I like to watch people around me. I wonder what they are like. If they are really young I find myself wondering what great adventures they will have, how the world would be benefited by them. Sometimes my thoughts are less lofty and wonder what they are thinking and hope they have nice homes and friends.
When I look at adults or seniors I wonder what they looked like as young adults. What great adventures did they already have? What did they do professionally. Stuff like that.
In my work I regularly visit folks in our local Alzheimer unit at the nursing home. Yesterday I watched as these folks sat quietly, or walked about, or spoke to no one in particular. I held Jean' s hand for a time. I don't know what Jean did in her past life. I listened to her chatter away in meaningless gibberish while looking into her eyes and wondering about her. She has such nice smile. Is Jean behind those eyes and nice smile or is Jean gone? What is going on with her? I am saddened for her as well as her husband, family and friends. What adventures did Jean have as a young woman, wife and mother?
How about the younger man who reminded me of a farmer in the way he was dressed? Did he ranch or farm in the area at one time? Who did he leave behind when he took this road in his life? How about the others around the room? I don't imagine any of them thought they would end up like this.
Since dementia is in my family does that mean my chances of ending up like these folks is pretty good? Those who had it were all women. Does that bode better for all the men?
Each time I hear on the news about medical progress in the area of dementia I pray that a cure is coming soon.
It is one thing to die from those diseases we hear so much about. It is another thing to live but not be there.
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