Another memory care trauma - solved

GothicGremlin

The latest mystery/trauma that I've been dealing with this week has to do with Peggy's hair and the orange thing that is everywhere and everything.

A few weeks ago Peggy thought her hair was blue. Then she thought it was orange. Her hair is, and always has been, blonde. Even today she thought her hair was orange.

I didn't see her yesterday, but I talked to her on the phone. She was inconsolable. Everything in her room was orange. "It's bad," said Peggy. "You're going to be so mad when you see it."

Today I saw it, and was relieved. The orange thing that is everywhere in the orange blanket on Peggy's bed. Memory care staff swapped that blanket in while they wash the purple quilt that my aunt made for Peggy. Alles klar, Herr Kommissar. I think Peggy thought that staff had somehow dyed her purple quilt orange. And since our aunt made the quilt, that was why I was going to be angry.

Here's our brief conversation -

Peggy - so I'll get it back?
me - yes, it's in the wash. It'll be back on your bed tomorrow, I promise.
Peggy - really?
me - yes, really.
Peggy - but what about my hair?
me - your hair looks really good today.
Peggy - it does?
me - Yes, it's clean. You have on a nice pink headband. It's pretty.
Peggy - so everything is okay?
me - everything is great.
Peggy - that makes me so happy. Yay!

I know this sounds so trivial, but for Peggy, the world was ending. But at least for the moment, Peggy's happy. And I'm happy for her.

sandwichone123

I'm so happy you were able to "solve" it for her! There are so many things we have no control over, and it's great to see a solid win!

toolbeltexpert

that's an awesome story. thanks for sharing that.Way to go!

JDancer

I love this! Thank you so much for sharing.