Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Alzheimer's.

 Nearly 30 million people worldwide
are afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.

My mother is now one of them.

She received her diagnosis recently,
but we’ve noticed her increasing forgetfulness
for several years.

I spoke with Mom and Dad by phone on Sunday,
the second time we’ve talked since her diagnosis.

Mom spoke the word “Alzheimer’s”.
She did not deny the diagnosis.
                        She acknowledged its heaviness
                                    in looking toward the future.

But there was a happiness to our conversation,
a joy in my parents’ voices,
                        a determination to look forward
with thankfulness to God
for every good day.

We have been so blessed!

So another chapter in life’s journey begins.
            Stay tuned…

4 comments:

  1. So sorry to read this Gary, I am in the same place with my Mom. She has had Alzheimer's for many years now, and it is difficult. Very thankful for God's grace and strength. He is faithful! I pray He will comfort you and your family and give you peace at this time. God Bless.....

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  2. Gary, so sorry to hear this. It was such a joy to meet her and your dad this summer. I just pray God's blessings upon them and you and Connie as you progress through this journey. Blessings,
    Connie

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  3. Gary, I'm sorry to hear that your mum has developed Alzheimers. How is your dad taking it?
    My mother is too, but she is 94, and the blessing is she is more content in herself than she ever was. That is what makes a big difference, as sometimes there is a fear rather than contentment comes with the illness. I pray your family will find this time not too fraught with difficulties.

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  4. Thank you, Kathy and Connie and Philip. I appreciate your thoughtful words and your prayers. Pray especially for my sister Nancy who lives in the same village as Mom and Dad.
    @Kathy, I'll be praying for your mom and family as well. @Connie, it was nice that they had the opportunity to meet you this summer. @Philip, my Dad is a rather "closed" person, but he seems to be taking this fairly well...

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