Blowing in the wind...

"Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior." ..."Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks." *from ALZ.org, the Alzheimer's Association Wow, that sounds so bland for what this hateful disease really does to a person. Kevin's Mom - my dearest mom-in-law, Doris; has had this hateful disease for more than 17 years now. Kevin said, the other day, that Mom is a mere wisp of who she was. That got me thinking... Watching Mom live with Alzheimer's over the years has been like watching a dandelion that has gone to seed. Bit by bit, memory by memory, pieces of our beloved Mom disappear like dandelion seeds in the wind. At first, it's just losing the car keys, or forgetting where she left her glasses. Nothing too earth-shattering... Can't do math or handle a checkbook...not too bad...that's why we're family - we take care of each other... It's not safe to drive, really can't live on her own - we've got this!!! We'll do it and she'll be safe with us. Can't tend her own personal needs...we can't provide enough care. Who do we trust with our beloved Mom??? How can we let her go to strangers??? Our hearts are breaking. She knows we belong to her, when we visit the lovely home to which we entrusted her. She hasn't spoken our names for years. Much of what we say is beyond her ability to understand. She can't sift through the Alzheimer's-mud that's clogging her mind to find the words to communicate with us.  She's lost...one piece of her at a time has blown away until she is lost to us...lost in the confusion and fog of this most hateful disease. For all that - for all the sorrow we feel at seeing her this way, to us she will always be our beloved Mom and Grandma...

Daughter of God

Today we attended the rededication of the Ogden, Utah Temple. One of the speakers (Bonnie L. Oscarson) talked about serving in a Temple in Sweden. She spoke of an older sister who had Alzheimer's. This sister could no longer live on her own, so she'd been moved to an assisted living facility near the Temple, She had forgotten many things about her life, but one thing she never forgot was the way to the Temple. She came and served there faithfully. One day as Sister Oscarson was helping this sweet sister in the Temple, she had a strong feeling from the Spirit. She knew that Heavenly Father knew this dear sister, saw her service and loved her for it. It was real and just that personal. 

Of course, my thoughts flew to our own dear Mom - Doris Webster, who also has Alzheimer's.

 

Mom also can no longer live on her own. She too, lives in an assisted living facility. Mom isn't a member of the Church, and doesn't attend the Temple. Mostly, she stays in the home where she lives and interacts with her housemates and the staff. But that doesn't mean that she doesn't serve. 

Here's what I mean. Mom's always been a nice woman. She has a sweet nature and personality. When we visit her and talk to the staff, that's what everyone says. "Oh, Doris is a sweetie! She's such a nice lady!"

Mom has even found a best friend. If you come to the house looking for Mom, you'll also find Ella. Mom and Ella love spending time together. They're always smiling and having fun with each other. I know Mom brightens Ella's day as much as Ella does hers.

As I thought of these things, I realized something true and lovely. Heavenly Father knows our beloved Mom. He sees her sweet nature and the lives she touches by being kind. He sees the friendship she and Ella have developed and He loves them for it.

Mom may not remember as much anymore - but Heavenly Father remembers her, and He loves her because she is His beloved daughter.

Just some thoughts after a lovely Sunday here in Utah.