“You’re on belay, Mom.”  “What does that mean?” she replied.  “You’re safe, Mom. Climb when ready.” Over the last five-plus years of her life, before she passed away from complications caused by dementia, we’d often say, “You’re safe, Mom,” in an effort to calm a growing sense of restlessness and panic. Story by D Scott…

You’re Safe Mom, Climb When Ready by D Scott Borden

D Scott Borden writes about his experience taking his mother climbing for her one and only time, and relates it to caring for her when she had dementia later in life.

The Climbing Zine (climbingzine.com)