By Rosie Preston
Many years ago, I had a sitting job with a lady who had been diagnosed with dementia. I stayed with her and her husband every day from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. every day. She was really something. She had her mind made up about so many things and it was nearly impossible to change it.
I didn’t know how serious this condition was until I took her for a haircut after she asked for one for over a month. I learned a lesson from that sweet lady – if at all possible, let them have their way. At night we would sing children’s songs together, as we had both worked with young children. Her husband said we were horrible to listen to, but he would laugh out loud!
One evening, thunder was rolling in, the clouds were black, and the wind was strong, but I wanted to make it home. I left the lady’s home in Ashville and pulled out behind a small white truck. It was the strangest thing – every turn I made, the truck’s driver was making the same turn in front of me. I could only see the truck’s back lights. I made it from Ashville to the Noccalula Falls Park area, where I had to turn right to drive onto my road. The men in the truck stopped at a gas station, and I pulled up next to them. I think they were really scared. Wouldn’t you be?
I explained how they had been my guardian angels that night. We talked for a few minutes and went our own ways. Sometimes when I may be down and know that I must lift my spirits, I think of times like that.
I tell my grandchildren about the guardian angels, and I hope they will believe as well. Small blessings are everywhere, and too often we take them for granted.
Keep smiling, Rosie
Rosie Preston may be contacted at rosie.preston@yahoo.com.