Saturday Stories - Morning Visitor 06-17-17

In the mid-60s Diane and her then husband bought a house in a new development.  It was built close to the ocean, but not in view of that.  So, it was completely flat terrain with not a tree in sight.  The fences and landscaping were the responsibility of the buyers, so it was pretty desolate looking until the new homeowners did the work, or had the money to have it done, to landscape their yards.  For the first few months children roamed through everyone's property along with the cats and dogs who were discovering their new neighborhood, like everyone else.  

Diane's habit was to go downstairs about 6am, put the coffee pot on and let the dog out for a roam around.  She left the door open far enough for dog to return when he was ready.  One morning after dressing she returned from upstairs to find the dog and a old man sitting in the family room.  "Good morning," said the man.  "I wonder if I could have a cup of coffee."   "Who are you and where did you come from," asked Diane.   He waved to his left and said, "I live down that way."  He didn't seem threatening and was very relaxed and casual as he sat on the love seat.   She gave him a mug of coffee and fed the dog, waiting for her husband to come downstairs.  The man said his name was John and he lived with his daughter and her family; they had just moved into a house down the street.  He had come from Los Angeles to live with his daughter since he was alone now.  About the time that her husband came down Diane could hear a woman's voice calling, "Dad?  Dad, where are you?".  She went out the sliding door and saw a frantic woman in her bathrobe running behind the houses.  Diane waved and said, "Over here."  The woman ran to the door and gave a big sigh of relief when she saw John sitting inside.  After much effusive thanks and explanation that John was forgetful in his old age, they went off behind the buildings.  

Diane thought he might come again, but he never did.  She received a Thank You note from the daughter, but they never spoke after that.  This was her first introduction to what is now commonly known as Alzheimer's disease.  

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