Amazing, isn't it?

Surprise!  Daughter Julie brought Alzheimer-riddled father Ron home yesterday. For two hours. He hadn’t been home for six months. The important thing. It went well. Ron sat at the family’s kitchen table. Chatted. Albeit, from his dementia realm. Which Julie adeptly enters. Earlier in the day, Julie was visiting Ron. At his permanent abode. A 5-bed care home, called Arthur’s Residence, in an idyllic residential neighborhood. It’s like a real home. Not an institution. Staffed most of the day by four young women enrolled in colleges and universities. Studying to become nurses. They are enthusiastic and energetic and convivial. Exuding an abundance of good vibes. Exactly what Ron and others of his ilk need. Daily. Anyway, Julie showed up. And decided to take Ron with her. While running errands. Another good idea. Because Ron likes motion. Riding in a car. Or in a wheelchair. Or walking. It’s good therapy. Relaxes him. Suddenly, Julie had an idea. Why not bring Ron home? To his once familiar environs. What would happen? Hurrah! For Julie. Indeed, she would see. Ron responded. Magnificently.  A thrilling camaraderie. A family gathering. A little like old times. Ron enjoyed his stay. When it was time to return to Arthur’s Residence. No problem. Ron now thinks of having  two homes.  He’s no longer in an institution. No longer in a gawd awful traditional nursing home. Ron is a gentleman of leisure.  He’s learning how to adapt. In splendid fashion. Because now, wherever he goes, it’s home sweet home. Amazing, isn’t it? --Jim