Never Forgotten

After more than 60 years of marriage, my father could no longer care for my mother at home. Her advancing Alzheimer’s disease required her to move into the memory-care unit at a skilled nursing facility. My wife and I drove several hours for our first visit in Mom’s new room.

My mother knew who we were but struggled to talk. Her thoughts became tangled, getting lost between her mind and her mouth. I hugged Mom while tears of frustration wet her cheeks. But she perked up when we pushed her wheelchair around the fenced-in patio to see the flowers.

When we said goodbye, Mom had a clear moment. She clasped my hands in hers, looked deep into my eyes, and said, “I love you. The next time you come, I may not remember who you are. But remember that I love you — always.” Her declaration of love reminded me of God’s promise in today’s reading. Though illness or injury may steal our memories, God will never forget us.