Long Night of Darkness

 

          Six years ago, today my Mom passed away after a 6-plus-year battle with Alzheimer’s.  My father’s sudden death, six years earlier, had caused the disease to advance rapidly, but we still managed to care for her at home for three of those six years.

           It wasn’t easy watching her decline but there were always those special moments that we will cherish: 

            Watching her hold a baby doll so lovingly reminded us of how she loved and cared for her grandchildren.

          The smiles that came when we realized that on some level, she still knew that we were someone who cared – like the time that I walked into the Nursing Home and searched the room of elderly, wheelchair-bound ladies, looking for my Mom.  Suddenly, a hand went up in the middle of them and a familiar voice said, “over here”.  For that one moment, I knew that even though she didn’t know my name or that I was even her daughter, she still knew that I was someone who cared.

          Those lighthearted moments like the time I showed her wedding picture and asked if she recognized the people in the photo.  After looking at it for a moment, she said “No, I don’t think so but he sure is good-looking!”.

Alzheimer’s is like a long night that seems to get darker and darker and seems to never end.  Cherish those memories, those “smile” moments, and the laughter.  Be thankful for each day and those moments of clarity, no matter how brief.  No matter what may be lost, your loved one will always understand love and affection.  Don’t take those moments lightly.  Cherish them!

For those who know Christ as Lord, there is hope at the end of that long night!  I John 5: 13 says: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”  Because of that promise, our long night has ended, and my parents are now reunited in heaven.  I pray that each of you has that same hope. 

Father, we give You all praise and glory for You alone are God!

During this terrible disease, You are there!

In those brief moments of clarity and the long nights of darkness, You are there!

In the struggles for answers, You are there!

Thank you for walking with us through that long night.  We now seek your comfort for those who are beginning the journey and for those who love and care for them.

Take away their fear of the unknown; surround them with your presence.

You are the light in the long night of darkness.

Thank You for being our Father, our Redeemer, our Comforter, and our Constant Companion.

All praise to You, the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

John 3: 16

If you or a family member are dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s, check out https://www.alz.org/ for assistance.

   

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