A Prayer Upon Rising

This was originally begun in the fall of 2001, when my grandmother was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I didn't know how to finish it until she died 5 years later

A Prayer Upon Rising

Lord,

As she drifts away memory by memory, remind us that her memories are brought back to you, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let us rest in the knowledge that you have authored her faith in days of reason, and perfected it in days of confusion. Remind us that even as her uncertainty has tested and tried our dependence on your grace, it has tested her even more.

For every piece of her that has slipped away, you have touched her with grace, guarded her steps, and watched over her.

She who showed us how to grow to maturity has also shown us how to be childlike. She who has encouraged us to sing our songs has found the freedom to sing her own. She of firm and steady steps has now the wisdom to dance.

Thank you, Father, for the opportunity to care for her who has so selflessly cared for us throughout our lives.

Thank you that the love she invested in us has borne fruit to sustain her in her time of need…that she could be surrounded by it when others might have found loneliness.

*****

And now that the journey has closed, we find joy amid sorrow, laughter amid tears. For the joy in this journey is now borne in our hearts, the laughter in our memories; the songs live on our lips and the dance beneath our feet. All that she was here now rises to you, perfected in glory.

Thank you, Father! for this precious treasure that will go with us all until we, too, rise.