what started it all

“It’s a big day!” says Donna, as I approach her with a smile.

Donna is rolled up to the bathroom sink, scrubbing her dentures with a little assistance. After wiping her mouth, she hands me the towel and looks up. Our eyes meet and with warmth she says, “I really hope you show people how to do what you do with me, Angel. God gave you a gift.” I pause to absorb what she’s said and feel a YES run through my body.

We move on to style her hair, and I apply a tiny bit of blush to her cheeks. I tell her how pretty she looks and place the silver jeweled crown on her head, ready to roll down the hall to celebrate a friend’s birthday. This was the last birthday party she would attend this side of heaven. It’s a day I’ll never forget. Everyone sang ‘ole time hymns, enjoyed sandwiches and ate cake!

It was also the day I committed to figure out some way somehow to honor her request and bridge yoga with caregiving.

Temple Road Journey has become that way.