Mitzi always tells me how much she loved working. At one point in her career life before raising her kids, she had the unique and prestigious honor of driving a delivery truck for Frito-Lay. She loves to reminisce about this because of many reasons, not the least of which is that: (A) Driving the big truck was empowering for this tiny gal and (B) “Quality Control” snacking! ????
We happened upon a Frito-Lay truck the other day that made her face light up so much that I literally turned the car around so we could get this picture. She was so excited to see it up close, Chester Cheetah and all!
Mitzi has been talking a lot lately about wanting to go back to work now that her youngest is going off to college in the Fall. She’s been concerned over how she will handle “Empty Nest Syndrome” and thinks a job would be a good distraction. This is so common for most Empty Nesters and would be a fabulous solution for most 57-year-olds. But not 57-year-olds with Early Onset Alzheimer’s who have almost entirely lost the ability to write, read (for the most part), use a phone or any other technology, drive, and follow verbal instructions outside of very basic ones. I really cannot tell if she thinks she could hold down a position or if she just knows that she definitely has to find a place where she is needed to help her move through this major impending transition. Either way, I’m so hoping we will continue to be able to find ways to be a blessing around town to help give her the validation she needs. Feeling useful and like you are contributing to the greater good is such an important piece of life, no matter who you are or what limitations you might have…????
