2 Corinthians 2:9
Emotions are running high these days. We see somber faces. More hopeful, in the grocery stores, gifts of the heart and hand are being planned. Do not grow weary of good deeds, is part of the waiting in Pandemic Recovery.
We are organ donors on our driver's licenses in my family. Life should continue.
Open hearts want to fly. There are plenty of types of caution and tired optimism right now. SAD deaths. Depression deaths. Anger on the airlines. Even ridicule for trying new paths of optimism.
Wouldn't the grieving love to find more heart. We had something happen so touching in my family last weekend.
One of our family is in Memory Loss Care due to Dementia. Someone very private in their inclinations, so let me tread softly. We travel to see yet another family member with the puzzle of Dementia. Like a puzzle you love, and different pieces are missing and put back. Another day, a different piece. A visit that was great and filled with laughter and memories. A visit that wasn't great with hopes unfilled and not possible, to rail at Dementia. A memory piece is gone on this visit, like names. And restored another day. No memories of all the cards and gifts brought on the special Birthday. Gratitude on the next visit.
This summer, we went to lunch and were given a beautiful table with a wonderful view. Lovely food, laughing guests. Helped to seat our dear one with extra assistance from the staff. As the meal was being finished, we all stayed hours to enjoy each other. And our dear one began to weep, misty eyes and a tear. Where were the children of Anne Laurel and Edward? They were missed and longed for. Names were missing, but descriptions were given with a waving hand and a sorrowful statement of memory missing.
Our 30 something children are in new jobs, in another state. Not a lot of vacation is available. In fact, when the visit topic was raised, we were asked if guilt was something we enjoyed sprinkling about. Rather dumbfounding. Life can really REALLY rub you the wrong damn way. And the bur was now under the saddle. Lurking. How dare. And ok, sure. Fine. Not all things can be in the "in box" of accomplishment. Next, my other son accused me of sprinkling guilt. NO. Not doing that. Then give enough room and my sons rubbed the bur completely into place. Words were Exchanged. Heated words about priorities and being a person you enjoyed being. So many loud words. Nothing. Nada. Not going to happen.
Then a few weeks later, a text ... appeared. Both sons were going to pay their way and a visit is On. Parents, we are, usually offer tickets to ride. I was strictly told by my husband to be low profile and allow this to happen gently, not offer any suggestions.
This visit was placed back in the beautiful restaurant of so many delightful aspects. Winter rain outside. I asked for the same seat, instead we were crammed in, the staff was busy and not terribly helpful. Finally, we all jammed in. And the joy of visit was upon us. Everyone spoke, all delighted. This was a good, good, good visit. The puzzle was not puzzling. All names were remembered. Gentle laughter was carrying us. And my son, looked over and began to have a tear go down one cheek. He missed our dear one. How good gathering happens. So missed. I told them, the last time we were here, my sons were missed and tears had fallen, however today all has been joy. Laughter. Our dear one spoke all our names. We were told we were not only loved, we were acknowledged one by one and spoken to be not only loved, but a friend.
Dementia had hidden this for several years. A sad aspect of Dementia is hidden love. Now the truth wins out. Memories are made. Love revealed. Restoration is a Gift of the Holy Spirit.
Abba, Father,
in whom we have boldness
from whom
Who is able to do far more
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