Imagine walking out of your home and wandering nearly two miles away before you realize you don't know where you are, who you are, or what is going on. You have no idea what's real and what isn't, and how to survive. This is unfortunately what happened to an elderly woman named Audrey Penn, who was found at a bus station only five minutes away from my home in Allentown.
Penn went missing on August 23, 2017, when she walked out of her assisted living home. Penn had been a victim to Alzheimer's Disease and had her thinking she was still working as a nurse when residing at Woodland Terrace at Oaks Senior Living Community. She helped her former residents with simple tasks until the day she left.
After almost a month of searching for Penn, her body turned up at a bus station near Hamilton Blvd. and Kressler Rd. in Allentown. Penn survived nearly a month without knowing where she was, or how to get home. Lehigh County coroners are still testing to see how Penn died, but the fact that she was affected by this disease to the point of wandering two miles from Woodland Terrace is scary.
This story particularly hit home with me because my friend and I were walking in the Lehigh Parkway when they were searching for Penn. We were confused when the fire department had teams of people and dogs scouring the parkway, and they asked us if we had seen Penn because she was missing. My friend and I kept an eye out, but Penn didn't come near the parkway.
I instantly felt scared for her and her family. I didn't know the circumstances she was affected by Alzheimer's at the time. I've had two grandparents be affected by it, and it's heartbreaking to see the confusion on their faces when you ask them where they are, or if they know you are.
Alzheimer's is a disease I've always feared because you begin to lose the memories of the life you lived and currently live. It becomes a daily task of puzzling your life together and not knowing how much it affects those around you especially loved ones who have known you their whole life.
I was blessed to have family members who weren't as severely affected by the disease, but it definitely takes a toll on family members. I wish this disease didn't exist, but I think it teaches us that we need to be patient with our elders, and love them regardless how frustrating it might be.
If you know someone who is affected, remind them that you care for them, and give them a hug.You never know what could happen in life, so hold your family and friends close, and remind them of their importance any your life.
To learn more about Audrey Penn's story, visit: http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-pol-audrey-p...
