by Joni Ray

I’m sure we all have a journey we can share. This journey is mine.

 

Our church has many members. In this story, I am talking about a family I feel is an inspiration to me. I have admired and watched them as they have gone through their journey. I then had the benefit of attending a support group started by them at our church. On the last Tuesday of the month at 1:30 here at CABC, we have a dementia support group with co-leaders Jen from Cross Keys and Barb from our congregation.

 

All of our lives are busy and, if you are like me, you sometimes think, “I don’t have time for one more meeting!” Or you are more introverted and walking into a group for the first time can be intimidating. You are nervous about the unexpected, or, even worse, of others seeing your world.

 

I had a father who lived next to us who was starting with dementia and a mother-in-law who moved in with us who was further in the process. I couldn’t understand how someone could ask the same questions so many times or why someone could be so confused. How do you keep from losing your patience with people?

 

This class was and is so very important to us. It is educational, emotional, caring, and loving, with leaders and students who care and help you understand this horrible disease. Barb and Jen get answers for you and give many ways to help get you through this process.

I want to thank Jen for choosing a career in which she exceeds, above and beyond most professionals. I thank Barb for loving her husband as much as she does and for being a sponge, educating herself so she can educate us. I thank Our Lord and CABC for giving us a facility in which to meet, filled with the presence and love of our Lord.