I’ve worked with aging parents and their families since 1994. The most important lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from books or seminars. They came from adult children who faced the difficulties of their parents’ journey, even when it involved dementia.
Keith, a friend from church, has a dad with Frontotemporal Dementia. Here’s what Keith said about his dad.
“When people ask how Dad is doing, I have to honestly say that dementia is awful. There’s no doubting that. I’m learning, though, to look for the small blessings along the way.”
Keith mentioned a few:
“I read from the Psalms to dad. His eyes lit up, and a big smile crossed his face.”
“Two friends from his past stopped by. He recognized them and was glad to see them.”
“We found the lenses to his glasses. No small miracle. Now he can see!”
“I discovered the nursing home has a barber/beauty shop. We made an appointment for a much-needed haircut.”
Looking for the bright spots along the way isn’t easy. When you find them, though, they’re like pure gold.
Can you think of any small blessings you and/or aging parent have experienced recently?
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