ID Bracelet Save

6:00 AM Fright!
Teri called just as Ron poked me to say Mom was not in the bed next to us. We are in Los Angeles in a hotel visiting with Tanner and Bethany. Mom apparently got up, put on her slippers and slipped out the not so silent hotel door. How did we not hear her? How did she get to the lobby with no cane or walker?

The crazy thing is that Ron and I had been taking turns going to the hot tub so one of us was always in the room with Mom. We didn’t want her waking up from a nap and being confused at where she was at in this unfamiliar hotel. Then when we were thinking she was safe in the next bed, she was gone without us even knowing.

Thank God we got her a wrist bracelet that she cannot remove that had Teri and my name and phone numbers on it. The front desk lady called Teri then Teri called me to let us know that Mom was downstairs waiting for us to come pick her up. We were shocked that she could get down the elevator and to the front on her own. It turns out she didn’t. A sweet, angel named Ana that works at the hotel saw her wandering around the second floor hall and took her to the lobby. Terrifying to think that she left without us hearing her. Thankful that the ID bracelet worked in getting her back to us.

After a hug and thank you to Ana we learned that even when we are right beside Mom she can get confused and walk away. We are beyond grateful that she is safe and doesn’t even remember her little, early morning adventure. The front desk gal squeezed Mom’s hand and said that she was so glad they found Mom’s humans. I feel like I failed my Mom this morning. But I am grateful that my sister was understanding and not condemning. Mostly I am glad she didn’t get outside in the cold rain.

Caregiving is 24/7 and more often than not I question whether I am doing all I can do to make Mom safe and comfortable. This time with Mom is such a gift and more than anything I need to enjoy her. My heart is to do my best for her and I need to give myself a break when things don’t go just the way I think they should. She is safe and that is what matters. My heart is beating normally again after this morning dash to the lobby in my nightgown and barefeet. We gave Ana a huge tip for her help in the situation and too many hugs to count. Until next time...........

In Him,
Joyful
3-6-19