Expert: Patty Sachs - 5/1/2009

Question
Toward the end of February, my grandmother fell getting out of the shower and broke her neck (c2). A halo vest was installed and she was sent to a rehab facility - nursing home type setting. She has made remarkable progress learning to do everything all over again with an 11 pound contraption on her head. Her mind is sharp. She will not be able to leave the facility for her birthday. The facility said I could use the Assisted Living Community room and lounge for a party. I'd like to have it on May 16th. from 2-4. I know this is short notice but she was not agreeable to it until getting the results of her April 29th doctor's appt. She had hoped she would get the halo vest off. Since that isn't possible for another month, the party in on! I need help with the wording. We really need attendees to come and go, not come and stay the whole time. Space is limited. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Cindy

Answer
Dear Cindy:

Wow!  Bless her heart for recuperating and recovering like that.  It is miraculous.

What you might do is send an invitation and stagger the times for different groups.  Friends (she probably doesn't have a lot of friends even near her age) and acquaintances from 1-3...and family from 3-5.  I imagine it is mostly family so it still might be very crowded.

Or how about if you were to say "Stop in to wish her a Happy Birthday. Due to her injury and age the party will be just an hour or so."  

Perhaps you want just a small cake for her and serve cookies and punch for the guests.  This would preclude serving cake, coffee, tea, soft drinks etc.  Just cookies and punch!  Quick and easy.

Is any of this helping?  It is just that the simpler you make it, the better chance that people will really just "stop in" and not make a day of it.  A prolonged event will be hard on your grandmother...so limit it to 2 hours. That is about what it will be even though you say one hour.

I hope this has given you some guidance.  If you have further questions feel free to write again.

Best of luck to you and your family in celebrating this incredible woman.

Patty Sachs