A TRIP TO JEFFERSON

Living with an Alzheimer’s person is a continual learning process.

Two or three years ago James came in and told me Jack had asked us to go on a short trip to Jefferson with them and some other people. The men would ride their motorcycles and the women were going in their Suburban. Great!!! Jefferson is a small East Texas town with lots of antique shops and an old historical hotel – just “darling quaintness”. I had sense enough to call Jack to confirm that it was happening. Yes! The men could not leave until afternoon because one of them had to work but the women would leave early. Jack would take care of hotels etc.

I packed an overnight case and met the ladies and we took off. Beautiful ride, beautiful East Texas trees and greenery. The signs said we were getting close to Jefferson and I ask them if they came to Jefferson often. They said they had never been there. We passed a couple of exit signs to Jefferson. I told Cathy I thought she had passed all the exits to Jefferson. She looked at me in the rear view mirror; “Did you want to go to Jefferson?” “Uuuuuuhhhhhh, I thought that is where we were going.” “No, we are going to Shreveport to the casino.” I sat there with my mouth open “Duh”. “Did you think we were going to Jefferson?” “Uuuuhhh yes, but that’s okay.” Shreveport is another hour or two down the road.

So I sat there and contemplated that. Casinos. James and I are neither one very fascinated by gambling. How many hours can we tolerate gambling just to be friendly and cooperative? What else can we do? How long before we can quit gambling and go do something else?

We arrive, check in; the room is beautiful, big, 2 beds, 2 sofas but they only reserved one room. They say nobody ever sleeps much; they are up all night in the casino.
I say something about leaving tomorrow, Sunday. “Oh no. We are not leaving til Monday.” “Uuuuuuhhhhh”. I notice my mouth is gaped open again.

Continued.