Life rushes by and it seems I forget to share my appreciation for family, friends, and strangers who help me out when needed. The latter individuals rescued me last Saturday at the UNR versus Idaho debacle. I won’t comment further on the football game – it is far too painful – but there are positives wound into the afternoon. First, I felt an inspired crowd appeared at the entry gates and then spread out throughout the stands. With lots of cheering, clapping, music from the band, and cheers ringing out from the cheer squad, the air sparkled with happiness. Although I usually encounter friends as I wander the stadium, having all of my family present (except Lynn who dog-sat at home) for a delicious tailgate party, games, and laughter made for a super start to the day.
At halftime I received a text to gather in front of the wolf statue near the Lawlor entry. Our grandkids love the wolves and Wolfie himself strolled by for a photo op. After snapping some excellent shots of the kids in their new Wolf Pack gear, we chatted and then a friend noticed that Charlie, our youngest grandson, had vanished. We raced left and right searching for him. I approached the exit guard with a plea for help, but he just shrugged and said, “I don’t know.” The second attendant recognized fear and pointed our Breonna who held a walkie-talkie in her hand. I explained my plight, described Charlie’s apparel (Nevada #1 jersey) and she immediately flew into action. Within minutes, maybe even seconds, we heard that a boy matching Char’s description waited with the campus police just outside of the gate.
Panicked Charlie eyes met weeping Mom and Grandma eyes as we thanked the three officers, including Chief Eric James. Having walked out of the stadium, Charlie had headed for the street below when a couple realized that he must be lost and guided him toward the police who watched him until we arrived. I understand that the campus police were simply doing their job, but it is reassuring to know that they were doing their job for us. I admit, too, that my grandson likes to roam and as Allison pointed out, this is most likely not our last Lost Child fright.
As we returned to the stadium, the football team re-entered along the familiar roped-off lane. Happily, all fans, despite the score, cheered, thanked, and encouraged every player. No meanness nor snide remarks occurred. After all, the players are really just kids who want to win; the same goes for the coaches and staff. Heckling is counter-productive and doesn’t induce positive results. When finally the clock hit 0:00, we returned to our site to dine on chorizos (not vegetarian me, but the rest) and enjoy some trash-talk of our own. You see, Scott, our son-in-law, graduated from Idaho and had plenty to feel proud about and my-oh-my, he showed off with stunning football passes, catches and asphalt tackles (yes, some of us left with knees embedded tarry rocks). While I demonstrated no appreciation for his antics, they were understandable given the final score. I suppose I learned something about humility.
Another group I appreciate are attendees of presentations such as “Dementia Self-Management” currently being held each Thursday at Pleasant Senior Center at 9am. I’ve read and researched, attended conferences and meetings, googled and scrolled, but there is nothing to compare to the truth shared by individuals living with dementia, people who have cared for loved ones living with dementia, and professionals in the field. I know my stories from Mama and Carole, but I now know so much more because others disclosed theirs. Although similarities exist, every journey is personally unique. Our first 90-minute session left me inspired and replete with knowledge. I look forward to our next five gatherings.
Now to our Respite attendees. With lunch, games, art, puzzles, and more, every Thursday is special and I am never quite sure what might come next. Sometimes raucous, at other times subdued, I like the mix up and creativity that arises regardless of activity. I receive some complaints like “too many pieces in the puzzle” to “what dull colors you brought” to “let’s go straight to our favorite game, Mexican Train”. With the idea being mental stimulus, I work to side-line the favorite with other endeavors, but it seems we always end with dominoes. Our newest member looked around the room and defined us as an “entertaining enterprise”. I love it!