In loving memory of my lovely Dad
Having someone you love diagnosed with dementia is a cruel blow.
We understood from the start that there was nothing we could do to prevent this disease, but we could control how we dealt with it. We decided there would be no room for pity and that acceptance was the only way forward. We walked this journey with you and as the years passed we saw the new you shine through. We didn't look back at what you'd lost, we looked forward and focussed on what you still had. You made us smile every day, we listened to you and when you laughed we laughed. It never mattered that you didn't remember us, you were still you and that could never be taken away. Our memories of you will be a mixture of the old you and the new you, both very precious and very dear. You have now found your peace and with that comes our peace. This journey has been full of love, laughter, heartache and a deep understanding of dementia and that love and acceptance are the most beautiful precious gifts we possess.
I wrote this 4 days after my dad passed. It was wrote straight from my heart and is a true reflection of how we dealt with his dementia. This was read at his funeral.
Having someone you love diagnosed with dementia is a cruel blow.
We understood from the start that there was nothing we could do to prevent this disease, but we could control how we dealt with it. We decided there would be no room for pity and that acceptance was the only way forward. We walked this journey with you and as the years passed we saw the new you shine through. We didn't look back at what you'd lost, we looked forward and focussed on what you still had. You made us smile every day, we listened to you and when you laughed we laughed. It never mattered that you didn't remember us, you were still you and that could never be taken away. Our memories of you will be a mixture of the old you and the new you, both very precious and very dear. You have now found your peace and with that comes our peace. This journey has been full of love, laughter, heartache and a deep understanding of dementia and that love and acceptance are the most beautiful precious gifts we possess.
I wrote this 4 days after my dad passed. It was wrote straight from my heart and is a true reflection of how we dealt with his dementia. This was read at his funeral.