DEMENTIA: IT’S PERSONAL

“Sis, we have a problem. It’s about dad”. Our dad has been in an assisted living facility for awhile in Virginia near my sister due to general dementia. But, as many who have loved ones with dementia, it changes at some point. And with our dad it did. It was time to move him once again. This process is difficult without complications, much less all that we have had to go through. As my sister and I researched the various facilities, there was a certain sadness through it all. One morning, while walking with Miley, I started to cry. I was thinking about my daddy Lenny, as I called him when I was little, since we had two fathers. To be honest, my relationship with him wasn’t always good. Like most family relationships, it can be messy, difficult, and can even scar you. At different periods of my life I experienced pain from him that I thought would never heal. And here we were, my sister and I, going to extreme lengths to find a new home for him. But my tears were not because of unforgiveness or pain; it was gratefulness to God that I could and did forgive him…that I wanted to help him and to show kindness and compassion when he needed it the most. ONLY God could bring me to this point. Have you ever experienced this in your own family dynamics? Were you able to forgive or are you still wrestling with it? Like I said, families can wound each other, not always intentionally, and it can seem impossible to move forward. The wounds can be buried deep within our hearts and stay there for a long time….but, if not dealt with, it will rear it’s ugly head again. With me, it came when my dads dementia changed. Jesus is the reason I can say I’m honored to help my dad. Only He can take broken relationships and make them whole again. If you are in the middle of a hurt relationship I would encourage you to give it to Jesus for His help. It took years for me to deal with my issues but Jesus can heal those deep wounds. Dementia: It’s personal. It reminded me of all that God did and all he will do in the future. I am SOOO grateful for my sissy through it all. She has been amazing and resilient in the face of all these difficult challenges. For those caregivers who are dealing with those who have dementia or any other kind of care, lean on God and reach out to others for help. It’s a job that can’t be done alone. And to my daddy Lenny…you are loved and valued. May Jesus continue to stay close to your heart in this new chapter of your life. Love you….