So, What Now?

For many years now, I have been on a journey, one with dementia – specifically, my husband’s Vascular dementia.  During the month of October 2014, I shared my experiences with “Dementia’s Demands” in the "write31days" challenge (for more information on this challenge, click here).  Throughout the years we have been on this journey, it has been difficult for me to learn to deal with this disease.  The challenge of writing about the journey for 31 days – every day – was a bit overwhelming at first, but the information came together and I was able to complete the challenge.  Through this challenge, I have learned much about the disease; how to cope while caring for one who is sick; and my desire to write and share this journey with others.

In 1990 I had the privilege of attending an International Christian Women’s Fellowship event at Purdue University in Indiana.  This is an awesome event that I have been able to attend 5 different times; it is called “Quadrennial Assembly” because it is held every four years.  This is one of many local, district, regional, national and international events held by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of which I am a member.  For additional information, and to see pictures from the recent QA in Atlanta in 2014, click here.

The theme of the 1990 event was “Now We Are God’s People” and included many programs addressing issues such as child abuse, women’s rights, justice, peace, hunger, ecology, and many more.  These issues were presented by speakers, through music, a play, dance and drama.  The stories were eye-opening and heart-breaking, sure to touch even the toughest of hearts.  Each message was followed by the statement, “So, what now?” in which we were challenged to do our part in helping with these issues.

That is where I find myself after completing the 31 days during which I have written about our journey with dementia.  “So, what now?”  What am I to do now that the writing is done – or is it done?  Actually, I feel the need to continue to write about this journey; perhaps not every day, but I will continue to document our journey – for as I realized just the other day, the journey continues with additional roads we may have to take along the way.

“So, what now?”  Now I continue on this journey I call Dementia’s Demands, with its long and winding roads; its detours, u-turns and road blocks; its mountain highs and valley lows; its horizons so far in the distance; and the many ups and downs sure to come in our future.  But, continue we will, with God as our Pilot!