Watching your parents age and having to become their caregiver is difficult but an eventuality for many of us. I faced the possibility of this with apprehension. Well, it has happened to me and do you know what? I feel honored to do it.
My mom has dementia. She will be 93 in July. She is one tough lady but she does not know who I am anymore. I visit her at the elder care facility that she lives in. I go and serve her because that’s what she did for me when I came into this world. I have the opportunity now to return the favor. Talking to her doesn’t make much sense because she is in another world. So, I stroke her arm and listen to her. But recently, I have come upon another idea. She loves to sing and has for as long as I can remember. In fact, as my father was passing away a few years ago, she laid down next to him and sang the song he loved to hear her sing, “You‘re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You”. I am going to sing with her when I visit. I like to sing so I am going to sing a song and then have her sing one back to me. Here is the amazing thing about her singing. She can’t remember who I am but she remembers every word of a lot of songs that she has sung. It’s uncanny! She started singing the “Our Father” song from Matthew 6 word for word the other day. I was shocked! But she remembers the words to a lot of songs. I can’t explain to you how this is possible but I am sure a doctor can.
The Bible says, “Honor thy father and mother that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” This is the only commandment of the Ten that has a promise within it. I would serve my mom without this blessing attached but I do experience the blessing of God every time I go see her. Take care of your parents. Honor them every chance you get. They took care of you when you couldn’t take care of yourself.