The strangest thing happened yesterday and the thought of it stays with me today. I visit frequently and regularly with a dear relative who suffers from dementia. The kind of dementia doesn’t matter, it all translates to the same thing. Inability to communicate, to understand, to know.
I read once that someone asked an old man why he went to see his wife in the nursing home every day when she suffered from such severe dementia that she did not know him. He replied that yes she did not know who he was, but he knew who she was. I think of that so often.
Anyway, I am pretty much the only person who visits this dear soul and I do it because she is family, we have a long history and because I love her greatly. Her degree of dementia varies from day to day. Sometimes she knows who I am, most times she just knows I am a nice lady who visits her often. Sometimes she knows, and announces to everyone that I am her great great great…but cannot remember what.
I used to visit her in the mornings until it was time for her lunch but then the Home would call me in the evenings because that is when her agitation grew worse (It’s called Sundowners) and they would ask me to calm her if I could. So now I visit from about 3 pm to 5 pm and this seems to keep her grounded and most times content.
Our routine each visit is pretty much the same. Big hello and hugs and then I take her to a common area, make her a cup of tea exactly the way she likes it (the water must come to a rolling boil) and we look through magazines. Sometimes there are groupings of words that make sense and sometimes for a short while she is pretty accurate to somethings. Once she looked through a magazine and saw an article on MS and commented on it. I always put a few magazines out and when she finishes one she picks up another. She ended up picking up the same magazine she had just put down. I did not say anything and continued to peruse my own book, always keeping an eye on her.
As she flipped through the pages she said, ‘There must be a lot of MS about because here is another article about it.’ I only said, ‘Really?’
But that is not what I wanted to tell you. I always listen to every word she says even when they seem to make no sense. It seems the respectful thing to do.
After tea I take her to her room and help her to lie down to stretch out her back (other wise she is in her wheelchair all day) and then I read her Bible to her until it is time for her evening meal. She has read her Bible every day since she was a child but can no longer hold the book or read the print.
I always sit at the foot of her bed as I read. I stopped for a moment and she started to talk. Trying to tell me something but things like, ‘ I am a a a a airplane,’ would come out instead. And still I listened and suddenly, quietly, the strangest words were coming out of her mouth, ‘We have talked about it you know, the kindness. You coming here to be with me so much. Your kindness to me. Your kindness does not go unnoticed you know.’
She raised her hand and placed in over her heart, ‘I feel your kindness.’
She looked at me, very aware in the moment, and all I could say was, ‘I come because I love you.’
She raised her hand pointing up and said, ‘Do not love me, Love Him ‘In the time it takes to breathe out it was over and she began rambling on about a myriad of things none of which made any sense.
And I was touched.
D > Well I’ve gone through much the same with my own mother – now passed away. Moments of lucidity. Sometimes they seemed to be connections back to fundamental truths or principles or lessons learned well in childhoold – perhaps at Sunday School.
That’s true and gradually those moments become fewer, but have to take what we can and remember who they were
Very powerful. I’m glad you were there to witness it. Such treasures you find, when you put in the effort.
Ain’t it the truth my friend
what a beautiful moment, a gift from her heart to yours.
I am touched by reading this beautiful beautiful post…I am so inspired by your kindness, humility and grace…stay blessed ❤❤❤
thank you
❤ so many layers and depth of loving woven into your words Chris. Thank you. x
Thank you Jane!
Coming over Judith’s blog share of this wonderful post. Sharing. My mom is in the throes of dementia and I am eager to read everything I can about how to “be” with her. This helps me know that I am doing it exactly right. Being present. You never know. What a blessing you are to this special woman. Thank you for sharing!
Sending best wishes to you Beth Ann. It is not an easy journey for them or us..listen to your heart.
What a very special moment!
Truly it was.
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
Thank you for the reblog!
Reblogged this on I choose how I will spend the rest of my life and commented:
This from my sister of choice who lives in Kitchener, Ontario. She is a very soecial person and I am so glad she is in this world, for my sake and for her Aunt Fran.
Ah Sis you make me tear up…thanks!
Oh darling. I know what a special person she is to you and just how special you are to her. Thank goodness she has you in her life.
She is so special..but you know that from our many chats..thank you
What an amazing story. My Mom had a form of dementia, we think. Her personality changed from sweet and caring nurse to mean. She knew everybody but would do things not logical.
One day she told me quite clearly that she hated me because I looked liked my dad, her second husband whom she really did not love. Her first marriage was tonhus brother who died with appendicitis .
I knew it was not the Mom I knew, I let it go but never forgot.
Maybe I will pick someone who has no one to visit. Next year. Still waiting my year before deciding anything, knowing that the hole left from my son dying will not ever fully close.
Oh my dear you have had so much to deal with. Sending love and hugs and prayers
Chris, that is a beautiful story that warms the soul. Thank you for being kind to someone who needs it when she needs it most. And thank you for sharing your story with us!
Thanks Joan she is a pretty special person. You know Joan I have to tell you that when I first saw your name I thought you took it from the character who was an author in Romancing the Stone with Michael Douglas. The characters name was also Joan Wilder.
She’s still in there, somewhere. 🙂
Absolutely
Oh Chris….I am touched. Imagine how much she must have wanted to get that message to you. ❤
I know…very touching
I am so touched reading your post – so many lessons of grace and humanness and true kind-heartedness! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your kind words
You are very welcome.
What an incredible moment for you. I am sure your kindness has not gone unnoticed by the staff as well. Thanks for sharing this.
Reblogged this on Sun in Gemini and commented:
A really beautiful post from bridgesburning… and relevant to many of us.
Thank you so much!
My pleasure – beautiful post, full of hidden alchemy of the soul.