*Ding dong* I grabbed my walker and hobbled over to the front door. I stopped about 6 inches away and looked through the peephole. I saw a boy about 17 years of age, with big blue eyes, and a bright smile on his face. It was my grandson, Andy. I quickly opened the door and wrapped him up in a hug. He looked up at me and said, “Hi Grandma!” “Hello Sweetie.” I replied with a smile. “Are you ready to go?” He asked. “Just let me grab my jacket.”

Ever since my husband of 63 years was relocated into a long-term care center-- diagnosed with a severe case of Alzheimer’s disease--Andy would ride his bike to my home and then walk with me to see my husband. He did everyday. It took us about an hour to walk the mile and a half to the care center, due to my old age and ability to walk, but it always felt good to stretch out my joints.

I grabbed my favorite purple jacket and turned towards Andy. “Alright, let’s go.” He opened the front door to let us out. I handed him my house key so that he could lock my door. My hands are too shaky and weak to effectively lock it myself. We walked down my street, and I looked up at the street lamps. Every fifteen feet or so two more lamps would stand together. It reminded me of when my husband, Josh, and I used to stand side by side.

Once we arrived at the care center, we directed ourselves to his room. We always knocked before entering, and he would gladly let us in. He would constantly smile at us and ask us our names. It still breaks my heart knowing I am always a stranger to his brilliant blue eyes, but it always feels good to be with him. That’s why I make the long walk everyday.