It is heartbreaking to watch our friends and family suffer and feel powerless to help. We want to bring comfort but we don’t know how. I will unpack some ideas and ways to show support in coming blogs. Today, I will touch on a lesson I learned on the worst day of my life; the power of presence.
Alzheimer’s is such a cruel and heartless disease! It can completely change a person’s disposition and personality. My husband was known for his kind and laid back personality. He was an artist and he felt things deeply. He would get misty-eyed on Christmas morning as he watched the kids joyfully open their presents. He had a tender heart for the Lord, and often tears would stream down his face during a worship service. But as the disease slowly took over his brain, he began to change. He became more distrusting and paranoid. One fateful day that paranoia turned violent and it was aimed at me. My daughter saved me, but sadly it marked the end of Dale living with us at home.
He was taken to the hospital for evaluation. I sat in the waiting room filling out paperwork, still in shock of the day’s horrific events. I certainly could have called friends or family to join me there, but it didn’t occur to me since I’ve always been somewhat independent, and even a bit of a loner. My dear friend, who was one of the few who knew what had just transpired, sent me a text. She offered to come sit with me. My first thought was no, why ruin her night. And besides what good would it do? But for some reason I said yes.
She arrived a short time later with snacks and her presence immediately warmed the cold, sterile environment. She patiently listened to my story and held my hand and prayed for me. I suddenly felt so grateful not to be alone. I learned a great lesson that day, the power of just being in the room! Bringing comfort is not about grand gestures or articulate speeches, sometimes it is simply the power of your presence.
Lisayake.com 
Thank you for sharing, Lisa! What a GREAT lesson for all of us. Would you please let me know when you have speaking engagements. This is such a wonderful ministry. It reminds me of a post I saw recently that said, “Maybe it happened to you so you can help others when it happens to them.” May God continue to bless you, sweet friend. Sending love and HUGS!!!!
LikeLike
Connie, how wonderful to connect with you! Yes, I will keep you posted and thanks for the hugs.
LikeLike
Lisa, this applies to any suffering doesn’t it? When I had the tragic catastrophic (at the time) fall that eventually ended my nursing career, I was in so much physical, emotional, and even spiritual pain and overwhelming sense of shock!
The pain on the right side of my body has locked up every muscle and I could barely move in bed. Stuck. Broken. Fearful of what would the foture be like. Wondering if my dominant would ever heal enough to be useful at all…
I laid in the lonely hospital bed “trying” to pray…feeling hopeless…
A soft knock on the door and quietlly in walked a pastor from our church. He had a smile and spoke softly and gently laid a fluffy stuffed bear on my “good”. He didn’t ask questions. He said how sorry he was and everyone is praying and then prayed a simple prayer. He left. His gentle presence calmed my heart and mind because Holy Spirit arrested my weary soul!
It may seem
Small to the person who “is present”, but it is huge to the broken one.
Love your blogs and you, Lisa!
♥️Katrina
LikeLike
Katrina, thanks so much for sharing your experience!
LikeLike
‘The Power Of Presence’
I am so glad you said ‘yes’ for your freind to come sit with you. I understand all too well the ‘loner’ inside.
I am so grateful she was there for you!!
LikeLike