I Remember

 How often we say, "remember when we..." and  recall with a smile some funny episode in the past. We treasure those memories with family and friends.

Dave's mom and dad live in a nursing home and while Dad is doing well, considering he had a stroke in 2001 and has lost the use of his right side as well as his ability to talk.  He has improved and on our last visit initiated and led a prayer. :)  He can still beat the computer at solitaire and enjoys that very much.  We can still make memories.

Mom taught her granddaughters how to crochet, was president of many groups and served on county boards, she canned her garden produce each fall, she built forts with my son, sewed up bath blankets and receiving blankets for all of her grandchildren, and loved any excuse to go shopping.  These are random memories of a woman I treasure who taught me so much.  I have these memories, she does not.

Alzheimer's is devastating for those who must watch the fabric of a life unravel with no way to preserve the "remember when we..."

She still seems to know her dear hubby, but the time is coming when she may no longer have that light in her eye when she sees him.

Dave and I recently sang at St. Paul's Lutheran in Fulda as they celebrated 125 years. After having so many people come up to him beforehand to ask about his parents, Dave asked during the concert: "Okay, seriously now, how many of you came tonight just to hear how my folks are doing?" Dave laughed with good cheer when a number of hands shot up.  "I remember when your mom..." - what joyful medicine as we seek to preserve the beautiful fabric that is Mom. 

Thankfully, the end of this story will not be the end of the story. The new heaven and the new earth will be full of new minds and bodies.  Thanks be to Jesus who came to make all things new.