Ruth Lewis enjoys getting ready for Christmas.
She loves shopping, baking and planning Christmas dinner – all the details necessary to make the celebration special for her husband, Ron, and their family.
“It’s about being together,” says the Charlottetown resident, who also likes making the holidays special for people in the community.
For the past 18 years she has played music at Charlottetown nursing homes.
“I play all the Christmas carols and, in between, I’ll put in ‘You are My Sunshine’ or ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game,’ ” says the Charlottetown volunteer.
It isn’t long into the program before the residents, some of whom sit quietly all week, become animated – humming along or tapping their toes to the music.
“I’m amazed how many people remember these songs and start singing along when they don’t remember their names,” says Lewis, who entertained at the Beach Grove Home and Prince Edward Home Christmas parties earlier this month.
This is the magic of Christmas for Lewis.
“Just to see their faces and to see them smile makes me happy,” says Lewis, who recently received an award for her musical volunteer work from the Prince Edward and Beach Grove homes.
Recreation manager Jeff Cook appreciates her work.
“Ruth is the truest shining example of kindness and generosity through her piano playing for residents. Residents receive a lift in mood and spirit by what she so readily offers,” he says.
While Lewis appreciates the recognition, she feels she’s already received her reward.
“I see it in their eyes. When seniors hear the old songs they go back to their youth when their own parents were living. That’s why their eyes shine. The old songs bring back good memories.”
Lewis also sees it in their smiles.
“If I can put a smile on someone’s face, through music, that’s wonderful for me.”
Ruth Lewis
Lewis also realizes that days can often be long at nursing homes and that families can’t always be there because they have work commitments or they live out of province.
“I’m blessed, really blessed that I have a bit of talent that I can share with other people.”
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The Guardian’s I Believe series, which will be published both in print and online between now and Christmas, will include inspirational and uplifting stories to get us in the holiday spirit. If you have a story that you believe should be part of the I Believe series, please email [email protected].
Other stories in the I Believe series:
I BELIEVE: Petting farm a ‘Little piece of heaven’ on P.E.I.
I BELIEVE: Children of inmates at P.E.I. jail get presents for Christmas
I BELIEVE: No shortage of support for international community on the Island over the holidays
I BELIEVE: Summerside boy has wish granted, spends a week in Los Angeles
I BELIEVE: Musical Christmas lights display up and running in Indian River
I BELIEVE: Christmas together on P.E.I.
I BELIEVE: Boy on P.E.I. bringing joy to children, buying gifts for Islanders in need