So we went, we walked and we'll remember. I think the most overwhelming aspect of the walk was not the number of people (over 700), or the music or activities...it was one woman's story.
Maria's family suffers from familial alzheimer's. Her grandmother died of it when she was in her 20's, she never knew her grandmother without it. Maria's mom has it and her 17 year old son has never known his grandmother without it. 3 of her aunts and 3 of her uncles have it. Out of Maria's grandmother's 13 children, that makes 7 children with alzheimer's. Maria's family begins showing symptoms in their late 40's or early 50's. Maria looks to be around 40.
As I listened to her story, I felt such sorrow for this family's legacy. As devastated as my sister and I have been by alzheimer's dad's slip into oblivion, we have no concept of the curse this family lives under.
Looking at everything, here is where I come back to. God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good. He has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams and our biggest hopes. He has supported us, provided for us, given us peace that passes all understanding. I can't fully explain the hope that resides in me but I know where my hope comes from. And I am truly grateful. I cannot imagine living this life without the abiding presence of my Savior, my Creator.
Thank you for supporting me in your thoughts, your prayers, with your flowers and the names of your loved ones, and with your money.
I am more determined than ever to raise the awareness of people about this devastating disease. Maria's family deserves a new heritage.
peace.
1 comment:
What a great post, Glynis. Thank you for it.
b
Post a Comment