Very touching article, and something we often fail to discuss. I assume it is because it is troubling to think any of us could actually lose our sense of reality in a confusing maze brought about by loss of cognitive function and memory. Those of us who are elderly think about it. We do not want our spouse or ourselves to go through this. But our Christian faith should help us to endure what we cannot control, and being assured of God’s love and His promises, this Valley cannot define us, as painful as it is for many families. Once, I had occasion to visit an elderly couple in connection with my working life. They lived in a large home, very well appointed, and in the center of their ample living room was a shiny black Grand Piano. Although the husband was not present at the time, his wife told me he was a concert pianist and had played all over the world. One year later, I returned to the home, and the first thing I noticed was that the Grand Piano was gone. So I asked the wife, “What happened to the piano?” She answered, “My husband has struggled with dementia, and he could no longer play the piano, so I had it taken out because it caused him too much anxiety.” It seems unfair that some people lose the things that gave them great satisfaction when old age and illness takes it away. Yet, as a Christian, being stripped of life’s pleasures and good health must take place as we end our journey of faith on earth, and we learn that we cannot hold onto them, but the love of God holds us still. Soli Deo Gloria. John J. Flanagan - Songs of Faith (YouTube). 02/23/2023