This short story is from <Feel Better Compilation of Short Stories for Seniors> by Bradley Windrow. It is perfect for seniors, even for dementia patients. Be sure to read until the end, as there’s a special gift waiting for you! hope you enjoy it!
We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. –George Bernard Shaw
Grandpa Joe was infamous at the retirement home for his mischievous pranks. His sense of humor knew no bounds, and he often swapped salt for sugar in the communal kitchen or hid residents’ slippers in unexpected places. While his antics initially annoyed many of the residents, they couldn’t help but admire his playful spirit. One morning, Edith poured salt into her coffee instead of sugar and grimaced.
“Oh, Grandpa Joe,” she muttered, shaking her head with annoyance. “He’s at it again.”
Fed up, the residents decided it was time to give Grandpa Joe a taste of his own medicine. Led by the ever-resourceful Tom and Martha, they concocted a plan to prank Joe back using the same tricks he had played on them.
“Let’s see how he likes a bit of his own medicine,” Tom said, grinning conspiratorially.
The next day, Grandpa Joe went to take his morning shower and found a fake spider waiting for him. He let out a surprised yelp but quickly burst into laughter, appreciating the effort.
“Well played,” he chuckled, tossing the spider aside. But the others were not done. It was just the beginning.
Later, during his favorite TV show, he sat down and immediately heard a loud whoopee cushion sound. The room erupted in laughter as Joe stood up, shaking his head with a smile.
“Really? That’s all you got?” he teased. The residents were far from finished. They continued their playful revenge with a series of well-coordinated pranks. Grandpa Joe found his toothpaste replaced with shaving cream, his slippers hidden in the freezer, and his toothbrush stashed in the cookie jar. Despite being on the receiving end, Grandpa Joe couldn’t help but admire the creativity and effort his fellow residents put into their tricks. As the prank war evolved, it became clear that the residents were bonding over their shared antics. The atmosphere in the retirement home was filled with laughter and playful banter, transforming the community.
“Did you hear him scream when he found the spider?” George asked, chuckling with Edith.
“Priceless!” Edith replied, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.
But the last prank was the biggest. That evening, Grandpa Joe was invited to what he thought was a casual dinner in the common room. As he entered, the lights suddenly went out, and he was showered with green slime while the residents, all wearing funny masks, jumped out and shouted, “Gotcha!”
A life-sized cardboard cutout of Joe, dressed in pink tutus and a clown nose, was unveiled amidst cheers and laughter. The room was decorated with photos of his pranks and playful quotes attributed to him.
“Well, you got me good this time,” Grandpa Joe said, laughing heartily. “I have to admit, this is the best prank yet!” From that day on, pranks became a beloved tradition at the retirement home. Residents took turns playing harmless tricks on each other, always with the understanding that it was all in good fun.
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