Never Away From God

We went to see the film Away From Her last evening. It is directed by Sarah Polley and stars Julie Christie, Gordon Pinsent, and an exceptional supporting cast. It is about a couple married for 45 years and the effects of her Alzheimer's disease on their life together. It is touching without being maudlin and sad without becoming morose. There is not a false note in this picture and it is well worth seeing.

It was poignant for me because I have been pastor to so many folk who have slipped into dementia. There are many unkind diseases but this cluster which includes Alzheimer's is certainly among the most cruel. So often it robs the sufferer of dignity and leaves caregivers feeling defeated. At one point she comments to him, "I'm going, not gone." It is the coming and going that can be so painful and bewildering for everyone.

Recently a woman who had moved into a nearby seniors residence asked me to visit her. She is not a member at St. Paul's but she realized that our church is convenient for her. She decided to move into the residence because her short-term memory is failing and she was making dangerous mistakes. Yet she remembered my mother who lived in Bowmanville nearly sixty years ago.

It is said that Christians live between memory and hope. It is difficult to be hopeful when memory fails us. It's important to be part of a ministry of support and compassion in Christ's name.