All I Remember
One day, while I was lying on a massage table in a dark, quiet room waiting for an appointment, a wave of longing swept over me. I checked to make sure I was awake and not dreaming, and I saw that I was as far removed from a dreamy state as one could possibly be. Each thought I had was like a drop of water disturbing a still pond, and I marveled at the peacefulness of each passing moment.
Suddenly my mother’s face appeared – my mother, as she had been before Alzheimer’s disease had stripped her of her mind, her humanity, and 50 pounds. Her magnificent silver hair crowned her sweet face. She was so real and so close I felt I could reach out and touch her. I even smelled the fragrance of Joy, her favorite perfume. She seemed to be waiting and did not speak.
I said, “Oh, Mother, I’m so sorry that you had to suffer with that horrible disease.”
She tipped her head slightly to one side, as though to acknowledge what I had said about her suffering. Then she smiled – a beautiful smile – and said very distinctly, “But all I remember is love.” And she disappeared.
I began to shiver in a room gone suddenly cold, and I knew in my bones that the love we give and receive is all that matters and is all that is remembered. Suffering disappears; love remains.
Her words are the most important I have ever heard, and that moment is forever engraved on my heart.
By Bobbie Probstein from Condensed Chicken Soup for the Soul Copyright 1996 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen & Patty Hansen
That you for the beautiful reminder of what is really important. Have a wonderful day.
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I’m from the Beatles era …. Love is all you need! 🙂
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LOL!!!! 🙂
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Man, some of the most inspiring stuff is all too short! Thanks for sharing this. 🙂
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Speechless…thank you :).
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Reblogged this on wisdomfromthesisterhood and commented:
If Alzheimer’s has ever touched your life, this is a great (and quick) read. It will change how you see it all…I promise 🙂
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I agree, this may have been the most wonderful “post” ever. It really struck me and reminded me that when I become critical, I should love, when I become judgmental, I should love. I thought of the love Mother Teresa showered on others–it brought people to Jesus! People are drawn to those who show love and kindness. Yes, we should condemn sin, but love the sinner.
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Wonderful Comment!!! Thanks you 🙂
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This was particularly encouraging to me as my dear Grandma had Alzheimer’s. Thank you!
Blessings ~ Wendy
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And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. The love of Christ saved me, is ever with me and will never end. What great love this is!
Blessings,
Rebecca
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Beautiful and blessed.
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Is it okay if I copy this off for my 86 year old neighbor? His wife recently passes away with Alzheimer’s. Thank you for such a beautiful share!
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This is not my post. I don’t know how my name got attached to this, I am just following Berts blogs. You will have to ask her.
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It is OK to copy this for neighbor. Take Care and God Bless 🙂 Kenny T
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