The Seasons of Alzheimer's

<p>In the afternoon we went to the Salvation Army warehouse to help wrap gifts for children in need. Mom and I enjoyed our afternoon. I put Mom’s hand in place to hold the paper and I would hurry to get the tape on before she lost grip.</p><p>Mom repeatedly asked “Who are the presents for?”</p><p>I repeatedly said “They are for children and families in need.”</p><p>Mom was happy all over again.</p><p>On the way home I decided to stop at the health food store. I only needed a couple of items and there was a parking space close to the store. Mom said she was too tired to go in and wanted to wait in the car. I agreed and it would be quicker for me to go in alone. She was buckled in her seatbelt and hadn’t yet remembered how to unbuckle it. I was confident Mom would be fine. I locked her in the car and told her I would be back in five minutes.</p><p>I grabbed the items I needed peeked out the window saw Mom in the car and proceeded to the checkout. There was one customer ahead of me. Checkout went fast and I rushed out to the car. Mom was gone! I panicked like never before. I wanted to scream. My mind raced. What should I do? Should I call the police? I cried “Where did Mom go?”</p>