The Cruelness of Alzheimer's

He is a gentleman in every sense of the word. He is soft spoken, and is one of the kindest people you could ever hope to meet.

I've known Bro. Orville Talsness for about 40 years. I was a young teenager when he first brought his family to our church. I will never forget that he has ALWAYS called his wife "his bride" and even though they are in the golden years of life, it is evident that they are still in love.

He was with his oldest daughter last Friday. She had gone with him to a doctor's appointment. He took her home and dropped her off around 6:00 P.M. that evening, and was headed for his own home which wasn't far. I got a call about 11:00 P.M. Friday night telling me that he was missing. The police were notified, and his grandkids were out looking for him.

On Saturday morning there was still no word. We were all praying that God would help him to be found. There was no evidence of foul play, but in this world now days, that was not to be ruled out. It was known that he had his ATM card with him, but not much else. He didn't take his cell phone, as he was only going to the doctor.

By Saturday night, his family was able to get some records from the bank, and it was apparent that his ATM card was being used. The last place was in Sparks, NV. (That's quite a distance from Fresno, Ca.....) With help from the bank, they were able to determine that the card was used at a towing company. Now, they realized it might be him, and that he had car trouble of some sort. A phone call to the towing company revealed that it was indeed Bro. Talsness, and that he had run out of gas. A Nevada Highway Patrol had stopped to help him, and is the one who called the towing company. The HP said he did not seem confused, but had said he was "trying to catch up with his family". The missing persons bulletin had only gone out in California so far, so the Nevada HP had no idea he was missing. Now, though, they were alerted to keep a watch for him, and that he was most likely still traveling on I80 headed for Utah. His family was praying that he would be seen before he reached Utah, though, or the process would have to start all over again!! (I don't get that!!!!!....)

Sunday morning, our Pastor, Bro. Morton was leading worship with the Sunday School workers. He announced that Bro. Talsness was still missing and instructed them to pray that God would help them locate him RIGHT NOW!! Ten minutes later, Bro. Morton got a phone call telling him that Bro. Talsness had been found. He was stuck in the sand in Winnemucca, NV!!! Bro. Talsness was allright, but confused and dehydrated. They placed him in the hospital to await the arrival of his family. He made it back home today, and is doing well. He doesn't remember anything about his spontaneous "vacation", though. Thank God!!! He DOES answer prayer!!

I wasn't aware that Bro. Talsness has early Alzheimer's. He still drives his wife and himself to church, and seems to be fine when I talk to him. Granted, I don't usually carry on a lengthy conversation with him, so that may be why I never noticed.

Alzheimer's is one of the most cruel diseases there is. A person that has been intelligent, kind, loving, etc. can be turned into someone who is just the opposite from what they have been. It is so painful for the family to watch a loved one slowly lose his/her mind due to Alzheimer's. I pray for the Talsness family for God to help them and give them strength.

Well.....tomorrow is my first day back to work in 3 months. (See previous blogs). I will let you all know how it goes. The hardest part will be having to get out of bed at 6am, again!!! LOL

Be Blessed... Gayla