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Dementia blessings – Breaking through

Dementia is on the rise globally, with the number of cases expected to double every twenty years. It can be terrifying to discover that your parent or grandparent is losing their memory. It brings up a host of fears about the future – both theirs and yours.

Yet, over the last 14 years of our mother’s life, as her cognitive faculties declined and she became increasingly dependent on others, we also experienced that this condition can bring with it the most profound blessings.

Over the next few weeks, I will be dedicating my nature solos to exploring and reflecting on this aspect of mum’s life and legacy. Here is my first offering …

mum clapping

Breaking through

No longer
chained to social norms
nor memories of loss
and pain,
as the past withdraws
your waning brain allows
your soul to soar.

 Your spirit
nourished through your life
by early morning prayer
breaks through
the density of flesh
to shine on us
with love and joy.

Dementia blessings – 1

3 replies
  1. Steve
    Steve says:

    Thank you for the wonderful words. My mom also had dementia/Alzheimers and near the end I said a prayer giving her “permission” to finally let go. I believe that she understood this.

    Reply
  2. the heart of nature
    the heart of nature says:

    I’m sure she did, Steve. Thank you for your words too. Us four ‘kids’ had the privilege of sitting with mum for the last few days of her life and also felt moved to give her permission to pass on. Although she was extremely weak by then, it felt like she was very present with us.

    Reply

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