I was called to go do some shopping for my Father yesterday. I had other plans, but he needed some clothes and a pair of shoes. Things do wear out, but sometimes he gives some of his things away or throws them out as he often doesn’t recognize them as his own. So, off I went to Target.
I approached a kind, young woman, who works in the men’s department there and simply explained that I needed
to buy some things for my Father, but there was a really good possibility that I would have to return them as he was ill and often doesn't care for new things at all. It was to be the start of a very profound conversation.
She said that my Dad sounded a lot like her husband about new things. He was in a rehab center for those with very early onset dementia. I then told her that dementia was also what my Dad has, but he was 91 and in residential care. She said her husband’s illness was caught very early and medications were helping him. We had an immediate connection of caring and understanding. She helped me pick out several really nice things. And she assured me that if he wasn’t happy with anything we picked out, even the shoes, to just bring them back to her and she would take care of it.
She shared so much about her husband and I shared about my Father. I left feeling that I had not given up anything at all by not doing what I had planned, but rather I had been given a wonderful blessing of caring, of love, and of connection. It wasn’t what I planned, but it wasn’t my plan after all. It had all been worked out for me. It was such a gift!
I approached a kind, young woman, who works in the men’s department there and simply explained that I needed
to buy some things for my Father, but there was a really good possibility that I would have to return them as he was ill and often doesn't care for new things at all. It was to be the start of a very profound conversation.She said that my Dad sounded a lot like her husband about new things. He was in a rehab center for those with very early onset dementia. I then told her that dementia was also what my Dad has, but he was 91 and in residential care. She said her husband’s illness was caught very early and medications were helping him. We had an immediate connection of caring and understanding. She helped me pick out several really nice things. And she assured me that if he wasn’t happy with anything we picked out, even the shoes, to just bring them back to her and she would take care of it.
She shared so much about her husband and I shared about my Father. I left feeling that I had not given up anything at all by not doing what I had planned, but rather I had been given a wonderful blessing of caring, of love, and of connection. It wasn’t what I planned, but it wasn’t my plan after all. It had all been worked out for me. It was such a gift!
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- Posted by kjoyw
- Nov 10, 2017
- Comments (13)
Readers Comments
Kixx wrote: I love how a casual encounter can be so meaningful. Thank you for sharing.
DANCE wrote: what wonderful connection and sharing, helps so much with difficulty
truthunltd wrote: You are RIGHT. _/\_
ado wrote: Very nice to establish the connection with the sales lady. And thanks for taking the time to buy things for your father. I hope he likes what you bought him :)
mindyjourney wrote: Definitely a reason why you were there at that time, dear kate â¤ï¸. Helping and supporting each other thru caring compassion.
pyronik wrote: how sad for her, glad to hear you made a connection. & that you are so caring for your dad :-)
splain wrote: Hey that was so meant to happen.
gardengal10 wrote: It's nice to feel that we are not alone in situations and that someone understands.
horsegirl21 wrote: wow, that sounds like you were meant to meet.
Rajni wrote: We all know that "Honesty is the best policy" and you put it in action. Your honesty is commendable. Your honesty and love for father brought you nice treatment at the store. May others get inspired from it. Thanks for sharing.
