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.
Sehnsucht
His calloused hands were lined with years of hard work. He was nearing his ninetieth birthday when the order came from the government to “stay home.” The nurses tried to explain that the nursing facility was on lockdown. They tried to help Mr. Damon understand that he was not allowed to leave the facility but worse yet, his dear wife was not able to visit him either.
The dementia that had settled in his mind over the past year made it extremely difficult for him to comprehend all that was going on with the new restrictions. Agitation was a common occurence when things didn’t go his way. But this time appeared to be very different.
Mr. Damon simply stared out the window as fresh tears streamed down his cheeks. But the nurses couldn’t offer him any reassurance on when the lockdown would lift.
He began experiencing sehnsucht because of the heartbreak and confusion. Though his mind was failing him, he was aware enough that he longed to hear his wife’s voice. The nurses quietly left his room as there was nothing they could say to ease the pain on the old man’s face.
Sehnsucht – (noun) German origin, a high degree of intense desire or longing for something or someone with an uncertainity as to when it can be attained.
These times in our nation are certainly making history. There is no definitive end in sight so many of us are having feelings of longing for things and people that we are missing. Hopefully when our lives return to a “new normal,” we will be more intentional to spend time with the ones we love. Who is one person you can’t wait to spend time with as soon as you are able?
A Soldier’s Refuge
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 sharp 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 reason 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 heritage album.
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.
What details of your life would you want to leave behind for future generations?