Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: FERHOODLE (confuse or mix-up) (03/03/16)
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TITLE: Ms. Edna Breaks Routine | Previous Challenge Entry
By Michol Ludwig
03/10/16 -
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Jessica makes her rounds, checking on each of the residents assigned to her. George is the only one still awake. She spends a few minutes talking with him, and then, reassured that he doesn’t need anything, she completes her charting and decides to go to lunch while all is quiet.
Joining another CNA in the breakroom, she opens her lunch bag, and removes some orange slices.
“How was Ms. Edna tonight?” Carol asks between bites of her tuna fish sandwich.
“The same,” Jessica says, then takes a sip of her Diet Coke. “After dinner, she once again packed her suitcase, insisting that her husband was coming to take her home.” Jessica pops an orange slice in her mouth.
Carol shakes her head. “That’s so sad. Don’t you get tired of going through that routine with her every night? I don’t know if I could be so patient with her.”
Jessica chews a moment, then swallows. “She can’t help herself. For her it’s very real. When she gets agitated because he isn’t coming, I assure her that he will be along. It doesn’t do any good to tell her that her husband is dead.” Jessica offers an orange section to Carol, “I just stay with her until she either forgets why she packed, or until she falls asleep.”
Passing on the orange, Carol nods. “Yeah, I suppose arguing with her could really upset her. I give you a lot of credit. I love my job, but I have a hard time with our Alzheimer’s residents.” Carol glances at the wall clock, “Last night Joe was trying to get in bed with Susie. She let out a howl that scared us half to death.” They chuckle. “It wasn’t easy getting Joe to return to his own room.” Packing the remains of her lunch, Carol continues, “I hope I never get to the point where I am confused like that.” She gets up. “Speaking of Joe, I better go check on him.”
Jessica watches as her coworker leaves, then she finishes her lunch, and sets her bag aside. Taking her phone from her pocket, she reads her daily devotion.
Noticing the time, she says a quick prayer for Ms. Edna, Joe, and all the other Alzheimer residents. “Lord, I can’t imagine what it must be like to be face to face with family, be told who they are, yet not know them. Or worse yet, to forget that I have a Heavenly Father that loves me very much. Please let your love penetrate their hearts and may you remain forever in their memories. Help me continue to be patient with them, and help Carol too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
******
“Ms. Edna, it is time to get ready for bed,” Jessica says as she guides her back to her room.
“I’m going home tonight.” Ms. Edna smiles at Jessica, and pushes her walker with more determination.
Entering Ms. Edna’s room, she expects her to ask for her suitcase so she bends to pick it up.
“I won’t be needing that.” Ms. Edna releases hold of her walker and shuffles to her bed.
“Don’t you want to be packed when your husband gets here?” Jessica looks at her perplexed. They have been through the same routine every night for several weeks now.
Ms. Edna sits on the edge of her bed. “Silly girl, Sam isn’t coming.” Struggling with the covers, Jessica helps her get settled in bed, pausing when she realizes that Ms. Edna called her husband by name. “But I thought you said you were going home tonight Ms. Edna.” Jessica adjusts her pillow, fluffing it just the way she likes it.
Ms. Edna smiles, patting Jessica’s hand, “Oh, I am," she says. "Don’t worry, Sam's there waiting.”
Fiction
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I truly loved this piece. It was on topic, excellently written and packed with emotion.
Thank you for sharing and congrats again!
Cindy