One of my favorite new albums is Blessed by Lucinda Williams.  In the title track she sings about how different individuals have blessed us all by their gracious and loving behaviors.  I like the song because it reminds me of all of my blessings.

This disease is potentially extremely isolating to the patient and her caretakers.  It can be mysterious and threatening to those who are not forced into its thrall.  They find that they do not know how to react to the person with the disorder; they do not want to upset and are often at a loss for words.  They struggle with their own sadness over the continuing loss of relationship with the afflicted.  They are reminded of our own vulnerability and mortality.  It is indeed difficult to enter the “kingdom of illness.” 

I think I understand this, and have had my own struggles with providing continuing friendship and support to others who have faced similar difficulties.  This is why I feel so blessed by all of you who have been so supportive of Jill and our family during our journey.  I want to share with you an excerpt of an email I sent to our pastor recently lauding two of the ministries at our Church where Jill has been engaged over the last two years.

…As you are aware, Jill has been diagnosed with Early Onset Dementia.  This condition advanced to the point that she went on long-term disability from her teaching job in August 2009.  You should know that Jill loves teaching and working with children.  Prior to her illness, Jill was very engaged in the Youth Program at our Church, being involved as a choir mother, a youth leader, and for a short time, even as one of the two youth co-directors when the program was struggling between youth ministers.  She helped organize the Appalachia Service Project missions for a number of years and chaperoned on numerous retreats and choir tours.  She has also volunteered as a Cub Scout leader, room mother, and soccer team manager.  Her disease has stolen from her the ability to be involved with youth and children in the way her heart desires. 

Her role as a volunteer in the Church Preschool restored to her some of what she had lost.  For the past two years, she has been a full-time volunteer at the preschool, assisting in different classes.  This past school year she was a full-time volunteer in …’s three year old class.  This volunteer position allowed Jill to continue working with children in a non-supervisory capacity.  Her role provided her with a sense of purpose, place, and dignity. 

I know that Jill’s involvement has not been without some additional strain and stress on staff.  Her disease impairs her memory, judgment, and ability to communicate clearly.  The disease is progressive, such that this past year she was less able to contribute as well as she had her first year.  I greatly appreciate …, …, and the staff in their understanding and support.

Jill has also been able to assist with our Children’s First initiative. spearheaded by … and ….  During the 2009-2010 school year, with …’s help, Jill was a reader for an hour a week at Nesbit Elementary.  She was able to work and assist with a little girl who needed additional assistance with her academics.  Starting at approximately the same time, Jill began to volunteer at our library at the Northlake Inn.  She has served with … for the last two years on Thursday afternoons.  This position allowed Jill to be a caring adult for a number of children in this setting.  … has been supportive and caring of Jill during these two years. 

…We are blessed to see such evidence of God’s love and compassion within our Church home.  My words here are inadequate to fully convey how meaningful this has been to us.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  So many of you have offered expressions of love and caring!  From supportive comments and emails to visiting with Jill, offering me respite, or inviting us to socialize, you all lift us in ways that you cannot know!  We are indeed blessed beyond measure and thankful to all of you.