October 17, 2024 • 14 mins
In episode two of "The Keys," the Clemons family grapples with the sudden disappearance of Clarence from the senior center, launching a desperate search across Huntsville. As the community rallies together, the episode delves deeper into the challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Meanwhile, Clarence’s condition brings to light the fragility of memory and the strength of community bonds in a crisis. Join us as we explore the emotional and practical implications of Clarence’s journey and the family's fervent hopes for his safe return.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome back to the keys.
(00:02):
I'm your host, Beverly Nance.
It's been one month sinceClarence Clemons unexpected
journey along highway 72.
an episode that shook his familyto its core and sparked a
crucial confrontation about age.
Independence and safety.
Today, we revisit the Clemensfamily to see how they are
(00:23):
navigating the challengingwaters of change and adaption.
(00:44):
Um, Um, Uh, Uh, Uh, Nestled inthe heart of the Tennessee
valley.
Uh, Huntsville is known as therocket city.
(01:04):
for is pivotal role in the U Sspace missions.
It's a city where innovationmeets tradition.
Where the lush green of theHills meet the sleek, still have
rocket structures at the usspace and rocket center.
But beyond the rockets and theRenaissance festivals.
Huntsville is a community, aplace where families like
(01:25):
Clarences navigate thecomplexities of life.
Born and raised in Huntsville,clarence's early life was marked
by curiosity about the worldaround him.
It was this curiosity that wasshaped his career.
And his contributions to hiscommunity.
After completing his engineeringdegree at a nearby university,
(01:47):
Clarence returned to Huntsville,eager to apply his skills.
He found his calling at one ofthe engineering companies that
dotted the city.
But Clarence's life took a turnwhen he met his first wife.
Connie.
Together.
They built a life filled withlove and shared dreams.
However, fate had other plansafter Connie's untimely death.
Clarence found himself a drift.
(02:10):
Struggling with the weight ofhis grief.
It was during this dark timethat Clarence found solace.
And the two passions that Conniehad always encouraged.
His church.
And gardening.
These activities did not justfeel his days.
They slowly stitched the piecesof his broken heart back
together.
(02:30):
Years, past and clearancesdedication to his church and his
garden became well known in thecommunity.
It was at a church function thathe met betty, also a widow who
shared his love for faith andoutdoors.
Together.
They found a second chance athappiness.
Betty bought laughter.
Back to Clarence's life.
(02:51):
And with her, he rediscoveredthe joy that had alluded him for
so long.
They married and Betty movedinto Clarence's home, where she
quickly grew to love thebeautiful garden.
He tended.
And then there's that old truck.
In 1980s truck, that clearancebought new.
(03:11):
More than just a vehicle.
It represents Clarence'senduring affection for the
tangible.
Reliable things in life.
Over the years that truck hascarried him to countless Sunday
services haul loads for hisgarden projects and stood as a
symbol of his enduringindependence.
Today as Clarence faces thechallenges brought on by age and
(03:35):
his medical condition.
His past is a Testament to alife.
Well lived.
A life of service, love andresilience.
And as his family navigates adifficult decisions about his
future.
They do.
So knowing that the foundationclearance built based on faith,
hard work and love will guidethem through.
(03:57):
Since the incident.
Clarence has beloved Ford truckhas sat untouched in the
driveway.
Rick removed the battery just incase Clarence decided to take
the keys and take off.
I start symbol of his haltedindependence.
Inside the house, the atmosphereis thick with adjustment and the
weight of hard decisions.
(04:19):
Clarence has been attendingregular checkups with his doctor
grappling with the early stages.
Of what they now know isAlzheimer's disease.
His family once hesitant.
To face the reality of hiscondition.
Now finds himself at theforefront of his care.
Clarence it's time for yourappointment.
(04:40):
Do you need help?
Getting ready?
No Betty.
I think I can manage.
Thank you.
The dynamics within the Clemenshousehold have subly shifted.
Betty once a partner andclearances independence now
takes on more of a caregivingrole.
Ellen and Rick.
Their own lives, paused oraltered.
(05:02):
Frequently check in offeringsupport and discussing long-term
care options.
Gone are the days when Clarencewould drive himself.
Now, Betty has become not justhis caregiver, but his chauffeur
also.
But it's not all lost andlimitation.
In fact, this new chapter hasopened up doors.
(05:23):
to experiences Clarence hadpreviously you've set aside.
He's joined a local seniorcenter.
That's connected to the family'schurch, a place that's buzzing
with activities designed toengage and enrich here.
Clarence, isn't just a manmarked with his disease.
But a vibrant participant in acommunity of peers.
One day while clearance is atthe senior center.
(05:46):
In the privacy of their family,home, away from the eyes and the
ears of the world.
Clarence has children, Ellen,and Rick, along with his wife,
Betty convened a meeting.
It's a conversation filled withcare, concern, and weight of
heavy decisions.
Betty.
Thank you both for coming.
We need to talk about what'sbest for clearance.
(06:07):
Is getting harder for him tomanage on his own.
And I think it's time we look atmore support.
Maybe even full-time care.
Ellen.
I've been thinking about thattoo.
Mom, I looked into some homecare options.
That could help dads stay athome.
With you.
But give you the support thatyou need.
(06:28):
Rick.
That's a good start, but weshould also consider the
financial aspect of this.
Full-time care is expensive.
And we need to be sure we cansustain it.
Long-term without draining dad'sretirement savings.
Betty.
I just wanted what's best forhim.
He's always been there for us.
(06:49):
And now it's our turn to ensurehe's comfortable and happy in
his later years.
Ellen.
There are programs that can helpmom I'll reach out to.
The local senior servicestomorrow, they offer guidance on
these issues and can help usnavigate the financial options
to.
Rick.
I'll talk to dad's doctor againand get more insight into what
(07:12):
level of care he recommendsbased on dad's current health.
we need all the information wecan get to make the best
decisions.
As they delve into thediscussion, the room feels with
shared responsibility and mutualsupport.
They explore every option frompart-time caregivers.
Who can assist during the day topotential adjustments to their
(07:35):
home.
To make it more accessible forClarence It's not an easy
conversation.
Each suggestion carries theweight of change of a future
where Clarence may not be asindependent as he once was.
Yet amiss of planning andpracticalities.
There's an underlying current oflove and respect.
Driving every decision, everyplan.
(07:58):
Betty, whatever you decide ithas to be with dad's dignity in
mind.
He may not be as strong as hewas, but he's still the man.
We all love and respect.
They continue.
Their planning.
Ellen is making a to-do listwhen the phone rings.
Hello.
Mrs Clemens.
This is Janet from the seniorcenter.
(08:19):
I'm afraid I have some alarmingnews.
It seems Clarence has gonemissing.
He was here one moment and thenjust, he.
He just wasn't here.
We searched everywhere.
What do you mean missing how.
We're not sure yet he wassitting in the lounge area with
(08:40):
other members and it seems hewalked out when the staff was
assisting someone else.
We've notified the police andthey're on their way here now.
The new sends, shock wavesthrough Betty, her mind racing
with worry.
Clarence diagnosed with earlyAlzheimer's is not equipped to
be out alone.
The possibilities of what couldhappen to him in his confused
(09:01):
state are terrifying.
Rick.
Ellen.
It's your father he's missingfrom the senior center.
As Betty hangs up the severityof the situation sets in Rick
Ellen, and Betty Rush over tothe senior center.
Each processing the fear and theurgency.
Of the moment on their way.
(09:23):
As Rick drives.
Ellen and Betty continually lookout the window to see if they
may be able to see.
Clarence walking.
The community's response isimmediate.
friends family.
And even strangers began combingthe street, searching for any
sign of Clarence.
The police coordinate with thesenior center.
(09:43):
Reviewing security footage andinterviewing staff and visitors.
Meanwhile at the senior center,the staff is in distress.
They replay the morning eventstrying to piece together how
Clarence could have slipped awayunnoticed.
Guilt and responsibility weighheavy on them as they cooperate
with the ongoing policeinvestigation.
(10:05):
We've issued a silver alert andall the units are on the lookout
we're checking the bus stationdown the street.
Parks and all of his knownplaces.
Let's keep communication open anupdate each other.
With any new information.
As the sun begins to set overHuntsville painting in the sky
with strokes of orange and pink.
(10:26):
That community search forClarence Clemons continues.
Streets once familiar to him nowseem vast and daunting.
A from which.
He must be rescued.
Betty supported by Ellen newRick.
Remain at the senior center.
Manning the telephones.
(10:47):
And with a heavy heart andworry.
Yet bolstered by the outpouringof support from friends and
neighbors.
Each call that comes in andcarries a tide of hope followed
too often by an ebbdisappointment.
Tonight as we close thischapter, Clarence has still out
there somewhere between thesafety of what he knows and the
(11:08):
shadow of uncertainty.
His family clings to hopeknowing that as each hour passes
the stakes.
Grow, even higher.
But even in the darkest moments,there's like light and a form of
community.
That refuses to give up andstands United.
And it's determination to bringone of its own back home.
(11:31):
Join us next week.
For the concluding episode.
Of this intense journey.
Which we have titled homecoming.
We will follow the final hours.
Of the search for Clarence.
With the combined efforts of theHuntsville community lead to his
safe return or will ClarenceClemons family faced the
unimaginable.
(11:52):
We'll explore the emotional andthe psychological impacts of
Clarence's disappearance.
On his family and witness theresilience in the face of
adversity.
And we'll see how a town.
Rally together, reminding us allof the power of community.
And the bonds.
That make us stronger.
Episode three title athomecoming.
(12:12):
Promises to be a Testament tothe human spirit.
And episode filled with tension.
Hope.
And a heartfelt journey.
Have a family in search ofanswers.
As we navigate the twist andturns of lives journey, every
(12:34):
caregiver knows the road can betaxing, not just on the body,
but on the spirit.
That's why it's crucial to makemoments for ourselves to
recharge every juvenate.
Introducing the take care oftime.
Respite box.
Designed with caregivers inmind.
Each box has filled with itemsselected to foster relaxation
(12:55):
and provide a well-deservedbreak.
Imagine unwrapping a cozy throw.
It custom blend of calming teaand a soothing scented candle
that transforms.
Your space into a sanctuary.
But it's not just about theitems, it's about what they
represent.
A reminder that taking care ofyourself is just as important as
(13:16):
the care you give to others.
It's about giving yourselfpermission to pause, to breathe
and to collect your strength.
This season allow take care oftime, respite box to be a part
of your self care routine.
Visit takecaretime.com tosubscribe.
Your respite awaits.
Do you have a interestingcaregiver story that you would
(13:38):
like to have told?
Please email uspodcast@takecaretime.com we
would love to hear from you.
Please note that this episodefeatures reenactments and
dramatize details.
While in most cases, the exactverbatim dialogue may not be
known.
All dramatizations are groundedin research.
To respect the privacy andconfidentiality of individuals
(14:00):
involved names and someidentifying details have been
changed.
Until next week.
Take care.
(14:26):
Um, Um, Uh, Uh, Uh,
Welcome back to the keys.
(00:02):
I'm your host, Beverly Nance.
It's been one month sinceClarence Clemons unexpected
journey along highway 72.
an episode that shook his familyto its core and sparked a
crucial confrontation about age.
Independence and safety.
Today, we revisit the Clemensfamily to see how they are
(00:23):
navigating the challengingwaters of change and adaption.
(00:44):
Um, Um, Uh, Uh, Uh, Nestled inthe heart of the Tennessee
valley.
Uh, Huntsville is known as therocket city.
(01:04):
for is pivotal role in the U Sspace missions.
It's a city where innovationmeets tradition.
Where the lush green of theHills meet the sleek, still have
rocket structures at the usspace and rocket center.
But beyond the rockets and theRenaissance festivals.
Huntsville is a community, aplace where families like
(01:25):
Clarences navigate thecomplexities of life.
Born and raised in Huntsville,clarence's early life was marked
by curiosity about the worldaround him.
It was this curiosity that wasshaped his career.
And his contributions to hiscommunity.
After completing his engineeringdegree at a nearby university,
(01:47):
Clarence returned to Huntsville,eager to apply his skills.
He found his calling at one ofthe engineering companies that
dotted the city.
But Clarence's life took a turnwhen he met his first wife.
Connie.
Together.
They built a life filled withlove and shared dreams.
However, fate had other plansafter Connie's untimely death.
Clarence found himself a drift.
(02:10):
Struggling with the weight ofhis grief.
It was during this dark timethat Clarence found solace.
And the two passions that Conniehad always encouraged.
His church.
And gardening.
These activities did not justfeel his days.
They slowly stitched the piecesof his broken heart back
together.
(02:30):
Years, past and clearancesdedication to his church and his
garden became well known in thecommunity.
It was at a church function thathe met betty, also a widow who
shared his love for faith andoutdoors.
Together.
They found a second chance athappiness.
Betty bought laughter.
Back to Clarence's life.
(02:51):
And with her, he rediscoveredthe joy that had alluded him for
so long.
They married and Betty movedinto Clarence's home, where she
quickly grew to love thebeautiful garden.
He tended.
And then there's that old truck.
In 1980s truck, that clearancebought new.
(03:11):
More than just a vehicle.
It represents Clarence'senduring affection for the
tangible.
Reliable things in life.
Over the years that truck hascarried him to countless Sunday
services haul loads for hisgarden projects and stood as a
symbol of his enduringindependence.
Today as Clarence faces thechallenges brought on by age and
(03:35):
his medical condition.
His past is a Testament to alife.
Well lived.
A life of service, love andresilience.
And as his family navigates adifficult decisions about his
future.
They do.
So knowing that the foundationclearance built based on faith,
hard work and love will guidethem through.
(03:57):
Since the incident.
Clarence has beloved Ford truckhas sat untouched in the
driveway.
Rick removed the battery just incase Clarence decided to take
the keys and take off.
I start symbol of his haltedindependence.
Inside the house, the atmosphereis thick with adjustment and the
weight of hard decisions.
(04:19):
Clarence has been attendingregular checkups with his doctor
grappling with the early stages.
Of what they now know isAlzheimer's disease.
His family once hesitant.
To face the reality of hiscondition.
Now finds himself at theforefront of his care.
Clarence it's time for yourappointment.
(04:40):
Do you need help?
Getting ready?
No Betty.
I think I can manage.
Thank you.
The dynamics within the Clemenshousehold have subly shifted.
Betty once a partner andclearances independence now
takes on more of a caregivingrole.
Ellen and Rick.
Their own lives, paused oraltered.
(05:02):
Frequently check in offeringsupport and discussing long-term
care options.
Gone are the days when Clarencewould drive himself.
Now, Betty has become not justhis caregiver, but his chauffeur
also.
But it's not all lost andlimitation.
In fact, this new chapter hasopened up doors.
(05:23):
to experiences Clarence hadpreviously you've set aside.
He's joined a local seniorcenter.
That's connected to the family'schurch, a place that's buzzing
with activities designed toengage and enrich here.
Clarence, isn't just a manmarked with his disease.
But a vibrant participant in acommunity of peers.
One day while clearance is atthe senior center.
(05:46):
In the privacy of their family,home, away from the eyes and the
ears of the world.
Clarence has children, Ellen,and Rick, along with his wife,
Betty convened a meeting.
It's a conversation filled withcare, concern, and weight of
heavy decisions.
Betty.
Thank you both for coming.
We need to talk about what'sbest for clearance.
(06:07):
Is getting harder for him tomanage on his own.
And I think it's time we look atmore support.
Maybe even full-time care.
Ellen.
I've been thinking about thattoo.
Mom, I looked into some homecare options.
That could help dads stay athome.
With you.
But give you the support thatyou need.
(06:28):
Rick.
That's a good start, but weshould also consider the
financial aspect of this.
Full-time care is expensive.
And we need to be sure we cansustain it.
Long-term without draining dad'sretirement savings.
Betty.
I just wanted what's best forhim.
He's always been there for us.
(06:49):
And now it's our turn to ensurehe's comfortable and happy in
his later years.
Ellen.
There are programs that can helpmom I'll reach out to.
The local senior servicestomorrow, they offer guidance on
these issues and can help usnavigate the financial options
to.
Rick.
I'll talk to dad's doctor againand get more insight into what
(07:12):
level of care he recommendsbased on dad's current health.
we need all the information wecan get to make the best
decisions.
As they delve into thediscussion, the room feels with
shared responsibility and mutualsupport.
They explore every option frompart-time caregivers.
Who can assist during the day topotential adjustments to their
(07:35):
home.
To make it more accessible forClarence It's not an easy
conversation.
Each suggestion carries theweight of change of a future
where Clarence may not be asindependent as he once was.
Yet amiss of planning andpracticalities.
There's an underlying current oflove and respect.
Driving every decision, everyplan.
(07:58):
Betty, whatever you decide ithas to be with dad's dignity in
mind.
He may not be as strong as hewas, but he's still the man.
We all love and respect.
They continue.
Their planning.
Ellen is making a to-do listwhen the phone rings.
Hello.
Mrs Clemens.
This is Janet from the seniorcenter.
(08:19):
I'm afraid I have some alarmingnews.
It seems Clarence has gonemissing.
He was here one moment and thenjust, he.
He just wasn't here.
We searched everywhere.
What do you mean missing how.
We're not sure yet he wassitting in the lounge area with
(08:40):
other members and it seems hewalked out when the staff was
assisting someone else.
We've notified the police andthey're on their way here now.
The new sends, shock wavesthrough Betty, her mind racing
with worry.
Clarence diagnosed with earlyAlzheimer's is not equipped to
be out alone.
The possibilities of what couldhappen to him in his confused
(09:01):
state are terrifying.
Rick.
Ellen.
It's your father he's missingfrom the senior center.
As Betty hangs up the severityof the situation sets in Rick
Ellen, and Betty Rush over tothe senior center.
Each processing the fear and theurgency.
Of the moment on their way.
(09:23):
As Rick drives.
Ellen and Betty continually lookout the window to see if they
may be able to see.
Clarence walking.
The community's response isimmediate.
friends family.
And even strangers began combingthe street, searching for any
sign of Clarence.
The police coordinate with thesenior center.
(09:43):
Reviewing security footage andinterviewing staff and visitors.
Meanwhile at the senior center,the staff is in distress.
They replay the morning eventstrying to piece together how
Clarence could have slipped awayunnoticed.
Guilt and responsibility weighheavy on them as they cooperate
with the ongoing policeinvestigation.
(10:05):
We've issued a silver alert andall the units are on the lookout
we're checking the bus stationdown the street.
Parks and all of his knownplaces.
Let's keep communication open anupdate each other.
With any new information.
As the sun begins to set overHuntsville painting in the sky
with strokes of orange and pink.
(10:26):
That community search forClarence Clemons continues.
Streets once familiar to him nowseem vast and daunting.
A from which.
He must be rescued.
Betty supported by Ellen newRick.
Remain at the senior center.
Manning the telephones.
(10:47):
And with a heavy heart andworry.
Yet bolstered by the outpouringof support from friends and
neighbors.
Each call that comes in andcarries a tide of hope followed
too often by an ebbdisappointment.
Tonight as we close thischapter, Clarence has still out
there somewhere between thesafety of what he knows and the
(11:08):
shadow of uncertainty.
His family clings to hopeknowing that as each hour passes
the stakes.
Grow, even higher.
But even in the darkest moments,there's like light and a form of
community.
That refuses to give up andstands United.
And it's determination to bringone of its own back home.
(11:31):
Join us next week.
For the concluding episode.
Of this intense journey.
Which we have titled homecoming.
We will follow the final hours.
Of the search for Clarence.
With the combined efforts of theHuntsville community lead to his
safe return or will ClarenceClemons family faced the
unimaginable.
(11:52):
We'll explore the emotional andthe psychological impacts of
Clarence's disappearance.
On his family and witness theresilience in the face of
adversity.
And we'll see how a town.
Rally together, reminding us allof the power of community.
And the bonds.
That make us stronger.
Episode three title athomecoming.
(12:12):
Promises to be a Testament tothe human spirit.
And episode filled with tension.
Hope.
And a heartfelt journey.
Have a family in search ofanswers.
As we navigate the twist andturns of lives journey, every
(12:34):
caregiver knows the road can betaxing, not just on the body,
but on the spirit.
That's why it's crucial to makemoments for ourselves to
recharge every juvenate.
Introducing the take care oftime.
Respite box.
Designed with caregivers inmind.
Each box has filled with itemsselected to foster relaxation
(12:55):
and provide a well-deservedbreak.
Imagine unwrapping a cozy throw.
It custom blend of calming teaand a soothing scented candle
that transforms.
Your space into a sanctuary.
But it's not just about theitems, it's about what they
represent.
A reminder that taking care ofyourself is just as important as
(13:16):
the care you give to others.
It's about giving yourselfpermission to pause, to breathe
and to collect your strength.
This season allow take care oftime, respite box to be a part
of your self care routine.
Visit takecaretime.com tosubscribe.
Your respite awaits.
Do you have a interestingcaregiver story that you would
(13:38):
like to have told?
Please email uspodcast@takecaretime.com we
would love to hear from you.
Please note that this episodefeatures reenactments and
dramatize details.
While in most cases, the exactverbatim dialogue may not be
known.
All dramatizations are groundedin research.
To respect the privacy andconfidentiality of individuals
(14:00):
involved names and someidentifying details have been
changed.
Until next week.
Take care.
(14:26):
Um, Um, Uh, Uh, Uh,
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