Lost but Not Forgotten

Melvin closed his eyes as he tried to recall the details. His family was desperately seeking to hear his wartime stories before they were lost, which seemed almost daily with his dementia stealing his once laser-focused mind.

“The attic stairs creaked as you carefully placed your feet on each narrow step. The tiny closet doors were the perfect hiding place should one hear footsteps of the enemy. The mortar was chipping away from between the stacked stone of the exterior wall. Sometimes we would write down our true feelings of the war and place the notes in the crevices not knowing if they’d ever be found. The fireplace chimney leaned as if wondering which side of the country to support. Brother against brother…both believing in their reasons for freedom.”

The last few words had been muffled and slurred as Melvin drifted into sleep once more. Oftentimes we wondered when the pain of remembrance would make sleep permanent. But for now our family was thankful to add a few more scattered thoughts to the family heritage album. (This is a fictional start of a story based on personal experience with this disease)

Dementia and Alzheimers begin to fragment the mind. So much history will be lost if we do not record the memories these individuals have trouble recalling. The details may be few but the rich stories that lie buried need to be transcribed so future generations can know and understand and most importantly, appreciate our ancestors and the lives they led.

As someone who has lost a parent to dementia, it is a painful journey. As you watch them slowly slip away, it does not ease the grief when they finally pass from this life. It is literally losing them twice. My grief has been a long journey with many valleys, but my mama always taught me to give back in any way you can because it helps heal the pain. So know that someone understands and cares how you might be feeling. Without the Lord, I could not be surviving because I would have no hope. Because of Him, I can face another day, knowing I will see my precious mama again…on the other side of tomorrow.