09/27/2025
In the midst of everyone’s busy weekend, I wanted to share a story:
I had the privilege of being in a memory care community this week, leading a sing a long. A new resident joined in, he is a retired minister living with dementia. In addition, he is also living with profound hearing loss and several other physical challenges. He could feel though, the vibrations of the piano and his face lit up. He asked if I could play his favorite hymn, The Old Rugged Cross. I did, and he sang along, eyes lifted to heaven, so much joy on his face.
When we finished he took my hands and asked if he could pray for me. The prayer he prayed and the words he spoke were so deeply meaningful - it brought me so much peace, and honestly, so much affirmation and clarity.
In that moment, he got to live his purpose and be who had been for so many years - a minister.
He - who is living with so much loss - helped in such a special way.
And it reminded me yet again just how much someone with dementia can give back to the world around them.
So often we’re focused on what they CAN’T do, and what the disease has taken away, that we forget what still remains. And what remains can be so beautiful and powerful IF we empower the individual. It’s so important that we give people with dementia the opportunity to still be purposeful - to do things they enjoyed, the feeling of being GOOD at something, to be needed.
Dementia is a growing crisis, and the need for people who truly care is huge. You don’t need experience, you don’t need a degree, just a heart that wants to help. And any discomfort you might be worried you will feel? I promise, will disappear. 💜 Reach out. We need you.
