excerpt:
"Uncap your pen and feel that beat of anticipation as your hand draws close to the page. Note if your thoughts arrange themselves in a slightly different way or your mind unravels sentences at a more purposeful pace. All of it leading to the thrill of seeing your ideas appear in front of you. From heart to mind to paper.
With the act of writing comes a bold release. What might have felt stuck or unformed - thoughts jumping around inside our minds - now are free. In letting the words out, one by one, we receive a much needed reminder. Yes, this sentence should be expressed. Yes, these ideas deserve to see the light of day. And from there, we affirm a larger truth - that what bubbles up from within us is worthy."
This process has been true for me - I didn't know if my blog would resonate with anyone else when I first started, I just knew that "thoughts were jumping around inside of my mind" and I needed to write them down. It has been a joy to have friends let me know that my blog has been an encouragement to them. Writing down my thoughts has helped me to concentrate on the blessings that God has given me instead of concentrating on the hard parts of our journey.
During this past Sunday morning sermon, Rich and I were following along with the Bible passages that our pastor, Robb, was reading. It hurt my heart to see how my husband had to struggle to find the passages in his Bible. He loved teaching God's Word and could quote many passages and quickly find a verse that came to his mind while teaching. Now he struggles to read and comprehend what he is reading. In the past he was a favorite narrator of programs, cantatas, and often was a requested "story time reader" in elementary classrooms. He read aloud in such a way that the meaning was not only understood but savored. I grieve that these gifts are gone forever. However, I celebrate that he appreciates good teaching and storytelling (even if he has a hard time following).
My birthday was last Tuesday, the same day that we went to house/pet sit for Hollie and Jill. We were caring for Winter, a sweet and lively golden retriever, Fred, a senior citizen Viszla, and Maebe, Jill's cat. They were easy and fun to care for but everything was unfamiliar to Rich. Becca and her boys brought us lunch and a wonderful gluten free cheesecake that Becca made for my birthday. I guess everything was a bit overwhelming for Rich - after the family left, he seemed confused and out of sorts. We went to a wonderful Thai restaurant for dinner but Rich was uncharacteristically grumpy. I realized anew how hard a change in schedule and location was for Rich. I needed to be patient - even on my birthday!
The following two days at Hollie's were much easier and less stressful for both of us. I was pleasantly surprised that the trip to Washington to visit Rich's brother and his wife, Susie, went so smoothly. Rich didn't have the hard day adjusting to a new schedule, bed, and everything else. He loved spending time with Derrick and I appreciated the time to relax and do fun things with Susie! Again I have been reminded that dementia is unpredictable but I am so grateful of the scripture that reminds me that Jesus never changes. I rely on Him every moment of the day to deal with hard things and to celebrate the precious, sweet moments, too!
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." NIV
Comments