It was a long good-bye, as Alzheimer’s Disease made its steady march, chipping away at memories and function. I really don’t know what to say today, so I will simply mark Mom’s passing with some details from the memorial service.
The service was just as it needed to be. A talented young man, Aaron Rogers, who is studying to be a music director, sang the solos – Amazing Grace and Going Home. As many people with dementia do, Mom spoke often of her desire to “go home,” so Dad chose this beautiful song especially for her.
Here is a link to the eulogy, should you wish to read it. We are thankful that my sister’s pastor, the Reverend David Roberts, was available to lead the service. Although he never met my mother, he spent time talking with Dad and seemed to get a genuine feel for many of the qualities that make mom so special to us.
It is hard to say good-bye to a mother, wife, and sister, but we are at peace because she is at peace after a long and brutal disease.
Oh Kathy, I love what the funeral card says about your mom. Crafting with a co-conspirator – that’s my kind of fun too. My dad had been a Sears employee for many years in Norfolk, Virginia. My parents both died from cancer, and both had their minds right to the end. As bad as cancer is, I think I prefer their end to the slow, lingering, and increasingly sad effects of Alzheimer’s. Keeping you in my thoughts ~
Thank you for reading and for your kind thoughts. Yes, I thought those words fit my mom. She was always making bulletin boards for church, or coming up with crafts for her grandchildren or her Sunday school kids to do, or for herself – and it was always more fun to work on a project with someone. And we have a Sears connection!
Thank you for sharing this, Kathy. May you find comfort in the precious memories you have stored up, as well as in your faith that she is in the care of a loving Savior. Doris was a beautiful woman in so many ways.
Thanks, Wilda. I do have lots of good memories and know that Love has always been present with her and will continue to be.
Kathy……that was a beautiful eulogy. She was truly a gift from God.
Love
She sure was a gift to us!
Kathy,
Condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. Alzheimers/Dementia is such a terrible thing. My mother-in-law has been suffering from it for years. As you said, it is a long goodbye.