Last summer, my mother moved to our home, so we could help her recuperate from an illness. As she suffered from dementia and painful arthritis, she needed assistance on a regular basis. When she needed more care than we could provide, the Lord provided an opening in a wonderful care facility near our home. I was able to be with her daily, and we shared many precious moments together!
Mom went to be with the Lord, on January 30, 2017. Her’s was a life lived and finished well! As she moved away from her hometown of 40 years to be with us (and many of her friends had not seen her recently), I wrote a tribute of her last days, for her “Celebration of Life” service. Her last word of advice to us all was “to be thankful!” Inspite of the dementia that caused confusion, she consistently was grateful to all who cared for her. Staff and other professionals told us they often would spend any extra time they had to visit with her, and hear her stories of the mission service she and my father had in India.
I deeply miss her and my father who passed to glory 13 years ago! This is a tribute to them for the life they lived, and to the God they loved and served!
But, I also want to pay tribute to the men and women who serve others like my Mom! I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude to all who provide care and assistance to those who suffer chronic (or terminal) illnesses and disabilities. It can often be a draining (and sometimes unappreciated) task. Yet, when given with patience, kindness, and tenderness it is a gift given that DOES NOT GO UNNOTICED by our Lord!! I heard once at a conference by the Alzheimers Association that, “Those with dementia may forget what you say, but they will remember how you made them feel!” I am SO grateful to those that took care of my Mom with kindness, tenderness, and understanding.
It isn’t easy to always be patient and tender, sometimes the daily demands rob the caregiver of the time or opportunity to maintain their own routines. It is important to be aware of the challenges caregivers experience. See www.caring.com as it is a website that addresses many of these issues.
It can be heartbreaking to see the vulnerability that many of the elderly face in their later years. Losing abilities and the independence they had previously, often makes aging very difficult. Jesus calls us to be kind and understanding of those in need. He will provide the grace, strength, and wisdom needed if we call upon Him!
Dear Lord, I am so grateful for the time I was able to have with both my father and my mother in their last days! Bless all those who care for the elderly or those with chronic or terminal illnesses; that they will serve with Your strength, tender kindness, and wisdom! Thank you that You are always with us, even in the “valley of the shadow of death”, that we need not “fear any evil” (Ps. 23:1-6) In Your name, I pray! Amen.