A Walk

I went to visit a friend after a funeral I attended which was closeby where she lives. She was walking the halls. She did not hesitate at all when I asked her if she wanted to go for a walk with me. Once outside the building, she sighed heavily and simply said "Ahhhhhhh" and took a deep breath. We went for a long walk around a very long block and down the street from her lodge. She definitely was happy to be outside. She said she feels like a prisoner. I guess she is as the doors are locked and she cannot go out unless someone is with her. No more impromput walks whenever she feels like it. No more quick breaths of fresh air to test the weather. She has to wait until the door opens as someone comes in or leaves. She has Alzheimer's but she still knows a lot but not enough to make a run for it! She's aware ... but not. She does a good coverup as she can talk about a lot of things - just doesn't remember the things we used to do together. I continue to tell her about them and she nods as if agreeing and remembering but I don't think she really does but it can't hurt.  If you didn't know it (I think I said this before) you wouldn't realize she has a problem. She still seems to recognize me (though I tell her my name) and is still willing to go with me and sit and talk so, I will continue to make the trip to get her outside and into the fresh air. I enjoy our times together and want her to enjoy them too. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a prisoner - both physically and mentally.

Enjoy your walks, smell the roses while you still can! Each day is a gift.
Psalm 142:7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name.