“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly…Part 3

I later learned from the sister and the niece about all she had been dealing with, and how they were in search of someone to make sure she ate when she returned home. In the midst of trying to find someone, the sister said she was going to keep her for the time being. I cautioned her about her own health and the toll memory issues play on patients and families. She listened, but I knew, and the niece agreed, she wouldn’t release care until she was ready.

She was reluctantly ready last month when she called and asked me to help her find a caregiver. I asked the specifics of what was needed? I knew there would be no Fall football, and I also knew my full-time job would not be in-person for a while (limiting the risk of COVID exposure), so I agreed to help.

Dementia patients come in a variety of forms. Her sweet personality remains, and I’m so happy she can be at home because I know she loves her house and the neighbors surrounding her. It hurts to know SHE knows something is wrong when she tells me and others, “I can’t drive anymore.”

There is a lot she can still do, one of which is make sure the TV is on MSNBC 😭. I cared for her mother during the 2016 election and listened to her fuss, at the then candidate. During this election season, I can be on my phone while she is quietly working a word search or suduko puzzle, and she will randomly yell, “HE IS AN IDIOT! Do you think he will get another term?!?” After I offer a nervous laugh, because she’s scared me, I attempt to calm her by reminding her about voting. That’s when I’m reminded of the patient and his wife who went through so much to make sure Black people voted.

Early voting started last week and she became increasingly anxious with each passing day. I took her to WSSU to vote Monday. I surprised her with a ride around campus where she told me how she worked for Coach Gaines and pointed out a building named after her cousin.

I guess God is truly laughing at me, because none of what is happening was in my plans, but I am so grateful these families trusted/trust me to care for their loved ones as they continue to offer me the love, hope and care I miss from my grandparents and aunt.

Voting was prevalent in my patient, his wife and now the daughter. What was also prevalent is education. The daughter asks me every week about whether Michai is working out for football. She also wrote him a check for school supplies, and even though I told her he didn’t need it, that didn’t stop her from putting her hand up ✋🏽 and asking me when I was going to cash it?!

She told me she “didn’t play” as a teacher and I’m led to believe her! 🤣