Thank you for sharing about your Mum & Dad, Mal. I too have been inspired by the love and devotion of couples impacted by dementia. They promised to love each other no matter what happens, and that’s what they do – not out of duty, but because they love truly and deeply. The best possible sermon about God’s love!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on dementia.

My mum has had dementia for well over ten years now. She hasn’t known my name for more that six years, but she is still mum! One of the things that I have learnt from her is to do with finding significance. My mum’s significance is not based on who she knows but rather who knows her. And this is one of the great messages of our Christian faith, we are known by God, and known by name!

I have also been overwhelmed by my dad’s ongoing love for mum, love till death do us part. Dad is now 94+ and visits mum each day, often twice a day. To love requires us to be present with the other, and to dwell in that nearness.

My parents are continuing to teach me about the love of God! And I thank them both for that.

Yes, I’ve had some real ‘aha’ moments exploring the area of theology and disability. Insights that change my worldview. We miss all of that potential when we only associate with people who are ‘like me’.

Thank you for the comment and encouragement, Jen. I agree that churches are among the best equipped communities in our society to accept people with dementia. There may even be a need to go a step beyond accepting people as they are to intentionally welcoming and including them, because they are already marginalised and excluded by society. For example, helping them find ways they are able to contribute to the community.

Neil