Last weekend I traveled to the great state of Texas. But this was not a trip about BBQ or boots, two things Texas does better than most, this was a trip to say goodbye and participate in a funeral for my mother in law Patsy Harris.
Patsy was an amazing woman, well ahead of her time. In typical Texas frontier tradition, she raised four great daughters, sang and served in church with a passion that would put many “professional ministers” to shame, and managed to work a full-time job in the accounting department of the local Campbell’s Soup Plant in Paris, Texas for three plus decades. I get flustered when I have to walk and chew gum at the same time, but some how Patsy pulled it all off and made it look easy.
Over the last five or six years we observed Alzheimer’s take a toll on Patsy, first with a few forgotten “nouns,” then faltering motor skills and eventually a total shut down of any ability to function and finally even swallow, which usually signals the end is near.
On Saturday, February 4, 2017 a huge crowd of family and friends gathered in Paris, Texas to say goodbye, celebrate Patsy’s life and claim the power of God’s promises over the enemy, who only wants to steal, kill, and destroy. What a great celebration it was. Patsy’s grandchildren were the best part as they sang, remembered, cried and laughed in recollection of her deep and contagious faith! I think the enemy was disappointed… “behold, Death, Where now is your victory?”
Patsy’s experience opened my eyes to what so many are dealing with, in regards to aging parents or spouses who are suffering from something like Alzheimer’s. What a brutal battle it is. “Thanks be to God, He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
If you are interested in donating to the battle against Alzheimer’s you will find information on the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at: http://www.curealz.org
Cure Alzheimer’s Fund
34 Washington Street
Suite 200
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
You will find the wisdom to fight a battle like this here: The Bible
You shall know the truth….
J Beckett