John Garrett was 73 years old. He suffered from Alzheimer's Disease. He lived with his caregiver wife of 51 years. While they were each taking a nap one week ago yesterday, he awakened earlier than his wife and left his home on foot. He was not wearing a coat, just a sweater. A 27 mile radius around his home had been thoroughly searched for the past week. A college student home for this weekend saw the story of Mr. Garrett on the news and recognized him as a person he had given a lift to the day Mr.Garrett disappeared. He related this to authorities and Mr. Garrett’s body was found yesterday morning close to where the student had dropped him off. Mr. Garrett had been on a waiting list at an Alzheimer facility for quite a while now.
This is very sad news. I had been praying along with so many others that he would be found safe. My heart goes out to his wife and family. Having been a caregiver for my husband for the last 2 years of his life I know the questions that are always on my mind. Did I do this right, could I have done this differently, etc. Now after over 5 years I still have those thoughts swirling around in my mind, even knowing that I took care of Jim the best way I knew how, with much love and compassion.
When I saw the news headline in the paper this morning it just made me feel so sad.
It is bright sunshine and 27 degrees and the countdown to Spring stands at 28 days.
On a happier note, my niece and daughter are coming over for lunch today. So I need to be thinking about that. I hope you all have a great week. Stay safe and be happy!!
Beth
Mmm...company for lunch is the best!! What are you fixing??
ReplyDeleteSad story...the Altzheimers patient I care for has taken a horrible turn for the worse and is completely dissociating now. It's hard to watch and deal with...my prayers for the poor wife....
Have a grand lunch, madam !!
How sad. Things like that will always pop into your thoughts once in awhile even though you know you took the best care possible.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your lunch and happy thoughts.
Hugs
Sad indeed and I have seen so many including my family try to take care of a person like that. It takes a team and someone knowing how things are done to do it. Gramma was a wanderer and she got away from us several times. Scary..she even got away from the carecenter we put her in. I feel for her too it must be just devastating. Sunny here too I hope the week goes well Sis. : )
ReplyDeleteOh that's so sad. Happens more than people realize--them wandering off like that--but they are often found so you never hear about it. But once in a while they aren't located and then it is too often a sorry end.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a good time today. Enjoy! :)
I remember hearing about the man disappearing, how sad, but at least he was found, it would have been much more traumatic if he hadn't been. You hear so much of it nowadays, I lost a sister in law just before Christmas, she was in care for the last year or so. And i'm 100% sure you did all you could for Jim, so rest easy.
ReplyDeleteThat is very sad. That poor girl that gave him a ride must be having second thoughts too, but how was she to know.
ReplyDeleteThat is a sad one, but he is now in a happier place. Hope your visit with your family is a happy and memorable one---enjoy the day!
ReplyDeleteHave a great lunch and visit. I wish mine were here too. :-)))
ReplyDeleteBeth the news local, national or international is filled bad/sad news. I try not to let it get to me. We all have our own personal and family situations to deal with. You can't let the world around you beat you down.
ReplyDeleteOn a brighter note I went to Boston yesterday and had a wonderful time including a to die for meal. Blog, pictures, and movie will be up today or tomorrow, I hope.
We should have a cyber luncheon. I don't know how we would do it though. I have to think on it.
This is very sad news Beth so very sad, better he was found though poor man. Do enjoy your meal with your daughter have fun and smile together. Hugs Sheila and Wile-e xx
ReplyDeleteThat's absolutely heartbreaking
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news. On a waiting list is hard to understand when there is a need. Love your new background! Love Neil Young song!! Have a great visit today and glad the sun is shining for you.
ReplyDeleteBeyond sad, I'm very sorry to hear that. My grandfather cared for my grandmother who had that same awful disease. We played a role in helping care for her and it's a nightmare that is beyond description. High wind watch through Wednesday for us...our family is going out for a movie today which should be fun. Have a great day my friend.
ReplyDeleteIt has been nearly 23 years since my Dad died and there are times I still feel the same Beth...I guess that questioning never really goes away. I feel it's because we loved them so much. I will pray for his Family.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne
What a sad story...one you hear much too often. Prayers to his family during this diffucult time.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that. My prayers are with the family.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had some great company today!
Very much like my son-in-law's mom....it is tragic. Just know he is in God's arms now. No more pain, no more suffering....
ReplyDeleteFrankie and I lived with my mom to help her care for my dad the last few years of his life so we know what you went through. In addition to Alzheimer's he suffered with diabetes, emphysema, heart disease and diabetes so caring for him was tough. Mom was a corpsman in the Navy for 9 years and I was an Air Force PJ. Despite our extensive medical training it finally got to the point that we just couldn't provide the level of care he needed. He was admitted to a hospice on July 3, 2003 and passed away the next morning. I think he was just tired of fighting but what better day to pass that the 4th of July for a man who gave nearly a third of his life to serving his country during 3 wars!
ReplyDeleteI know I have already commented on your post but I also wanted to let you know that I have tagged you in my post today.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne