Early this morning I heard Kate whimpering. I asked what was bothering her. Our conversation went something like this and was repeated several times.
KATE: “Where am I?”
RICHARD: “You’re in our bed in our very own house in Knoxville.”
KATE: “Thank God. <pause> Who are you?”
RICHARD: “Richard Lee Creighton, and I am your husband.”
KATE: (as if talking to herself) “That’s right. Where am I?”
RICHARD: “You’re in your bed at home.”
KATE: “What’s your name?”
RICHARD: “Richard Creighton.”
KATE: “I’m glad you’re with me. I feel safe when you’re with me.”
From this point she wanted to know the names of her mother and father, if we have children, and their names. Then she wanted to go to the bathroom and asked where it is. I asked if she wanted me to help her there. She did. I helped her up and walked her to the bathroom. As we walked, she said, “Are we in the hospital?” I said, “No, we’re at home. You’re going to be all right. I’ll make sure of that.” She said, “I’m glad you’re here. I feel safe with you.”
After she finished in the bathroom, I helped her back to bed. That began a repeat of the conversation above. She wanted to know where she was, who I was, and to hear about our children and grandchildren. She began to relax, and we both fell asleep.
I need to say that this experience was not exactly like the anxiety attacks she has had before. This one seemed more like a response to a bad dream. She began to feel relieved right away when I told her where she was and who I am. The anxiety attacks were more enduring. Her concern then was her state of mind. This time she seemed afraid of something that was happening to her. The fact that she asked if she were in a hospital and that she felt relief when I told her she was in her own home makes be think it had to have been a dream. This hasn’t happened often, but it has occurred several times over the past few years.
It is almost 9:30 right now, and she is still sleeping. I’ll probably see about waking her soon. If today is half as good as yesterday, it will be a terrific day.
