Mom and Dad: Fire, fire, fire truck

A few months ago, we were returning to the facility from an appointment for Mom.  A left turn light indicated that I could turn left.  Across the intersection sat an ambulance waiting for the light to change, or so I thought…  Just as I had nearly cleared the intersection, the ambulance lurched from its lane and nearly collided with the passenger side of my car – the side where Mom and Dad always sit.  It appeared that the driver had simply become distracted, by the reaction of the passenger, and then the driver.  He slammed on the brakes missing me by a hair.  The passenger was screaming in the direction of the driver.  I couldn’t hear what he was screaming, but I could read his lips to the tune of something like, “WTF ARE YOU DOING OMG YOU NEARLY KILLED THOSE PEOPLE!”

Mom was terrified.    Mom was also convinced that I had run right out into the path of an emergency vehicle enroute to a dire emergency.  The ambulance’s headlights, grill and bumper right outside his car window coupled with Mom’s reaction left quite an impression on Dad.

For weeks after the close call, whenever there was a police, fire, emergency, or construction vehicle with lights on top within view, Dad would announce, “FIRE TRUCK!” and brace for a fast lane change or stop.  If I didn’t change lanes, he’d scold that I was supposed to pull over for fire trucks!  I gave up trying to explain that their lights need to be on before we have to pull over, but he assured me, “I know about these things!”

Suddenly Dad was triggering on any red light – brake lights, stop lights, store signs.  “Fire, fire,” he’d say.  “Fire, fire, fire truck!”

Lately he just says a few words or sounds, even if there’s a truck screaming past with lights and sirens blazing, “Fi fi fire fire terr fi fire truh truck over pull fi stop.” He will gesture at me in the rear view mirror, if I make eye contact, to pull over – with confidence that his command will be obeyed and his gestures will lead the way.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a Walk/Don’t Walk sign, a stop light, or brake lights on a nearby car, he tries to say, “Fire Truck.”  On those few occasions there has really been reason to pull aside, Dad is so proud that his cautions have finally been heeded.

On our last outing, Dad remembered that he used to work on fire trucks when he was a kid.  He let me know that he knew what he was talking about after a police car screamed by.   He said, “FIRE, FIRE, FIRE TRUCK!  GET OVER!” plain as day, then tried to tell me about his times on the fire truck growing up…

I let a few moments pass before starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot.

Tags: Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's care, caregiver, caring for elderly parents, elder care, senior care