A Scary Moment with Winter Worries

Thank God that warmer temperatures are arriving in northern VA. It gives me hope as the ice begins to melt.

This past holiday weekend was a challenge to try to keep Linda from going outside without a proper coat, in below freezing temperatures, trying to walk on sidewalks that are covered with snow and solid ice.

Yesterday she slippped out without me realizing it. When I discovered she was gone, I checked for coats...they were hanging in the closet. I went out, got in the car and started around the block...fortunately choosing the right way. I found her with a light jacket, no socks and her slip-on shoes, walking over ice, shivering away in the cold. I was able to get her back into the car, get her home and warm her up.

I fussed at her some, even knowing that it was for my own benefit and she wouldn't remember. I pointed out the sign on the door saying "STOP don't walk outside!"

Such signs don't work any longer. Within 30 minutes she was out the door again, not remembering any of the other experiences. This time, and each one after that I was able to stop her quickly since my office window looks out on our front walkway. I will now have to upgrade our security from the inside. Another crazy step in caregiving.

But most of all, I am thankful that we will be in the high 40's today and each day for the next week...maybe getting to 60 in a few days. The ice will melt. The snow will leave. The sidewalks will become safe places. The sun will shine. And it looks like we have made it safely through one more winter...hopefully.

We had one incident in this area of a person with dementia who did not make it. She walked outside without a coat, went on a short walk into the woods next to her house, and was later found frozen just 30 yards from home.

God help us. We can't be everwhere all the time. We need angels sourrounding our loved ones...human and spiritual beings making up a vast support system 24/7.

Come Spring weather, come soon. Be near, dear Lord, these are your special little ones needing our care and Your's.

Bill