Even James couldn’t get through to Constance today… She was fully dressed and in bed. But, she was not huddled, awake, under a pile of blankets. She lay on her back, facing the ceiling, her eyes closed, and in a very deep sleep. I checked with the nurse to see if she had been medicated – but no, she simply was unresponsive. They told me that she is often like this.
I spoke her name softly, then louder. I told her that her friend James was here to see her. Nothing…
Many of the folks we had passed in the hallway wanted to visit with James. So, we left Constance’s room – having decided to wait awhile, then come back. James made the rounds of folks gathered around the nurses’ station on the Dementia unit. Lots of smiles and petting. Though, some folks stared straight ahead, not even noticing our presence. When James had finished greeting the folks there, we headed back into Constance’s room. But, more of the same. Then, suddenly, she lifted her hand. I motioned to James to put his head near her raised hand… she then placed it on his head and pet his head and ears. She moved her mouth, as though wanting to say something, but couldn’t. Her eyes, still closed, showed motion. That was it… I was hoping she would rally, as she always has in the past. But, not today. That’s all right. We’ll be back next week.
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