Dementia is a stealer of the memories and relationships of many. It is watching fine-lined cracks form in the mind of someone you love. It could be a Dad, Mom, a Grandparent, or another significant family member. As a family member, you try to plug the breaks in their mind. You may research possible nutritional supplements. You encourage your loved one to seek medical, emotional, and spiritual help. However, they are adults, and you are limited by their need to be in charge as they are afraid and confused. It is a walk of strength and courage. It is remembering the vision of those we love from decades past.
Love stands solid when we can reflect on the character traits of a relative pre Dementia. We can push away the sadness, the hopeless future relationship, and instead, hold onto the love and compassion we knew. We can share the love through words and actions, share great family memories, spend time with them and pray for wisdom from God.
I think it was a gift from God, as I cleared out my closet, I found the words penned for my Mom. It was a gift that I share with you now, treasure the relationships around you. When we can share love despite the changed mind, and grace to those who invested in our lives, we reflect on Jesus.
Ephesians 6:1 -3 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord,[a] for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”
Treasured poem from 30 years past on my Mom:
This is a poem to my mother,
whom I love so much,
Her lightly salted grey hair
the perfect seasoning to her face
with fine lines of life
at her eyes and at her mouth
from many years of life
both happy and sad experiences.
Her stature is just shy of mine.
But she dresses in a style-
a style that exudes Mom.
Her care and concern for me
something I can always trust.
She is talkative and friendly
although sometimes too much-
she means well with others
Family and friends mean a bunch.
She busies herself in so many ways
concern over things she may never change.
She’s a hard worker, the glue in the family, serves all.
She never tries to be, anything
but the Mom I see
There is no falseness in this lady
as she will state to many-
“Take me as I am or not at all.”
You should already know how proud,
How proud of you I am
For being such a gentle mother, and
of whom this poem speaks so grand.
May this reflection draw you to encourage the parent, guardian, grandparent, or significant person in your life. I have been blessed with elder women who have encouraged me as I process my Mom and Dementia.
If you didn’t have a Godly example of Mom or Dad or supportive person, I pray that God will lead you to one of His chosen people. God bless you, You are loved!!
1 Timothy 5:4 But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God.
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 