Somber Weather and Somber Thoughts

Another cold and gloomy day. I suppose one should fight the gloom with sunny thoughts. But my thoughts today center around the reality of hell. At least those are hot thoughts unlike the frigid temps we are facing in the coming week. Hell is usually depicted as the unquenchable file, but what if, instead, it's absolutely frigid. Which would be worse do you think?

But I digress.

May the Souls of the Faithful Departed, Through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace.

My friend sent a final post today about his mother-in-law who died Monday morning. Her journey is over as it will be for all of us. Please, in your charity, pray for the repose of her soul.

Nearing the End of a Long Road of Suffering from Dementia

If you have been following my friend's posts describing the journey his wife accompanying his dying mother-in-law who has dementia, the story is nearing it's end. You can read more at:

"End Stages Dementia is definitely a challenge to my Catholic Faith."

Editor's Note: I've been following the challenge my friend is facing as he and his wife, a nurse, care at home for his wife's mom who is in her 90s, suffering from dementia, and nearing the end of her life. I read a column recently by a woman who described the different stages of dementia that challenge home care givers. Home care, she said, is "not for the faint of heart!" That is certainly obvious from my friend's emails.

The Silent Saints: Heroes Among Us!

Our Lady, Health of the Sick

A few days ago I posted Love in the Trenches, about my dear friend and his wife who are taking care of his wife's mother as she nears the end of her life. What a challenge they have since she has dementia and often carries on like a two-year-old having a tantrum: throwing things, screaming, taking off her clothing. What a good time this is to meditate on how our own mothers cared for us when we were babies and toddlers... and teenagers. Parents put up with a lot while rearing their children! 

These dear caregivers haven't forgotten. They are among the silent saints who choose someone else over their own comfort and convenience. Please, readers, pray for them and all those caring for their loved ones at home. I have known several, and am ashamed to say that often it didn't even occur to me to offer help and respite care. We've done it a few times, but not enough. 

True Charity in the Trenches: A Love Story!

Yesterday, I told you a horror story. Today, on the cusp of Lent, I'm giving you a love story that is so touching I was overwhelmed. It came from a dear friend of mine whose elderly mother-in-law has dementia and is nearing the end of life's journey. He and his wife are caring for her at home in a way that is indescribably beautiful. I'll let him speak for himself:

Mom is dying in phases.

Not eating much just a little bit of a Snack Pack of chocolate pudding and a few ounces of oatmeal with apple sauce and milk to thin it out.