Alzheimer's Disease: New Diagnosis - Not a New Condition

My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. While the diagnosis is new, it has become evident to me that we have been going down this path for many years. The doctors finally told us what we refused to see.

The first symptoms appeared not long after my daddy and brother died in November of 2003. I have spent the years since explaining away her behavior. She spent those same years covering her increasing inabilities. My frustration was only exceeded by her own. The diagnoses came when I could no longer offer excuses and she could no longer cover. I have entered a new kind of grief with the realization that she will never be better.

But in church this morning, I experienced hope. Mother reached for the pew Bible and began looking for Psalm 23 with the rest of the congregation. I did not offer to help as previous attempts had embarrassed her but I watched while she was in Psalms, then not, then back again. She could not find the scripture before time to read. My heart ached. With my Bible in hand we stood and the preacher read. Immediately I heard Mother, in a whispered voice, quoting the twenty-third Psalm as the preacher read. Tears rolled down my cheeks and I had a time of personal worship.

I do not understand why she can no longer find scripture in her Bible. I do not understand why she cannot remember how to spell my name or how she can think I am her oldest child. I do not understand why she can no longer do the crossword puzzles she has done my whole life. I do not understand why she does not remember how to crochet or sew or make dressing. I do not understand why she thinks someone will steal her remote control. But I praise God that His Word is embedded deep in her heart so she can still quote scripture. I praise Him for the peace on her face when she remembers and sings those old hymns. 

If she forgets everything else I do not think she will ever forget Him . . . and praise God, 

I know He will never forget her!