Busted Again

Jim, Jacob, and I dropped in to visit Bev yesterday. We could not find her in her apartment, in the dining room, or in the activity area. On a whim, we decided to check the outdoor porch, and, alas, there she sat puffing away on a cigarette. Bev admitted that Debbie had broken down, bought her a pack of smokes, and given her a lighter as well. She claimed that she had been hiding out and smoking in her bathroom until one of the patient care workers caught her. Not only has her doctor advised her not to smoke, but – hello – she is using oxygen. Plus, we can be fined $250 if she does light up inside her room. How unbelievably lame is Debbie? I cannot tell you how often Bev has phoned us recently not even being able to recall where she was or how she got there. She maintains that she will only smoke outdoors, but it is just a matter of time before she forgets that, too. The staff is aware that she has cigarettes and a lighter in her apartment, and they realize that Jim and I do not trust her with anything that can be lit, yet they permit her to keep her stash. I spoke with Bev’s doctor on Wednesday, and he confirmed that her oxygen level is so low that a combination of smoking and not using her oxygen regularly will ultimately shut down her organs. So, besides worrying about that, I will also have to fret that all of the sweet senior citizens that we have come to know will be rendered homeless when Bev blows up the extended care facility. Can anyone control this woman?

P.S. Jim and Jacob left for a weekend father/son camping trip on Friday afternoon, so I hope to have news and pictures of their adventures soon.