andrew McKean

The room is quiet now. The carers came early, as they always do. They tidied up, fussed over the bed, straightened the pillows, and left me with a soft smile. It’s a small room but tidy, everything in its place. The morning light is coming through the window, and there’s a promise of a fine day ahead. The air smells fresh, and the birds are starting their usual chatter outside. I let my breakfast settle, just tea and toast today, and sit back in my chair, watching the light shift on the wall.There’s a kind of peace in the morning, before the nursing home stirs too much. The nurses make their rounds, gentle and quick, like they’ve done this a thousand times. They check on us, ask how we’re feeling, and go about their way, always with a kind word. There are activities planned for later, nothing too strenuous. I might join in, or I might not. I’ll decide when the time comes.

I hear the front doors creak, and a few of the relatives start to arrive. Some look cheerful, but I see the tears in their eyes, even if they try to hide them. We all pretend not to notice. That’s how it is. We don’t talk about the sadness much. I don’t mind the company, though. I’ve learned to take the day as it comes.

For now, I just sit here. The day stretches ahead of me, simple and calm. I’ve no need to rush. There’s a stillness in the air, and I breathe it in. The sun is getting warmer, the world outside moving along. It’s a good day, I think. Better than most.

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2024