I’m at my dad’s right now and he’s sleeping. There’s a window of time to write (or read), so I’m taking full advantage. If you’ve been reading a while or know me, you know why I’m here; if not, this explains it, as well as the other post that one links to.
One of my oldest and dearest friends from childhood, Kimberly, encouraged me to seek moments of beauty through my dad’s illness. There is so much “ugly” attached to witnessing an aging parent fall prey to the ravages of dementia, finding the beauty in the midst requires intention. But the lovely thing is, if you look for it, it’s there.
Right before he went to sleep, he sang “Rock of Ages.” Typically, traditional hymns don’t resonate with me, but this time….this time, it was a moment of beauty that brought tears to my eyes. I had no idea he knew this song; my father only attended church with us during my childhood at Christmas and Easter. He knew both the tune and the lyrics…unbelieveable!
Once again, leaving me with hope for his salvation…..
A small gift .. from above. to comfort you, I’m sure.
When I was 23 my dad received some kind of head injury and was invalid in both mind and body until he died 18 months later.
At his funeral I spoke in the car with my eldest brother who said that “God sees where every man is born.”……. which I got comfort from.
sniff sniff – that is sweet….
Robin, I wanted to let you know that I just finished a prayer for your father and for you.
Stay strong.
Bittersweet. A lovely post Robin, and it sounds like he may be closer to salvation than you think. I wonder if your father learned that wonderful old hymn in his childhood? My prayers are with you.
Prayers for you and your family.
Robin that was special, God is giving you glimpses (and maybe hope).
My prayers are with you and your family. . .
My FIL is suffering from Alzheimers and is to the point where he needs to be in a home (he isn’t even 60 yet). I know completely what you are saying….one of my favorite things is watching him when we are home while we are at church. He doesn’t even know his own mother anymore – but he can still sing all the verses of Amazing Grace (my all time favorite song).
I did not expect to cry tonight while reading your blog, but I did. Then I read the comments and that didn’t help either.
I just said a little prayer for you and your Dad. Dad’s are SO special.
I have stories about my Dad that I will share one day. (As soon as I finish these crazy questions.) My Great Granny had Dementia and it was horrible. But I loved to watch her sleep. I might blog about her one day too. McD’s Mom had Alltimer’s (that is what she called it). What great stories I am thinking of to tell.
Robin, Thank you so much for sharing this. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. It is amazing what the heart and mind will retain, even in the most difficult times. Rely on the Lord, He is most evidently there with you and your dad.
Hey guys, as always, you know just the way to respond :). Have I mentioned that I’m thankful for my blogmates? I am….
Amazing to me that people who suffer from dementia seem to remember ‘happy times’ of their life…
YOu know which Scripture just came to mind:
“The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius.” Matthew 20:9-10…
God knows our hearts and what we believe, so there is hope for the ones that come at the eleveth hour to faith :)…