When My Parent Ages

When My Parent Ages

 Bible Verse:

Proverbs 23:22 (ESV) – Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Additional Bible Reading:

Exodus 20:12 (ESV) – Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Devotion:

The doctor’s assessment read, “Global dementia, likely vascular dementia, cannot rule out concomitant Alzheimer’s type dementia.” The medical report confirmed our haunting suspicion as my siblings and I had begun to witness the gradual loss of cognitive function of our intelligent mother, who had earned a doctorate degree in education. The troublesome diagnosis thrust us on a formidable journey with a growing group as “the number of Americans living in the United States as caregivers to someone with Alzheimer’s or a different type of dementia is fifteen million,” according to Maria Carrillo, Ph.D., with the Alzheimer’s Association. God is allowing my siblings and me to assume new responsibilities in the care of our mother, and he will not forsake us.

_{When Mom’s capacities diminish,}

_{Wisdom and love are put to the test;}

_{Choices available haunt our thoughts}

_{As we seek to choose only what’s best.}

_{Researching options consumes our days,}

_{As we pray for peace and discernment,}

_{Seeking to provide for all Mom’s needs}

_{And, above all, that she be content.}

_{It is difficult for the children}

_{To assume responsibility}

_{For the provision of loving care,}

_{While escaping Mom’s hostility.}

_{Father, we kneel before You in prayer;}

_{You know the condition of our hearts,}

_{The desire for what is best for Mom;}

_{Reveal to us choices that are smart.}

_{Cover us with grace as we proceed;}

_{Remove our mother’s troubled spirit,}

_{Cleanse her inner wounds; help her forgive;}

_{Restore pleasure, gentleness, and wit.}

Prayer:

Dear Father, I ask for your wisdom to make decisions for my parents that honor them and glorify you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Challenge:

Examine choices for your aging parent. Consult with professionals and Christian friends who can walk the difficult journey with you.