Blog 010118 – – Monday
I am an enigma too many of
the residents here at Plymouth View apartments. I have indicated in
the past even though I'm really old and were younger residents here
at the apartments meaning a lot of the folks have old time,
preconceived ideas regarding people with disabilities I. E. Me. These
ladies have no idea how person who lives in a power wheelchair can
live the way that I do. Many of these people of marveled that I am
fact will drive my power chair two or three blocks south to the
theater and watch movies. Not only do I do this during the day which
impresses them but I also do this after dark many times which really
impresses these ladies.
One lady a particular has
been most interested asking tons of questions. Today I was sitting in
the common area communicating with many of the residents and wishing
them all happy new year when this lady, Kate came up to me and asked
me which movies are playing. Kate seemed most impressed a number of
months ago when she first learned that I often went up the street to
the movies. They did not even realize there is a movie theater close
by nobody seemed to understand the theater close by. Today not only
did she want to know what was playing but she wanted also to know
what times these movies were playing. I have to admit I was a little
taken back. Even more so when Kate asked if I would go with her to
these movies. I told her I did not know right off the times and all
the movies playing but I would check and get back with her. She then
pulled me aside and whispered to me it was very important to her to
go to the movies because the coming week she was going to see her
position regarding changes in her life. Her physician is just
diagnosed her with Alzheimer's disease. She said movies would help
her not think about these upcoming changes. I would say Kate is
frail, she gets along very well though. She is totally independent
she even drives. Kate owns her vehicle and Kate is very much in
charge of her life. I'm sure Kate is mid-80s. Keep informed me that
she had to take somebody to the drugstore and that I should come to
her apartment after I find information about and we can plan our
movie adventure.
I did find out the
information. The time was about 1030 and there were a couple of
movies started around 11:40 AM. If she was ready and I was we could
take off and get there by the time the previous finished enjoy the
movie. I went to Kate's apartment and they are hanging out at the
door were her keys. I knocked on the door no answer. I knocked again
and there was no answer. I returned to my apartment and worked on a
project I've been focused on. I returned a few minutes later knocked
again on the door this time with one of my hooks and again no answer.
One of the neighbors have to be waswalking by and she felt empowered
enough to just walk into the apartment in search for Kate – – who
was not there. I slowly returned to my apartment now a bit confused
and slightly concerned and then I remembered a conversation she
talked about Alzheimer's and her diagnosis. Great I thought to myself
she totally does not even remember our conversation. She's out
wandering around somewhere. When I asked Kate if she thought the
doctors diagnosis was accurate she sadly looked at me and said I
think he's right – – I put my phone in the freezer of the
refrigerator I don't know why. The keys in the door, the abandoned
apartment she definitely was having an episode. I went back to my
apartment and made a quick lunch. I heard noises out in the hall and
no one out there I was somewhat shocked to see Kate in a discussion
with one of my neighbors. Her eyes lit up when she saw me and said
“what did you find out?” I had forgotten she was taking her
friend to pharmacy and that's where she'd been. She was still hot for
the movies.
We went to the movies. She
drove her car and I met her there in my power chair. The movie you
wanted to go to Jumanji wheelchair
seating was sold out, which I kind of find hard to believe. However,
Star Wars newest offering was just starting. We could just make it
into the theater by the time the previews ended which we did.
I'm
totally impressed Kate made it through the entire movie and I think
she kind of enjoyed it. She seemed to understand the movie. She gave
me a small part as we left the theater. It got dark while we watch
the movie and I was a little worried about her driving home but she
seems okay. I had some shopping at Harmon's. We went our ways. I hope
the movie helped defray some of her anxieties regarding her upcoming
discussion with Kate's position. I decided the movie I would be her
special friend if she could help her through this Alzheimer issue. I
don't know what I can do but I will do what I can do whether she
remembers it or not.
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