Missing Something? (Yes! Kim.)

Kim is a special education teacher… and for us a special friend.

The former “special” equips her to deal with situations that confound the average person. The latter “special” equips her to deal with WR and me.

Recently she flew to Colorado where she and her husband plan to move. While she interviewed for jobs, she stayed with her very best friend who is a live-in manager at another “special” place; a home for people afflicted with dementia.

One of the residents became attached to Kim during her two week stay. Kim was attentive and made herself available to help Priscilla find her sweater – a task which needed to be done often. The forgetful lady left her sweater in the dining room, in the sitting room, in the chair in the hall, and everywhere else. Once she realized her sweater was not over her shoulders she would fret, and then accuse others of thievery.

One particular morning Kim arrived early in the dining room to prepare for her day, along with several other residents who were waiting for their breakfast.

When she heard Priscilla grumbling and tottering their way, Kim looked up. It was not a surprise to see her without the sweater. But Kim was astonished to see the thin, white haired little lady without any clothes from the waist down.

Kim jumped up to cut her off at the dining room archway, where she gently turned her around and away from the others.

“Are you missing something?” Kim asked while her arm firmly hugged and herded towards Priscilla’s bedroom.

“Yes.” Priscilla answered with her shaky voice, “My… my…sweater.”

“I’m sure we’ll find it in your house.” Kim encouraged her to keep moving.

Kim didn’t want to do or say anything that would upset Priscilla, or in any way be considered disrespectful. She waited until the bedroom door was closed before she asked the question once more.

“Are you missing anything else?” Kim inquired, and probably displayed that dimple that appears when she’s suppressing a giggle.

“Yes. My.. my.. sweater! I need to go look for it!” Priscilla was a little bit agitated.

“We are going to look for it,” Kim encouraged, “but first, Priscilla, you need to look down!”

Kim smiled and pointed towards the floor.

The confusion apparent in her face, Priscilla bent her head forward and studied the carpet around both her and Kim’s feet.

“Oh! My stars!” An astounded look crossed her face and she turned it towards Kim. “I forgot my slippers!”

(Kim is moving to Colorado next week. Now WR and I are going to be the ones missing something.)