Barbara told me that while she visited, Peggy broke into song several times.
Peggy always had a strong, beautiful singing voice. Alzheimer's has not taken that away from her...Yet.
Barbara said that Peggy sang two songs while she was with her. One was Amazing Grace and she sang it loud with strong conviction and a smile on her face.
Amazing Grace 
"Amazing Grace how sweet the sound...that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now, I'm found...was blind, but now I see.
Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fear relieved.
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun. We've no less day's to sing God's praise than when we first begun."
I really think that Peggy still knows, on some level that she is loved by God and by us. Even though she has lost the ability to communicate with us on a conversation level, she can still communicate with song.
The other song that Peggy sang for Barbara while she sat in her chair was...Jesus Loves Me.
I know that Peggy feels God's love for her as she disappears from this world and from all of the people who love her.
Barbara said that her smile was broad as she sang the lyrics to "Jesus Loves Me."
"Jesus loves me this I know...For the bible tells me so!
Little ones to him belong..They are weak but he is strong.
YES, Jesus Loves Me...
YES, Jesus Loves Me!
YES, Jesus Loves Me..
For the bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me, He will stay...Close be side me all the day.
When it's time for me to die..He will take me home on high.
YES, Jesus Loves Me...
YES, Jesus Loves Me.
YES, Jesus Loves Me!
For the bible tells me so!"
After she sang the songs, Barbara said that Peggy retreated into silence again and mumbled to the people in her head.
Peggy is not afraid..I'm thankful for that.
I take some comfort in knowing that even though her mind is disappearing...Her faith and conviction are still there...Her smile is still there when she sings.
Alzheimer's disease is a cruel fate but it cannot take away the song in Peggy's heart.
I Love You Today, Peggy!
Mary Louise
6 comments:
HI CUZ.
I THINK THAT YOU AND YOURS SISTERS HAVE A BOND THAT MOST OF US WISH WE HAD WITH OUR FAMILYS. YOUR MOTHER AND FATHER ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU.
I WORK AT THE VA HOSPITAL IN SALT LAKE CITY AND I SEE MORE AND MORE OF THE VETERANS COME IN LIKE PEGGY. I NOW TRY TO TAKE A LITTLE MORE SPECIAL CARE WHEN I HAVE TO WORK WITH THEM.
I TRULY WISH THAT OUR FAMILY HAD THE SAME LOVE FOR EACH OTHER THAT YOU AND YOUR SISTERS HAVE. NOW THAT I HAVE LOST MY BROTHER GEORGE AND LYNN IS NOT DOING TO GOOD I WISH WE COULD HAVE BEEN LIKE YOU .
WHEN YOU TALK TO PEGGY AGAIN PLEASE TELL HER JIMMY SAID HELLO. I HOPE SHE WILL REMEMBER ME .
I KNOW THAT GOD WILL BLESS YOU AND YOUR SISTERS.
YOU ARE TRULY SPECIAL CHILDREN OF GOD.
LOVE JIMMY
Thank you ML for writing this. Yes, I was with Peg and asked did she like to sing. Yes was her reply. What song..then she sang Amazing Grace with the sweetest happiest smile I have ever seen. I asked her did she know any more songs...Jesus loves me this I know again with a smile. What a testimony! I went back the next morning and videotaped it so I could hear it again. I have heard alot of Preachers in my years but that was simply beautiful. She is now in her world but for a moment she looked me straight in the eye and sang. One time I asked her did she know who I was and she said ...Barbara...and by the way Jimmy maybe you were the Jim she talked about several months ago. I am glad I spent time with her this past week. I love you Peggy...caragricke (Barbara)
Hiya Mary Louise, Came to visit your site because you'd left a comment on mine. (http://journals.aol.com/auburndawn/enchantedramblings) What a sweet and moving journal you have here. I know what it is like to love a sister, and how hard it can be to go through the trials ytou are facing. My heart and prayers go out to you. How fortunate you are to be so close to her, and be able to say some of the things you need to say. I wish the very best for you in what has to be an excrutiating situation. You have a wondeful journal here. :)
~Dawn
That is good she still loves to sing!!! I think I had told you awhile ago that my dad also disappeared .......Ann
For some reason, music and songs that were loved are not lost.... I worked in an Alzheimer's unit for many years, and one of my favorite things was to play the piano and sing. Was always amazed at how even the patients who were most ravaged by the disease could still sing their favorite song, word for word....
Couldn't remember what they ate one minute ago, but can remember every word to "Let Me Call You Sweetheart"....
Do you ever wonder if your sister still dreams? ....I hope that she does
I was interested to read this journal because of the title before I knew what it was about. My mother had Alziemers before she died. I know how hard it can be on the family of those who have it . God bless you and give strength to you and your family. Terry
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