The Long Walk

Mum couldn't get me on the phone today. Her problem was an abusive phone call from my brother. She had wanted me to drive over there at 8 a.m. and take her out for the day, so she could forget the phone call and stop being upset.

My brother is constantly demanding that she revoke the guardianship certificate she has given me. I don't know what his problem is. I'd like to see HIM put up with what I have to, he wouldn't last five minutes on the job. He'd put her straight in a nursing home.

She decided to walk to my house. She has never done this before. She has got a taxi to my house about a year ago when she was very angry with me. When she got here, I had to lock myself in my room for three hours to avoid being attacked by her. I realize now I should have called an ambulance.

But today she decided to walk. It was already 30 C at 8.30 a.m. (90 F). It was muggy, and the walk was all uphill. She was dressed inappropriately for the occasion, in long pants and a winter coat. She always dresses inappropriately lately, but she tells me that even on a hot day she feels cold, which may be her renal failure and the fact she is too thin.

The distance is about four kilometres or two and a half miles.

It is a wonder it didn't kill her. She arrived in quite good condition, and had apparently cheered up along the way, so all she wanted was a cup of tea.

After a few cups of tea, she decided she wanted to go on a short drive to the beach. I was able to take her home.

I don't know why she didn't get a taxi. Maybe she couldn't remember my address.

I am very worried at this new development. I have heard that old people will start wandering, going on longer and longer walks, until one day, they forget how to get back home.