A gentleman in our church has cancer. He is a beloved, generous person who has done so much for the church. His wife does not drive. I called to ask if there was any way I could be of help, and Brandon said I could help run errands. I didn't know until I got there that that meant I would be taking Vera shopping. Vera is ninety and uses a cane, and moves slowly. Brandon instructed me to hold on to her at all times.
It was a really interesting experience. I knew immediately that would involve changing my pace, adjusting my normal mode of both driving and walking. I would need to shift gears down by about a factor of four.
Vera needed some ladies intimate apparel. She had finally decided to abandon her full body armor in favor of something more comfortable. Shopping with Vera was like stepping back into the 1950's. You could tell that she was accustomed to interacting with a clerk, asking questions, having them help her find each item. I couldn't do that because I had to hold on to her. Clerks on the floor to help are rather scarce these days, of course, but I did get one to appear. I'm sure we were quite a sight, and clearly in need of attention. Then after we identified the appropriate items to purchase, I had to hold on to those too. After a while, it got to be quite a bundle in my left hand, as I held on to her with my right arm. She had her cane in her right hand, plus we both had purses over our shoulders.
I drove much more smoothly than I usually do, coming slowly to stops. I walked at Vera's pace, rather than my speedy clip. I held on to her as instructed, and got her safely home with all the essentials she needed, including three packages of socks for Brandon.
Actually it was kind of fun. I wouldn't mind doing it again! Vera is a very sweet lady, from another era. She is always dressed in the most stylish outfits. Maybe now, she will be more comfortable underneath!
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