I also want to dedicate this book to my mom, whom I miss very much. Just a couple of months before my husband was in a serious wreck, my mom had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She could not tolerate any of the medications used to slow the progression of the disease, so, unfortunately, it progressed very rapidly.
My mom had always been one to send cards and letters of encouragement to people. She never missed an occasion. When the wreck happened, and my husband was fighting for his life in the ICU, she sent me a beautiful card telling me that she was praying for me. Unfortunately, the card was a sympathy card. Bless her heart. She didn’t realize the error, and we just had to love her for her good intentions.
By Christmas of that same year, 2002, we knew that she would no longer be able to stay at home. My dad, brother, sister, and I collectively decided to add her to a waiting list at a nursing home. We thought that there would be time to adjust to this idea, as this facility’s rooms didn’t become available terribly often. As it turned out, God opened a door right away, and we moved her in within a few short weeks.
Mom settled in right away. It was a blessing to know that she was safe and cared for. It was also a blessing, in a sad and special way, for me to have her close by to talk to. Because of her disease, I was able to tell her anything and talk to her about all my worries and fears. I did not have to worry about her trying to correct me or fix me; she just listened to every word. She didn’t mind just sitting in silence and letting me lay my head on her shoulder. She had all the time and patience I needed.
When I needed to get away to somewhere quiet and focus on what was really important—God, family, relationships—I could always go by Garden Court at Saint John’s Lutheran Home. I know Mom didn’t get Alzheimer’s for my sake, and I would do anything to not have had her go through that disease. Yet, I marvel at God’s timing. It is amazing how He manages to bring good things out of bad situations.
Only those who have been married to their best friends, who have shared everything and then had their relationships drastically changed, can begin to understand how very lonely it is. Those who experience a spouse with Alzheimer’s understand the kind of loneliness I felt after my husband’s accident, and I found comfort in being around the families of the other residents. I found inspiration in my dad as I watched him stand by my mom.
Mom lives in heaven now, but she was there for me when I really needed someone to just listen. I know that God is always there to talk to, too, but I believe that He worked through her to comfort me when I so desperately needed a friend. Thank you, Mom, for your last great sacrifice.
