As I leaned down to place a baby on their lap, each resident nervously extended their arms, slightly fearful they might hurt the baby, but also unable to hide their absolute glee at the same time.
Some of them sang to the babies, others spoke lovingly. Their bodies, tight and full of pain, melted into deep calm breaths as they gently brushed the baby goats’ hair with their fingers.
Several residents proudly told me about their childhood experiences growing up on a farm. As a farm kid myself, I loved hearing about their chores and mishaps. It is a lifestyle that most kids today do not get to experience, and I am finding fewer and fewer people who can relate to those farm-specific memories.
After each resident held the babies for a few minutes, Ms. Althea led me down the hall to greet patients who had been unable to leave their rooms.
I cannot adequately describe the change in their eyes as soon as they saw the baby goats. It was like a rebirth, if even just for a few
The Langenderfer girls Quincy, age eight, and Amelia, age six.
seconds. I told them a bit about the animals and our farm and then we sat in silence that was louder than a stadium full of people cheering. They often closed their eyes and leaned their heads gently on the babies.
What were they feeling? What were they thinking? What were they telling the goats in the silence?
Several people asked how I kept the babies still and calm. I think animals are so much more perceptive than people. They melted with the experience too, falling asleep with nearly every resident.
My absolute favorite part of the day came in the Memory Care Unit. One resident was lovingly holding a baby doll when we walked in. She looked up and saw the baby goats and immediately placed her baby on the table and extended her arms. She never spoke a word, but her face said it all.
I will never forget my day at the Brown County Health and Living Community, and I have already talked to Ms. Althea about returning when our miniature donkey has her baby this summer. •
March / April 2024 • Our Brown County 57