Trapper "TOM"

Look out..........He's got a trappen' line. An old trapper Tom knew years ago stopped by to give Tom a hand with his memory. Set up a "rig" for a beaver so Tom could use it as a guide to follow. He's helping Tom out with his skinning and stretching too. Tom said " I don't remember anymore" ............ The old guy responded " that's old age Tom" ................ They laughed together..........

Tom is so happy. He's been struggling the last two years trying to remember what he use to do so well. Now he can go trap with confidence and ease. It will probably be short lived as the weather is suppose to be bitter cold. But today he's happy........He's TRAPPEN"

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Tom struggles with things he use to know. He looks to me to tell him how. I don't know! So I feel blessed that this old trapper is willing to help him, and the way he relates to Tom....I'm sure that Alzheimer has touch his life in some way. He knew how to communicate with Tom and you only learn that from being there.

Tom sets up his traps in the house as he struggles to even follow an example in front of him. It takes him about an hour to do up one set that took the old trapper less than five minutes. Even after Tom completes one he takes a break before doing another because the second one is like doing the first. His short term memory is gone so he starts all over.

I'm proud of the way he doesn't give up or let it get him down. And he is so pleased when he accomplishes something....on his own. He tells me...."now let me do this myself. I can do it if I take my time."

Yes I have concerns of Tom being out trapping by himself. We've talked about it. But he is so happy doing it and feels self worth when he brings something home. I think it's called living life. He only goes where he can on a 4-wheeler so his area of travel is limited. There is little he can do on his own and not feel afraid or confused and frustrated. The woods is his comfort zone and trapping is something he loves............................So when he walks out the door.........I pray " God please take care of him"............