Coping with Dementia? Pray for strength!

 

Hello and Welcome! 

I wonder if you, like me, have seen a loved one slowly transform into someone else who doesn't even remember who you are. I am talking of the effects of dementia. My mother, God rest her soul, suffered from this. I relived a bit of this journey today 23rd January 25 reading Our Daily Bread, in a piece penned by Karen Huang who had witnessed this in her father. 

The writer found encouragement from the Bible and other gifts from God. Watching my mother struggling I tried, through prayer, to make sense of what was happening. Mum had been a very strong and capable woman before her illness. I believe that everything happens for a reason. And also acknowledge that God's ways are not ours. While in that testing time I just kept trusting Him and seeking His help and guidance on a day-to-day basis, as I always do. 

The Alzheimer's Society website says: The word 'dementia' describes a set of symptoms that over time can affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms get worse over time and include: memory loss, confusion and needing help with daily tasks, problems with language and understanding, and changes in behaviour. For more info take a look at their site: 

I pray that if you are going through this situation either personally, or watching a loved one deteriorating in front of your eyes, or indeed coping with any problem at all right now try saying this short prayer - or one of your own - as often as needed:

"Dear Heavenly Father, please help and guide us through this very testing time. Please help us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on You, and to feel Your love  surrounding and upholding us. I ask this in Jesus's name. Amen." 

Looking through a number of Bible quotes about suffering this one struck a chord: "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10

I would love to hear how you are coping with this problem.    

God bless,

Teresa

Visit Our Daily Bread

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Mum and the Queen

 

When The Queen visited Wales Mum took me to see her. A small child, all I remember were crowds of people in a field and Her Majesty waving from a huge black car. Very exciting, though! And over the years there were news reports watched by the family, Mum collecting ‘Special edition’ newspapers filled with photographs of Royal occasions. And of course, Christmas Dinner revolved around The Queen’s Address. But the most poignant memory for me happened on Mum and Dad’s Platinum Wedding Anniversary.

 On the whole, it had been a happy day. There were banners, balloons, flowers and cards, and celebrating people. There was cake to be shared. There were smiles on faces. It’s not every day, we all agreed, that a couple gets to reach the milestone of a 70 year marriage.

But, it has to be said, some of the smiles were a little forced. Some of the jollity a tad brittle. The banners and floral tributes were decking a bedroom, not sitting room. And apart from close family the rest of the ‘guests’ came and went and came back later. And one half of the couple did not know, as far as I could make out, what all the razzmatazz was about.

My mother, in the seventh year of dementia, scarcely knew who I was, let alone that it was her special anniversary. And the other visitors were caring for my mother’s physical needs. They came, double-handed, and carried out their duties – though they did add cheer to the proceedings. My father, appeared to be, though, truly happy. He still had his beloved wife at this side, and that was all that mattered.

The postman had, that morning, brought a special envelope from Buckingham Palace. A card from the Queen afforded the royal treatment (the Post Office upon receipt had to contact the Palace, and upon delivery had to convey that information to the Palace). A decade before, on my parent’s Diamond Anniversary Mum had opened the front door to the postman, as my father and I had sneakily peeped out of a room to watch. When she opened the envelope Mum was overjoyed to have the card signed Elizabeth R, by Her Majesty. That day there was a party, with buffet and dancing and real celebration.

This time my father opened the door to the postman – who presumed the card was for a Diamond anniversary. Learning the fact of the Platinum one, he was amazed. That tickled Dad.  He showed Mum the card. But she gave no sign of understanding its significance. The card bearing a photograph of a beaming Queen Elizabeth, was given pride of place beside the best bouquet. We all referred to it from time to time. But Mum had no reaction to it.

The day wore on and eventually was coming to a close. We had all done our best to make this Platinum Anniversary special. After washing up I went in to say goodnight to Mum. Then it happened… With a big beaming smile Mum made a big announcement. “The Queen came to visit me!” Taken aback I muttered, “Oh, did she Mum? How lovely.” Mum answered, blue eyes twinkling, “Yes, The Queen visited me.” Radiant with joy she added, “We had a lovely chat!” When I relayed this to Dad he was thrilled. Mum had, indeed, understood at least some of what had happened that day. And, though deep in dementia, had felt special, happy and blessed by the ‘visit’ of Queen Elizabeth II who had long had a place in her heart...  

Mum and Dad, united now in Heaven, have an opportunity to see their, our, beloved Queen Elizabeth who has gone, like them, to join the angels... May they all rest in peace until we meet in Heaven.

God bless

Teresa 

Here is the cover of my upcoming book to be published internationally on 30th September by Circle Books. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pray-Then-Listen-heart-heart/dp/1789043697/ref=sr_1_3?crid=29KKTA0E2LL2O&keywords=teresa+o%27driscoll&qid=1659363438&sprefix=%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-3

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My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland. Find all the details here.