Pleasant Hills-Homage to A Clean-Well Lighted Place

The old woman awakens every morning at six o'clock. She glances outside the only window in her room and admires how tranquil and perfect everything is as she takes in the magnificent view. She knows that Pleasant Hills is one of the loveliest places on earth. It is somewhat of a resort, a place to unwind and forget your troubles. The sun is shining on the unblemished green carpet of grass that covers the grounds. The leaves on the trees are starting to vary in color with different shades of gold and reds and all is well and in order as it should be.
The old woman plans her day in the same fashion as the previous one. She washes up and gets ready for breakfast. All is fine because her breakfast will be served warm and then she can watch her favorite morning show. The old woman hears the other residents halfway down the corridor as she makes her way to the dining room for breakfast. The familiar voices and faces are all seated and enjoying their morning meal. The older attendee is pouring the morning coffee, while the younger attendee is reading the newspaper. The older attendee motions to the younger attendee to go and get more creamers. The younger attendee returns with the creamers and mutters that these old people don't need anymore cream. The older attendee mentions that these old people rely on them for support and nourishment and the least she can do is attend to them. The younger attendee responds, "they are a nuisance, a waste of space, since they are old and smelly." "All they are is good for nothing." The old woman signals to the young attendee for more coffee. The young attendee quickly pours the coffee and heads back to her newspaper. Her shift is about to end after breakfast and she is looking forward to going home. The old woman signals to her again for more coffee. The young attendee ignores the old woman's request and replies, "I am done for today," as she quickly exits the dining room.
As the day progresses the residents are happy reminiscing about past events and enjoying each other's company. After dinner everyone gathers around the piano as the old woman plays her favorite melodies while the others sing along. The older attendee glances out the window and watches the sun setting slowly while the oak tree's leaves are gently swaying in the wind and casting their moving shadow on the side of the building. The residents will soon retire for the evening. She knows the Pleasant Hills is the only home left for many of these people. It is a clean well-respected establishment for over fifty years. There is nothing left for most of them in the outside world. Their families have chosen to give them up and they have survived failure, disappointment, sickness, loss and they're still here. They are true survivors. Even though there may be nothing left for them, the one thing they will always have is the peace and security of Pleasant Hills. Many have gone home but don't stay away for too long. They always come back to what they've known for so many years. I guess they all miss that magnificent view from their windows.