My Alzheimer's Journal #16

Here are some more inspirational yet challenging words from Fr. Henri Nouwen on the subject of aging and dying that brought me a measure of comfort:

Our Weakness Blesses Others

Our weakness and old age call people to surround us and support us. By not resisting weakness and by gratefully receiving another’s care we call forth community and provide our caregivers an opportunity to give their own gifts of compassion, care, love, and service. As we are given into their hands, others are blessed and enriched by caring for us. Our weakness bears fruit in their lives. And dying is our ultimate vulnerability. Instead of looking at the weakness of old age as simply the experience of loss after loss, we can choose it as a passage to emptiness where our hearts have room to be filled with the Spirit of Love overflowing. It is ultimate weakness but it is also potentially the greatest moment of our fruitfulness. --Henri Nouwen

Truly I pray that my increasing cognitive and physical weakness will bear fruit in Connie's life, and not just be a burden.