The season of summer vacationing, during which many people “get away” and relax at lake resorts or property, is winding down. The days of fun on the water, swimming, boating, and fishing have all but vanished for another year.

I, however, was privileged to have one more “fishing” experience last evening. I had been asked to fill in as personal care aide here at St. Anne’s and was making my rounds to check the cleanliness of the bathrooms and empty trash.

With only my trash bag (no pole, bait, hook or bobber), I found that a disposable chuck (protective pad against incontinence) had somehow “gone swimming.” To prevent a flood to disrupt the tranquility of this “get away spot,” I carefully removed the unwanted item, fishing it out of the toilet and carefully relocating it into my trash bag. Yuck!

Although it’s “no vacation,” I do find doing this occasional aide work to be rewarding, even enjoyable at times. It is fun to converse with our residents, joke with them, and make their evening a bit brighter. I am privileged to be able to help those who are not able to care fully for themselves.