Wish You Were Here
By Gwendolyn de Geest, RN, BSN, MA
I am sitting in the restaurant having lunch with my husband, Howard. But Howard’s not here.
We ordered our lunch; Minestrone soup (Howard’s favorite), Caesar salad, a nice panini bread, and tea. Howard excused himself, “I have to go to the bathroom Dear.”
“Alright,” I responded. The soup came; I didn’t want to start without Howard, but I was hungry. I finished my soup, still no sign of my husband. The salads arrived, still no Howard. The food items have taken on a secondary importance.
By now, I’m beginning to wonder. I asked our waiter, “Excuse me, would you please check on my husband? He’s been in the men’s room for a very long time.”
The young man complied, and reported back to me, “Your husband says to tell you that he has to wait for his friend. In fact, the two of them are engaged in conversation.”
“I don’t understand,” I replied. “Howard went to the bathroom alone.”
By now, the young man could see that I was becoming anxious. With a sigh, he said, “Okay, Madam, I’ll check on him once again if you like.”
And he did so. When he reported back to me, it was the most confusing and frightening message I have ever received.
“Your husband is talking to his friend in the mirror. He told me to tell you he can’t join you for lunch until his friend is ready.”
Peggy and Howard met nearly 45 years ago at a University dance. Peggy was studying Nursing, and Howard, Civil Engineering. Peggy said, “I knew I was going to marry that guy, when he offered to take me home from the dance, with a bus ticket he found on the dance floor.” They married three years later; two children followed, a son and a daughter.
“Wish You Were Here” is a true story. Howard is in early stage Alzheimer’s disease. From the moment of diagnosis, his wife, Peggy, family members and friends are thrown into a state of turmoil, attempting to understand and attach meaning to what is happening to this person, Howard, they once knew.
continue reading
At Your Side Home Care recognizes that there are many reasons why a loved one may need caregivers. From seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease, to patients with disabilities, our caregivers are here to provide quality and affordable caregivers in Houston and the surrounding communities. Call us for information, 832-271-1600!
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- What Does Home Care Do to Support Family Caregivers? - December 20, 2024
- Fun, Brain-boosting Activities for Seniors - December 20, 2024
- Socialization is Vital for Seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease - December 13, 2024
