This Journey Called Life: A Reflection

This has indeed been an unusual and difficult trip. There has been a very significant change in my dad. The stories are still repeated and mixed up but now there are also long periods of silence. The journey through the Valley of Dementia is difficult. Yet in this difficult journey we are not alone. The caregivers and employees at his Assisted Living love him dearly as do his friends from the church and community.

As challenging as this journey is, we have felt the continued love and support of so many, love and support from places we hadn’t considered. The waitress who knows us , loves us, and has served us so many meals and drinks over these past seven months. Friends who will drive an hour to simply share a meal and listen to us talk. These are the unexpected blessings of life.

In his book, Thoughts in Solitude, Thomas Merton’s prayer of unknowing speaks to these times in our own lives.

And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,

though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

Denise and I are so thankful for the many gifts and expressions of love shared with us and with my dad.

And we trust that Godde will lead us along the way no matter how lost we may feel.