It came while I was videotaping Smore Spot for one of the first graders at Dutton. Silence and then the voice of my father. “Michelle! It’s Dad. I am so sorry. How can you forgive me? I know I did something really bad, but I can’t remember what it was. I don’t know how anyone could forgive me.” He rambled on, without give me a chance to respond at first.
He was referring to inappropriate comments he made to various people. The comments are too awful to repeat, but they will forever leave a hole of sadness. As we continue to reflect upon his medical and emotional condition, we realize that dementia can cause people to do crazy and evil things. We also realize that he definitely has dementia and know that he should be at Waterford, the same facility where my mother resided. At this point, they do not have any openings for new residents.
Knowing that he needed to hear me say words of affirmation, I lowered my voice tone so it sounded more like a male’s. It seemed to work and he responded with gratefulness, relieved that I forgave him. I reminded him of the cross and the hope we have in Him, but I don’t know if he heard that part. The conversation ended, but my walk in Wexford Woods continued.
Our Michigan church, Caledonia CRC, organized a prayer vigil for today. People signed up for a spot and committed to a thirty minute time of prayer for the coronavirus. I sat on the green bench, located near Burnett’s Creek. Waves of sadness for the people of New York City, our economy, and the many people who are suffering entered my thoughts as I fervently prayed. “God, please take this away. Wash our world like the waters of the creek wash the pebbled stones.”
As I walked on the paths, I observed signs of spring. Tree buds are opening, flowers are appearing, and the birds were singing. He is here, our eternal hope, as the journey continues.
A Journey Worth Remembering 