The lilacs are blooming in my backyard. They are a favorite, because my grandmother had them around her home.
The choke cherry tree extends it branches fluttering with green leaves and tiny white blossoms. Spring is in full bloom and Sunday is Mother’s Day. My husband and I will travel to Michigan to visit Mom in the nursing home.
My mother is in the winter of her life. Mom is confused about who I am—a sister? a daughter? Her mind is in the past. As her dementia slowly progressed I did not always respond well. I was frustrated by her behavior. I didn’t understand.
A friend pointed me to Alzheimers Reading Room. It has been a big help. (Note: this is a great resource for understanding dementia and alzheimers.) I wasn’t going to fix Mom. I needed to enter her world and support her.
My goal is to give thanks for Mom and her sacrificial care for me, to honor her. I am thankful for the people that have prayed for me during this time. The Bible encourages us to pray for one another.
Is there someone you can pray for? Or a woman that you can honor?
The Bible also encourages us to put our trust in God in all circumstances.
On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62: 7-8
I am joining the community at Five Minute Friday and Faith on Fire with this post.
I’m sure I would understand the frustration more than anything else. I like for things to be the way they’ve always been. When there’s a change, especially with illness, I experience major anxiety and then get upset with how selfish I’m being. I am going to share the Alzheimer’s Reading Room link with a friend of my dad’s. I’m next door at FMF. 🙂
Thanks for visiting!