AD SENSE

Alzheimer's and a Husband's Love for his Wife

Written by Stanton O. Berg 

A Story as told by an anonymous doctor's office nurse.
Old Couple 1.
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It was a busy morning at the clinic, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.
On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.

 
Old Couple 2.
 
As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in three years now.
I was surprised, and asked him, “And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?” He smiled as he patted my hand and said:
She doesn't know me,
 but I still know who she is."
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought -
"That is the kind of love I want in my life."
--- 
Old Couple 3.