SynapseSite: Alzheimer's / Dementia Support

Praying the Long Goodbye

Dementia caregivers face unique challenges that test, and sometimes destroy, faith. In "Praying the Long Goodbye" I place these challenges in conversation with Christian spirituality, in search of a grace-filled perspective on living with a merciless disease.

Let Nothing Disturb You

Saturday, August 04 2012

photo by Jimmy Hemphill - http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmah_v/

This is the first post in my new blog "Praying the Long Goodbye," in which I will highlight some of the faith-testing challenges of dementia caregiving and put them into conversation with Christian scripture. How the conversation will develop and where it will end ... I really have no idea. I hope to find helpful connections and new perspectives along the way, and I hope you will join me.

Each post will include a photograph by my husband Jimmy Hemphill. The photos alone will make it worthwhile to check out the blog. I am fortunate to be married to a talented, brilliant, and hysterically clever man.

I thought I would begin with some reassuring words from my favorite saint, Teresa of Avila, the great 16th century Spanish mystic. Her life has absolutely nothing to do with dementia, but this quote, known as "St Teresa's Bookmark," has always brought me peace. And peace may be the one thing dementia caregivers need most. Here are her words:

Let nothing disturb you
Let nothing frighten you
All things are passing
God never changes
Patience achieves everything
The one who has God lacks nothing
God alone is enough

Posted by: Barbara Hemphill AT 12:15 pm | Permalink | Email

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Barbara Hemphill facilitates the Lake Houston Alzheimer's & Dementia Caregiver Support Group. Her mother had Lewy Body Dementia; her mother-in-law had vascular dementia. Barbara has a master's degree in pastoral care as well as training as a hospital chaplain and spiritual director. She is a member of the Episcopal Church.