The Power of Baby Love

Sophia "breathes and coos
and has a heartbeat."

A friend whose elderly mom is in a nursing home and isn't doing well mentioned how much she improved when, following the advice of her caregivers, she gave her a baby doll to love. My friend said her mom's attitude went from sad and withdrawn to smiling all the time and happy.

I've noticed that myself at the nursing home I visit. Several of the patients cuddle baby dolls and are always eager to talk about them. I usually stop to admire the babies and ask how they are doing. It never fails to generate smiles and conversation. It's part of my desire to enter into their Alzheimer's world where time is all one -- the past and the present swirling together.