SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK 

As many of you know, my mother has dementia.  Her story is not unlike the story of others with this disease. My story is not unlike the story of other grown children or spouses or loved ones that are caregivers. Though none of our stories is exactly the same.

On this Mental Health Sunday, I would like to share something I wrote after taking my mom out recently.

A Dementia Spring

“Oooh, look at that tree.  It’s green and white. I’ve never seen that before.” 

Green leaves on the tree have opened. White floral blossoms still cling to the branches. They dance together in the breeze.

 “Those yellow flowers are beautiful!”  Clusters of daffodils dot the landscape.

“Look at the pink tree!  It’s beautiful!”

“Did you see that one?  All those white ones?”

It’s as if Mom is seeing spring for the first time.

They say dementia is like reverting to your childhood.  Did she notice these things as a child?

In past years, spring did not bring her such joy. I do not recall her loving spring this much. Ever.

She may not remember the names of the flowers. She may not remember the names of the trees. But their beauty calls to her.  And she responds with such excitement.

Amidst the sadness of watching her forgetfulness increase, of watching her struggle to find the right words; there is joy in seeing her astonishment at the miracle of spring bursting forth.

Blessings, 

Pastor Lisa