I took some time out of my day yesterday to visit once again with my ailing father. Many of you know he's been living in a nursing home for the past nine years or so...a truly wretched place I know he will never leave. I've said it before, but at least for me it bears repeating.
The mercy of Alzheimer's is that those afflicted don't remember what all they've forgotten...
I thank God for this one simple fact.
My father hated not being able to find his glasses.
He would surely hate not remembering my name.
I found myself whispering this prayer...
"Father, if you are willing, take away this cup of suffering." (Luke 22:42)
Blessings to you today as you remember everyone you meet is dealing with some kind of struggle...
Love to you...
26 comments:
Rebecca, I'm so sorry. My father-in-law had alzheimer's as did his sister and other family members of his. My husbands chances of getting it are greater as this disease runs in his family. My husbands Dr said all we can do is watch for any signs (my husband is 50, his father started showing signs in his mid to late 60's) and live life to the fullest. I worry about everything but this is something that weighs heavy on my mind, my husband doesn't even know how much it scares me....I can't imagine not having my husband remember my name nor can I imagine living without him. I know how you feel about your dad, it's so hard seeing your loved one go through this and feeling so helpless....I watched my father-in-law go through this and it's just devistating and heartbreaking. I told my father-in-law every day how much I loved him and he never knew who I was. my heart goes out to you. Hugs, Jennifer
oh, I am so sorry!!!
I have a dear friend whose husband has it, he is 68, and just watching her pain, it just kills my soul!!! blessings to you!
Oh Rebecca I too wish the same prayer for my Mother. I somedays can't bear to go see her and feel horrible thinking that way...
Great big hugs..
Love
Wanda
we often forget just how much others are suffering...prayers for your dad and Blessings to you as you watch his difficult journey. take care Bec...;j
Dear Rebecca,
It is important to hold and hug your father, to caress him.
I can imagine you would like to have this pain taken away from your father (and from you).
Alzheimer is something that came on my path as a very young child and I know which pain it brings for everyone.
I wish you strength, and give your father a big hug from me.
Despite all, have a happy Sunday.
Jacoba
Jacoba
Oh Rebecca, I will remember you and your Father in my prayers.
God Bless.
hugs
Sissie
Dear Rebecca...what a loving post today...I am so sorry for your pain.
I know how hard it must be to stand by helplessly and watch your first
"hero" be taken away by this most horrible of diseases..somewhere deep inside his heart, I think he remembers you, even if his mind won't let him. God bless him and all of his dear family.
This disease runs in my first husband's family, too.. all of his mother's side had it...my husband died at 53 before it manifested itself, but I worry so about my own children and grandchildren...we can only pray and accept what comes.
I know one thing for sure, this sweet father of yours raised some wonderful children so he has plenty to be proud of!! And your little mom
was with him all the way. A wonderful tribute to a God-loving family.....
Have a good week, my friend, and I hope your hip is mending and you are feeling SPRY again...you're the BEST!!!
(((Hugs))) and love, Francy
We have talked about this before, Rebecca, and you know I share your heartache. God bless you because it is you that struggles to find the Dad that used to be...he is in another world already. I am praying for all of you- xo Diana
Becky--
Thanks so much for being their for him. Believe me -- He may not rmember everything, but he does recognize love. God Bless you.
Hugs-- Mom
They will always remember how you make them feel. Bless you for the love you show, though it is very, very difficult. My Mother just passed away after a 13 year struggle with Alzheimers.
Rebecca, my prayers are with you and your dad. I was on the Alzeheimers journey with my mother for 12 years. I was oh so sad all the time, until one day I saw in her own eyes a sadness much greater than my own..it was then that we discovered what I called "the language of the heart". After 12 yrs. of Alzeheimers, my mother passed away on Christmas Eve, 2009..She was a very special lady and God took her home on a very special day..God bless, Debbie (Maine)
campmoxie@yahoo.com.au
Oh Rebecca, my prayers are with you and your dad...My father had it too and it was so difficult. I am sending (((hugs))) your way,
XO
Cindy
Rebecca, I am sorry. I can read the pain in your post.
Yes, we are all suffering...some so quietly, it is barely a whisper.
Sending prayers this day.
XO
Barb
So much love and prayers for you and your sweet daddy... I truly believe, no, I KNOW that he remembers you name my friend... but is just not able to say it... look into his eyes... it is there... xoxo Julie Marie
Dearest Rebecca,
My heart breaks for you because I know what you are going through. My dear Papa suffered for years from this terrible disease. My Pop didn't know my name either, but I cherish the times he smiled at me. May you have some special moments too when you visit your Papa.
You are in my prayers sweet lady.
Rebecca P.
Nine years is such a long time......my heart aches for you and your mom.
God bless,
Dear Rebecca, how devastating this awful disease is, but how fortunate that you had a wonderful father for so many years. We have been there and know the sorrow that you are experiencing. It is so hard to watch them every day and know that they do not know you in their minds. Hopefully they know you in their spirits. We experienced it for 13 years. May God bless and help you through this struggle in life. Am praying for you both.
I'm so sorry, Rebecca! This must be so hard and my heart breaks for you. I pray God will fill you with the wonderful memories of your father.
Praying for you, Dear One.
Shelia :)
Rebecca, you dad did good with you, helping to create the person you are right now. To be involved with your parents when they are sick like this is so precious...to me and others on this blog, and of course, to him. My mom passed at home, what she wanted, and we had spent the last year of her life going over everything that happened between us, creating a bond that still is there, though she is not. You dad still needs you, even in a diminished state from Alzheimer's. I am so sorry that you are going through this. I am glad that you are finding strength in Him.
HEY REBECCA... YESTERDAY WAS FUN TIME ON THE BLOG... BUT BROKE MY HEART AGAIN ABOUT YOUR DAD.... I BELIEVE HE KNOWS YOU... ALWAYS KEEP THAT THOUGHT... AND I KNOW IT MUST BE SO HARD TO VISIT HIM BUT PLEASE DO... MEMORIES... JUST THINK HOW LONG YOU HAVE HAD HIM... WHAT A BLESSING.... I GUESS WE ALL FIGHT SOME KIND OF BATTLES... OUR GRANDSON HAS A LOT OF MEDICAL PROBLEMS ..EVER SINCE BIRTH.. HE HAD A BAD SIEZURE A FEW WEEKS AGO AND THE MEDS DIDN'T HELP AND MY DAUGHTER HAD TO CALL 911.. I WAS SO AFRAID HE WOULDN'T COME OUT OF IT... THESE SIEZURES HAS ALSO ROBBED HIS LITTLE MIND OF SOME OUR PRSCIOUS TIMES WITH HIM.... I KNOW YOU ARE SO BUSY.. BUT ANY BODY WANTS TO SAY A PRAYER FOR HIM... PLEASE DO.. HIS NAME IS LANDON..THANK YOU ... LOHOMA
Rebecca; I will keep your Dad in my Prayers,as well as you and your family.... My heart goes out to you, I know a little about what you are going through,,, my Dad was in a Nursing Home for about ten yrs.. it was a very hard decision to make,,, even though it was the only one to make,, ,my Sister and I could not care for him any longer with all his health issues....
My the Lord wrap you in comfort and peace of mind,,,, God Bless;
Hugs
Alaura
Rebecca, Sending special prayers for you and your family. I can feel some of your pain because my daddy is in the early stages of this awful disease. Just remember we will always be Daddy's girls. Much love to you, Vicky
Rebecca, this is why we love blogging.... all of these sweet heartfelt comments. Although my father died from a long battle with cancer not Alzheimers, I can in someways identify with the sadness of watching my big strong Dad becoming weak and helpless. Poop, I can tell how hard it is for you to visit him, but it would be harder not to. There isn't any good terminal illness's but, this is one of the worst. Hang in kid, you can tell by the comments you're not alone and a lot of people care about you.
Carol
know you are loved, prayed for & supported...always! blest be :)
I am sorry for your dad and you, I know it is hard to watch. I pray a special blessing on you for strength and joy in knowing that everything is for His glory, even our suffering.
May you have wisdowm and strengh this day
Blessings
Rebecca
God bless you and your father Rebecca. I know what it is like to watch a loved one suffer. Though we suffer a little while here ... it is small in comparison to the eternal glory we will share.
Blessings and hugs.
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