This is beautiful, Elizabeth, and very vivid. I can picture the whole scene and its “characters.” I believe in that flame—the human soul or spirit—and I still see it in my dad, though he doesn’t know who I am anymore. There is still something about him that is uniquely him and will, I believe, never die. Thank you for this reminder.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Eliza. I am well aware that it's easier for me to find this space of valuing the flame in a person with dementia than it is for family members, who know how their loved one used to be. You have your own grief and pain about that. It's hard when a parent does not recognize you anymore. Sometimes I so wish I could have known these people before the dementia--but I also know it makes my work easier because I too can enter the moment without prior feelings. Try singing more with your father! Music chases away the sadness and lightens the mood for everyone. Love to you!
Wonderfully written, my friend! I feel life I was with you in the room the sign of a great writer. Thank you for sharing Cora’s story. Now I’m going to be thinking about who Matt is all day. Lol!
Thank you, Coz! A welcome reminder of the beauty, strength, fragility, and hope that all of us share. Lovely!
Thanks dear Coz!
This is beautiful, Elizabeth, and very vivid. I can picture the whole scene and its “characters.” I believe in that flame—the human soul or spirit—and I still see it in my dad, though he doesn’t know who I am anymore. There is still something about him that is uniquely him and will, I believe, never die. Thank you for this reminder.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Eliza. I am well aware that it's easier for me to find this space of valuing the flame in a person with dementia than it is for family members, who know how their loved one used to be. You have your own grief and pain about that. It's hard when a parent does not recognize you anymore. Sometimes I so wish I could have known these people before the dementia--but I also know it makes my work easier because I too can enter the moment without prior feelings. Try singing more with your father! Music chases away the sadness and lightens the mood for everyone. Love to you!
Wonderfully written, my friend! I feel life I was with you in the room the sign of a great writer. Thank you for sharing Cora’s story. Now I’m going to be thinking about who Matt is all day. Lol!