“Me time” takes an unexpected turn when John wants hot chocolate
Saturday mornings are a time that I have carved out for me to do whatever I want. Usually, I get up early to attend a Weight Watcher’s meeting and then hit the grocery store or farmer’s market while inspiration for a thinner me is still fresh enough to keep me away from potato chips.
Last Saturday I arrived early, had coffee and a chat with a couple of WW buddies and weighed in. My renewed commitment to take off the pounds I had regained since John’s diagnosis was starting to show progress! To keep the momentum going, I decided to make a special dinner using whole wheat pasta and lots of veggies.
While at the market I got a call from our grandson, Adam. He said that Papa was asking for a hot chocolate. Realizing my “me” time had just been shut down, I said that I would pick up his drink on my way home. I’ll admit that I dragged my feet a bit before heading to the check out counter, but not by much.
John waits for his hot chocolate at Starbucks
About 20 minutes had passed from the time of the call to my actually loading the car and driving to the Starbucks across the street. Entering the shop I saw John sitting at a table with a man I didn’t know. His face lit up with a smile when he saw me, I glanced around to see which member of the family had brought him.
To my surprise, dismay, horror”¦ I discovered that he was there by himself. Touching his shoulder, I asked if he had already ordered his drink, smiling he nodded yes. I walked over to the pick-up counter and asked Audrey, our regular barista, if anyone had seen John arrive.
She told me that Roxie, one of the workers happened to be getting into her car and had spotted John in the parking lot looking a bit dazed. She used her cell to call inside the shop to let them know that John was outside without me and if he didn’t come in soon to look for him. Roberto was just about to do so when John walked in and ordered his drink.
They decided to let him sit for a while before offering to call me or give him a ride home.
Our regular baristas Roxie and Audrey
I cannot express how grateful I am to know that the staff at our local Starbucks has taken an interest in John. We are regulars, they know of his disease, read my blog and ask about him if he isn’t with me. I laughingly say that I feel I’m with a rock star when he arrives with me: Which has become less and less often. Lately he would rather stay in bed and wait for the hot chocolate to come to him.
John doesn’t understand why I am so upset that he went to get a drink without me. He decided where he wanted to go, walked there, ordered and paid for what he wanted. What’s the problem?
It was luck that I decided to go to Starbucks instead of going home to get him. If I had done that, I would have found John missing and I’m not sure I would have immediately known where he would be. The park would have been my first guess, my mother’s down the street another. Some place a mile and a half away would not have been top of mind.
I have resisted purchasing medic alert bands for us to wear. I know it is stupid to think not having them means not needing them, but there you have it. This latest episode cannot be ignored. And I have ordered one for each of us.
I am glad my mom and I didnt have to go through that with my grandpa. He went out in the front yard looked around and went back in the house.
My father had never wandered before, but the day I went on vacation, my brother was staying with him, my dad decided to go to Jack in the Box, Safeway for some groceries, then to Starbucks, while my brother was in the shower. My brother called me in a panic and I told him where to look. Fortunately, he found him within 15 minutes, across the street from Starbucks. I think we were lucky to find him safe. The new rule is, someone needs to be available to hear the door chime at all times. I also need to order the medicalert safe return program, but I’m afraid he won’t wear it. Guess I won’t know until I get it.
I unfortunately remember too many of those stories from the frist years with my Mom.
Thinking back now I would have put a GPS on her since before I knew it she was wandering all about on her own.
It was a shock and a scare beyond the beyond the first time. It’s the simplest thing for us to get up and get something when we want it. I’m so sad for John it can’ be that simple anymore. And for you it’s jsut become more complicated.
You are right you have people watching his back and yours. You are blessed and I pray those blessings keep on coming my friend, my comadre.
My mom at 96 is still strong enough to walk long distances the only difficulty is that she doesn’t know how to get home again any more. She climbed mountains until she was 90. We got a GPS bracelet from the local police department. They can find her in a few minutes if she takes off while we aren’t looking. It is tough that she can open complicated locks but not remember where she is.
My husband is fifty four with early on set alzhemiers. It first began when hs was fifty one. I feel all alone.
I admire your patience and grit, but most of all I admire your sense of humor.
You are an inspiration to me
Thanks,