Bless the Lord, O My Soul

Four generations celebrating the love.

Psalm 104:1-2

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

O Lord my God, you are very great.

You are clothed with honor and majesty,

Wrapped in light as in a garment.

While my father is still somewhat aware and can recognize us by looks and names despite his Alzheimer's, my husband, Danny, and I decide to bring the guitar and music selections to entertain him during our visit.  Dad used to play guitar and always loved music, from classical to hymns, from country to folk, all his life.  How could this not cheer him up?  At the very least, stimulate his brain synapses so frail and in decline?  We have every hope . . .

We perform several Christian praise songs for him and are gratified to witness the joy in his eyes and the smile on his face.  Then, we turn to one most recently learned, 10,000 Reasons, by Matt Redmon:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul.  Worship your holy name.  Sing like never before, O my soul.  Worship His holy name . . .

By the time we reach the second chorus of "Bless the Lord," my father's countenance radically transforms.  Without warning and with breathing labored, tears stream uncontrollably down his cheeks.  We are, understandably, taken aback and cease our song.  Mom comes in to comfort him as we, too, hold his hands and reassure him that this might be enough for him at the moment.  

All we want is to provide joy and comfort to my Dad.  Nothing less.  Yet, we could not control this unexpected outcome.

~

When my father realized he was developing Alzheimer's and knew how this hideous ailment had already affected his mother, sister, and brother, he chose, in love and leadership, to write his own obituary and the order of service for his memorial.  His intention was not to leave the ones he loved scrambling and guessing as to what his final wishes would be.  What an incredible gift that was to wife, Nancy, and to us all as the end drew near.  We could, without undue anxiety, submit an appropriate obituary to the paper, and the requested ministers and hymn leader could organize a service without undue stress or perplexity.

The date and time is set for the memorial.  The Old Church adjacent to the Oxford College campus, where Dad served 12 years as dean, is filled to capacity.  Old friends, neighbors, co-workers, and former students are lovingly greeted.  Seats are taken as the service is due to begin.

The first scripture read is Psalm 104.  As the minister begins, my husband, Danny, whispers to me, "That's why!  That's why your Dad was so moved by that song.  He remembered!"

Epiphany.

That psalm was so engraved in my father's heart and soul, that no matter in what context he heard it, he knew.  And, miraculously, it brought back memories of the times when he could think and reason with the incredible gifts God gave to him.

Dad remembered . . .

And, we will always remember him.

~

Have you lost a loved one to Alzheimer's? 

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, you gave me on earth a model of the father you are.  I miss him so much, but I know he is in Your loving arms, resting in the comfort of Your presence.  I pray for all those who have suffered the loss of a parent, and I pray they find Your peace which passes all understanding.  Amen.