My mom and dad and I were in Office Max, checking out. Mom
was actually checking out and dad and I were standing off to the side, waiting
and this young woman comes to the line pushing a man in a wheelchair. He’s
physically stunted, and malformed. He is curled up, with an odd facial
expression. He is older looking.
I keep to myself and wait for mom.
Dad walks to the man in the wheelchair. Can I talk to him?
He asks her. Dad holds his hand and talks so gently and quietly to the man.
It’s alright. This will all work out for you. You’re doing
pretty good. Yeah, it’s alright now. He holds his hand and looks the man in the
face and gently comforts him with words of loveliness.
I don’t know what to do. Is dad bothering the woman? Is she
happy he is talking to him? I don’t know what the right thing to do is. But dad
knows. Dad and this man know.
You’re doing just fine. This will all work out the way it’s
supposed to. Yeah, you’re alright.
In that moment, I wonder, who is really lost,
and who is really found.
This reminds me so much of my husband who also has Alzheimer's. Every time we go out he always finds someone in need of a hug and quick back rub. This is not what people do, you don't just walk up to someone and give them a hug and backrub. My husband does. And when that person looks at me with a question in their eyes, I just give that smile and they instantly understand, they are ok now. And I appreciate that so much. That interaction. And it makes him so happy.
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