Archive for June 29th, 2009

So he got out of the locked house this afternoon without my hearing him turn the key or relock the door.

At 5pm I always turn the news on for him and I go to the bedroom and watch 30 minutes of Nancy Grace. No more NG for me.

I had a weird feeling and jumped up, called his name. No answer. Just then, our fireman neighbor was banging on our door.

“I just saw Wayne round the corner down the street. I’m running to get him.” Could barely believe my ears.

Sis said Someone must be looking after him. The neighbor was working in his garage and just happened to glance down the road at the right time.

We have unfenced orchards on the east and north sides of our road so if he ever decided to hike thru one of those, we’d have a job on our hands.

This time I wrote on recipe cards, noting that I would be back, do not worry, I love you and I will be back to take you home.

I put a card in each shirt pocket and each pair of pants. Also, I taped a card on his bedside table, by his mirror, on both closet doors and on his toiletrie bag. Pick up seemed easier this time and I thought this was the reason.

Days later, a week to be specific, our world crumbled for a day. Three times on Sunday, he came down the hall totally confused, very distraught and seeming to not know me. When I’d say that it was me and use our “code” he’d kind of half believe it.

Our son and DIL were here and we could only guess he’d had a bad dream and was upset.

We invited guests for dinner (friends and family) and he was happy and laughing.

By evening he was exhausted and I suggested “a rest” for 15 minutes. A few minutes later, down the hall, confused, very unhappy and agreed that maybe he’d had a dream – “doesn’t matter”. Finally, he felt around on the wall (which I now realize was for his card saying I’ll be back) and kind of lost it in tears. Soon as I caught on, I assured him he was home, that it was I who was holding him and that he had been home for several days.

It’s tough to watch your man cry til his shoulders shake and his eyes are swollen. It’s tough for our family to see.

I sat and rocked him for maybe 20 minutes til the veil of confusion was gone. Son and DIL walked into the room during this time. Hated for them to witness his pain as it’s their pain.

Happy to report, no more incidents and I do think “it’s over”, riddle solved.

I ask, cards next time or not? I’m sure they helped at the moment but – - -