I went to the Alzheimer's unit early. I made arrangements to check my dad out and take him to the cafeteria to join in this function together. It was good I was early because the staff wasn't prepared for him to go anywhere. After all so few of their patients ever left the unit. While I waited, it became time for shift-change and new staff members started working. When my dad was ready to leave, we made our way to the exit and a CNA who hadn't met me yet stopped us. I asked "Could you please unlock the door? We're going to go play Bingo." He looked up and down the hall, searching for something unknown to me, then calmly said, "Who's the responsible party?" I rolled my eyes in frustration and answered, "Me! I know I look and sound like your patients, but I'm here visiting my dad from unit B, the short-stay unit. Ask the nurse if you want." He turned with a quizzical look at the nurse and she nodded her head in agreement. Embarrassment redden his face, he opened the door quick as a wink and exclaimed, "I'm sorry! I shouldn't judge a book by its cover."
That point was driven home during each and every visit with the knowledgeable man I knew as my father. Despite the vacant stare that frequently overcame those wise eyes of his. When we went to sing-a-longs he knew every word, his mind was aware enough to comfort me when I was down and that quick-wit of his was there at the right moments to make many people laugh. But most important of all, he never forgot whether or not we had our daily Bible reading! Wow God!
My word that goes out from my mouth will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11
I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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