GPS, Alzheimer’s & the Road Less Traveled

A portion of this was recently published on my MemoryMinders blog. Please continue reading however for additional insight at the end. šŸ™‚

The road wasnā€™t even visible on my carā€™s GPS map. Yet my phoneā€™s map was directing me down this road to lead me home. Traveling this road after presenting and attending the WI State Alzheimerā€™s Association Convention last week reminded me of a lesson from both my GPS and those with Alzheimerā€™s. We donā€™t always know where the road will take us, but we can certainly enjoy the journey.

I anticipated portions of my usual path would be under construction and potentially unpassable on my way home. I detest detours so searched for a route I vaguely recalled. I used my phoneā€™s GPS thinking it was more up to date than our carā€™s system. I glanced at the route on my phone, confirmed it would get me home, and set off on my way.

The path started off right instead of my instinct to go left. It avoided the highway and took a back road. It then veered off my carā€™s map entirely (yes I was using it as back-up) directing me down a ā€˜Rustic Roadā€™. I know enough about driving in WI that these roads can be beautiful but are off the beaten path. A bit hesitant, I still followed.

Soon I was in the middle of a nature preserve. Parallel to the familiar highway and going in the right direction, I pressed on. What I heard earlier in the day definitely influenced my decision to continue down the road less traveled.

Hours earlier I listened to those in the throws of young-onset Alzheimerā€™s disease. They were 60-70ish-year-olds already years down their own roads of this devastating disease. Uprooted in the prime of their lives, careers, and families, they were blind sighted with this diagnosis. Their worlds were instantly turned upside down. Yet ALL of them spoke in some way of the blessings found in their journeys.

Donā€™t misunderstand, nothing about their Alzheimer’s is easy, wanted or wished for anyone else. Nonetheless, they all had a sense of hope and peace to share with us. Which I think is why I kept going down that road less traveled. Hearing from them confirmed my own experience with dementia in family and clients. Even if we donā€™t know exactly whatā€™s next, keep moving forward and somehow, enjoy the journey.

In the midst of the uncertainty of Alzheimerā€™s these people are:

  • speaking in front of hundreds and lobbying for more research
  • donating their time and talents to those less fortunate
  • giving back to their community
  • welcoming and mentoring others with the same diagnosis
  • making new friends
  • reminding us their lives are still meaningful, even if they cannot manage alone and have dementia.

Their insight was powerful and confirmed what I already knew. None of us knows whatā€™s around the next corner of the roads we travel. We can make all the plans we want, but roadblocks and unpassable paths may still creep in. We can make alternate plans and still wonā€™t know whatā€™s next. But even in moments of uncertainty, unfamiliar surroundings, and unwanted paths, beauty and joy can be found.

So I followed that road and yes, I got home. But I did stop along the way to appreciate my surroundings and enjoy the journey. I even took a few pics so you could appreciate it too.

Letā€™s not forget, life with dementia isnā€™t the end, itā€™s just a new normal. Thereā€™s still joy and peace in the journey even amid frustration, memory loss, failing health and as of now, an incurable prognosis. May we all learn from their examples and appreciate all thatā€™s around us every day. Because none of really knows whatā€™s coming down the road.

As I wrote this for my MemoryMinders readers, I knew I’d share it with you too as I was reminded of God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11:

For I know the plans I have for you,ā€ says the Lord. ā€œThey are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

God knows what’s down the road, even when we don’t. It may involve loss, disease, dementia or other unfathomable issues. But whatever comes, we can all take comfort in Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:20b:

“…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.ā€

God is with us through every unknown path and twist in the road. He’s our ultimate GPS. Let’s continue to run our race by following His footprints, no matter where they lead.[tweetthis]Find #joy, #peace & beauty even amid unknown journeys as God never leaves us #RunYourRace[/tweetthis]

 

Linking up with Crystal Storms at #HeartEncouragement and Natalie, Alisa, Carmen & Shannon at #Salt&LightLinkup

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20 thoughts on “GPS, Alzheimer’s & the Road Less Traveled”

  1. Dear Jill, thank you for sharing enlightenment and encouragement! This is the first positive thing I’ve read about Alzheimers. And thanks for the reminder that the Lord knows the path even when we don’t. Blessings from your neighbor at Crystal’s.

    Reply
    • Thanks Alice-yes, while devastating, Alzheimer’s brings clarity and blessings when we look for them. I’ve learned so much by working with those with dementia and am happy to remind us all no matter our path, God is with us and has a good, good plan. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  2. My Dad has Senior Dementia. It’s not the road my mom was planning to follow. We are moving into a time of life when we want to enjoy our grandchildren and be move involved with ministry now that we don’t have children at home to care for, but we need to recognize that this is God’s road for us, too. Thanks for the reminder.

    Reply
    • Yes, our plans are not always the same as God’s plan. I’ve learned and am continuing to learn this truth. May God bless you and yours as you walk this unwanted road, finding the joy and beauty He sends along the way. Thanks for visiting, Sharon!

      Reply
  3. This is so thoughtful and lovely. I especially like the comment in your image- enjoying the unknown. It’s crippling to be afraid of what’s around the next corner.
    I applaud your involvement and advocacy for Alzheimer patients. We need to be aware and compassionate. and I like your blog’s name!
    Thanks
    and thanks for visiting my blog!

    Reply
    • Thank you April and instead of feeling crippled by fear, I’m trying to give us all tools to help ourselves while we rest in His presence! Thanks for visiting!

      Reply
  4. This was beautiful. My genetic history tells me that there’s a VERY good chance I’ll be dealing with this someday, and I love hearing someone infuse a little hope into what can be a dark topic. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Thank you Ivy! Certainly this is not a fun, light, or enjoyable path, but I know how to find joy and beauty by always looking to Him in the journey. I’m so happy this could bless you today!

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  5. Jill, your story reminds me of a time I followed my GPS and veered left when I should have turned right. The dirt road I ended up on took longer to traverse, but the journey was filled with butterfly delights.

    Beautiful reminder that God’s blessings can be found on a path we wouldn’t have chosen. Sweet blessings!

    Reply
  6. If we follow God, He will always lead us Home. What comfort knowing He’s guiding and protecting us.
    I didn’t know you lived close to/ in WI?
    #Salt&Light

    Reply
  7. I love the way you model how to give grace and dignity to those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Your parallel is lovely and thought-provoking. God has given you the gift of seeing beauty where others see ashes. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    Reply
    • Thanks Teresa, yes even though our mind may be impacted, who God made us to be hasn’t. Important to keep in mind when relating to those with various ailments including Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Thanks for your encouragment!

      Reply
  8. Oh yes, the adventures GPS gets us into! I had one the other day. (In Turkey, it can be really messed up!) But these insights of how we can learn to enjoy the journey, taken from people you know with Alzheimer’s. Priceless.

    Reply
  9. HI! Thank you for visiting my recent post, about respite care. This link, you provided, contains such a good life verse. Jeremiah 29:11 is a wonderful one for us to cling to.

    The beginning of your story made me a bit nervous, especially after the twenty-something year old girl followed her GPS to her death last year. But, praise God, you made it!! Wonderful post.

    Here is a post, about communicating with Alzheimer’s patients, if any of your readers are interested- http://www.burdenfreecaregiving.com/2017/04/07/communicate-talk-someone-dementia-alzherimers/

    It has been a delight to “meet” you and listen to your expertise. Looking forward to reading more of your blog in the future.

    Reply
    • Thanks Erin for your thoughts and yes, God is good, He always leads us through! Thanks for this post, happy to share it on my MemoryMinders sites as well!

      Reply

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