Are the boys baptized?
“Yes, Dad. The boys all got baptized a couple of years ago.”
“That’s good. Let’s pray for the boys.”
And we did. Simple petitions that God would keep our three teen boys, his only grandsons, in His care. Keep them safe from the world, and ultimately be safe in His kingdom. Dad prayed that they would choose right and love Jesus. He wants them in heaven.
Dad has Lewy Body Dementia. The disease is robbing him of his mind. But, in his final stretch towards the end, he’s turning more to prayer than ever. He’s more childlike in some ways, but his faith gives evidence of a longtime reliance upon God as a friend.
Many nights, you can hear Dad praying aloud. Praying for simple needs, telling God when he’s scared. Though his thoughts and words jumble, his heart cry is clear. “God is my helper. He will supply my needs.”
Sometimes, apparently out of the blue, in the midst of normal chitchat, Dad will say, “Let’s pray.”
Nothing flowery. He thanks God that He knows how to help him and oftentimes begins to talk to God about loved ones.
AdSometimes Dad’s prayers are humorous. “Lord, is there anybody out there to bring me water?” Or, “Lord, you know I can’t figure out how to drive this pink motorcycle, but I know You can do anything, so please help me figure this out.” Yes–he even prays for help when the hallucinations come.
At times, Dad has been scared, anxious, confused. A foreboding settles on him some days. He’s called family together, and told us some of these fears.
A couple months ago, the fears centered around death. He didn’t want to do it. Unfinished business, stresses from past years, and concern for his family weighed heavily on his mind. He told me plainly, “I want my family in heaven.” And we prayed about that. We do often.
Time is running out for my dad’s frail body. His mind is ebbing away, yet under all of this bodily breakdown, he still hears God calling to him, and he answers. This is a lifetime habit of turning to his Savior. It brings me much peace.
Under everything, Dad responds to the familiar. Songs he’s sung years ago stir up a song from his lips. Especially when sung by family and familiar friends. Words of truth and promise ground him.
I’m glad that I’ve been privileged to listen in on many of Dad’s prayers. I write this so I won’t forget in the days to come, when my heart will long for something good amidst the darkness.
God hears every cry.
Even when our words don’t come out right. When our minds are mixed up by fever, grief, and dementia. He hears. He loves. He reaches out. And He cares for each person we pray for.
Dad knows his Jesus.
Do you?
He gets his comfort from Jesus and he shares his love and trust in Jesus as he always has and this is such a great comfort
Yes and it is a tremendous testimony and encouragement to me. 💕
Dementia will test a family to its breaking. I keep checking in with yours as I know the heartbreak of this journey being traveled in your family. May God continue to keep you strong, together.
Sounds like you know from traveling this road.
Thank you kindly.
Oh, my goodness! I just read this aloud to my husband and our son, and it so deeply touched our hearts. I am in tears. Your precious Dad! What a treasure he is! When my dear Mom lost her Daddy when I was 12 years old, she SO often told me through the years afterward, “Oh, how I miss Daddy’s prayers!” I felt so sorry for her, but I never realized the depth of her pain until years later when I lost her—my dear, sweet, Godly, prayer warrior mother. I used to have to call her during the night for prayer when our son was little and would be sick or for other reasons, and no matter what time I would call her, I would say, “Mom, I’m so sorry for calling you so late,” and she would reply, “Oh, honey, it’s okay, I was just laying here praying.” She prayed SO hard for all of us for so long. I so often tell my husband and son, “Oh, how I miss Mom’s prayers!” So many times, I long to call her and ask her to pray! Though I wouldn’t bring her back to this sin-blighted, benighted world, I will never stop missing her and my dear Daddy and their prayers for my family and me. One thing that comforts me is Rev. 14:13, “’Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth.’” “Yea,” saith the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.” I often think of that part that says, “and their works do follow them.” I like to hope that my dear Mom and Daddy’s prayers are still being heard and answered on our behalf even though they are no longer praying and are at rest. Your Dad reminds me of my parents. What a legacy he is leaving for you and your family! I pray God will comfort you through this agonizing process.
This is so special.
The funny thing is that growing up, Dad was not very vocal about his prayers or faith. It’s been here lately that I’m seeing it more. I think God is allowing me to hear these prayers to bolster me.
I’m glad for your testimony here. You have been blessed.
What a treasure God has given you to know that your dad knows the Lord. May this bring you much comfort in the days and months and years to come.
Yes it really does.
Now I am crying. What a wonderful testament to your father’s character. It makes me want that. What a beautiful testimony to your father.
God is good. He has blessed me with a good father. I cherish each remaining moment.