My Funny Caregiving Story

My dad had dementia and lived in an assisted living facility. One night, the phone rang. Dad was being taken to the hospital. I rushed to Morningside to be there when the ambulance arrived so he wouldn't be afraid. He lit up, as he always did, when he saw me. Everyone loved my dad. He was gregarious and sentimental, always friendly. As the crew carried him out on a stretcher, the nurses and aides crowded around him wishing him well. "I love you Mr. Healey," one nurse called to him, as they carried him down the hall. "I love you too!" yelled dad in his musical voice, then he lowered his head, looked at me and asked, "Who was that?"