I was so pleased to see my father get credit in this week’s JC People pages for the newsletter he has started at the Nightingale. But what people don’t know is that he has tremendous physical, as well as intellectual, fortitude in the face of adversity from serious illness and old age.
Not only has Martin Chaplin started editing the in-house magazine since moving into the NIghtingale, but he is determined to keep moving under his own steam at 89. He always refuses a wheel chair when he goes out, no matter how long it takes him to get from one place to another, and we respect his fierce spirit of independence.
My sister and I run the famous Tango Teas at the Waldorf with our dance company Simply Dancing Partners. Dad came to watch the first few sessions, and then decided that he wanted to join in. He practiced for several weeks walking without his frame (with my son supervising in case he fell down). Then, with the help of a lovely lady client of ours who is a doctor, he got up and did his version of a dance. It was more like a rhythmic shuffle but at least he was able to join in.
He really is a wonderful example to others who just give up, and I am so proud of him.
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