If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you may have noticed that I have been candidly sharing what is happening in my mom’s world living with the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. The story has been a few years in the telling; parts of her story are not easy to tell, other parts are sprinkled with joy and little bits of humor. The part of her story that we are in right now is very hard to write about, but telling her story has been important to me because I know there are others traveling on this path and perhaps our experience can shed a little light on the path of those traveling behind us, and comfort and companionship for others.
In addition to blogging about mom’s story, I have been finding great comfort in listening to audiobooks while on this somewhat solitary part of mom’s journey Home. Books are great companions. As a wanna-be writer, I enjoy seeing how various authors tell their stories, develop characters, and weave their story lines. One of my friends likes to jump ahead to the last chapter of books and read how the story ends before she decides whether the book is worth reading. If she likes how the story ends, she’ll read the book. She explains, “Knowing how the story ends doesn’t ruin the story for me.” For my friend, there is enjoyment in knowing where the plot is headed. She loves noticing how each character is introduced and how the little twists and turns in the story line fit into how the story will ultimately end.
A phone call I received on Sunday night makes me feel like I’m about to skip ahead in mom’s story. My phone rang at 7:09 pm and lasted only one minute. The call was Kate from BeeHive calling to tell me that they believed my mom had suffered a significant stroke. Kate’s voice was filled with compassion. She didn’t have to say it, but we both knew that this new twist meant that we were most likely in mom’s final chapter of life.
I told Kate I would be there in a few minutes and then hurriedly tossed a few changes of clothing in my backpack, grabbed my Bible and my favorite pillow, then headed toward BeeHive.
I am so thankful I already know the end of the story. Alzheimer’s loses. God wins.
Barefoot Lily Lady 
God’s peace.
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Yes, God wins. What a comforting thought for you as you are on the journey with your mom. May the God of all comfort bring you His peace.
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Dear Barefoot Lily Lady,
While visiting Mary Friday, Mark and I heard that Charlotte was in her “final chapter” here on . How I wish we could accompany you during this time even though there’s no doubt you don’t really need that. Saying prayers for her safe and loving journey . We KNOW she’ll be received into many loving arms.
Love,
Eishe and Mark
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Dear Eishe, the last page of mom’s final chapter was turned on Sunday morning when God, in answer to many prayers, took her gently Home. Oh, how I will miss her, but I am so grateful she is now in Heaven. No more tears, no more pain, no more Alzheimer’s.
I have such gratefulness in my heart for BeeHive and the grace and compassion the staff showered upon my mother – and all of the residents. I’m also grateful for the friendships I have forged and will always treasure getting to know you. I hope that we will continue to spend time with one another Call me when you feel like it’s safe to have coffee together. In the meanwhile, I’m sure that you’ll see me from time to time playing in the dirt at BeeHive.
Love to you and Mark and dear Mary,
Cindie
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Praying for your mother and your family.
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