Elder Moments

By Judith Bakkensen

Sometimes I know my brain is foggy and I can't pull together a simple transaction.  I don't panic, I wait.  Will help come?  Will my brain clear?  Will a miracle happen?

I was in the parking lot leaving Top Foods on the East Hill a couple days ago and I noticed an elder clutching a bag of groceries and looking distressed.  She walked a couple feet one direction and then another.  I felt immediate empathy for her.  She looked so worried and lost.  I yelled over to her,  "Have you lost your car?"

She quickly walked through the cars to me.  "We have a rental car.  It is a big silver car like this one." She pointed at the SUV I was standing next to.

We both looked at the car she pointed to.

"This is my car." She said with wonder in her voice.  "How did you know?"

I smiled at her and said,  "I don't know."

She was still looking at me in awe.  There was a man, her husband possibly, sitting in the car.  She began telling me her story.  She was a lovely person and I enjoyed her company.  The man opened his car door and said in a gruff, annoyed voice, "What are you doing?"

She seemed disoriented again.  I responded to him,  "We are friends, We're talking."

He closed the door and she smiled at our conspiracy.  She continued her story.  Eventually, her son came out of Top Food and we had to part company.  I gave her a hug and she waved to me as I walked away.

Let's keep an eye out for the elders.  They need the world to be softer, slower and friendlier.  I know that is what I need at times.