We are in his heart.”
Alzheimer’s and dementia are some of the most painful things that can happen to a loved one. While their minds might not remember many things, their hearts often do.
Every day, day care kids visit Louisiana senior Gene McGehee, who suffers from dementia.
As a result, the 91-year-old’s memory resets almost every 15 minutes.
Even Gene can’t remember his own face. Often, he sits on his lawn in a white chair in a quiet suburban neighborhood.
About 1/3 of people over 85 suffer from dementia, according to the NIH. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a normal part of aging. Both patients and those who care for them struggle with dementia.
A lot of Gene’s friends keep him going, which is a good thing.
Several kids from the nearby daycare center have visited Gene for the past three years.
He is loved by the children at the daycare across the street from his house.
According to his daughter Cathy, Gene also struggled with loneliness for a long time.
To Gene and his daughter, the daily visits from smiling, happy children are nothing short of a blessing.
Despite not remembering the last time they were here, Gene appreciates their company. The kids ride bicycles or play instruments every day. He never fails to smile and light up when he sees them.
It is possible that he doesn’t remember their names or the last time they visited. However, he does remember how happy they make him.
Every single day, Megan Nunez, the daycare teacher, has been present. While the kids play with Gene, she always shares a chat with him.
For TikTok and Instagram, she filmed some moments with Gene.
Even though Gene will not remember anything the next day, tons of people will watch Megan’s videos and see what a sweet old man he is.
As far as Gene knows, every visit the kids make is their first.
At night and in the morning the next day, he will have forgotten. They’ll visit again during the day, and he will light up once again. This has been going on for the past three years.
However, Gene’s heart seems to remember. Whenever he steps outside, he always feels an inherent, unexplainable sense of happiness. He knows there’s a reason the outside makes him happy, but he can’t recall what it is.
It’s all because of love, says Cathy. His mind fails him, but his love remembers.
Megan Nunez said, “We always tell the kids that his brain is kind of sick, but his heart always remembers us.”
May his heart continue to beat. The kids are a blessing to Gene, and his story is also a blessing to hear. Love can take you anywhere.
Take a look at the video below to see how the children brighten Gene’s day!
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