You have read my words or heard me speak about my philosophy that Alzheimer’s brings many gifts into our lives, if we make the choice to see Alzheimer’s as the primary gift. However, I did not realize until just recently how the gifts just keep coming, even after the death of my mother! It is just amazing.

For example, my father and I also had not been very close as I was growing up. In many ways we are just too similar and in others, miles apart, so relating has always been strained. My mother’s death, however, changed all of this. We are now reunited in our grief and laughter, and in our memories. Through this pathway, we also are reunited in each other’s lives, way beyond the reality of my mother’s death. What a joy!

Another example? A few weeks ago I was driving over to dad’s house and I saw a woman walking a dog up the street. She had on a blue coat and one of those old-fashioned head scarves. From a distance, she looked just like my mom, walking toward me with one of our dogs, scarf in tow. What a beautiful reminder of her – and with this came the realization, struggling as I am in my life with my lapsed religious beliefs, that I might never see her again if I don’t make finding my spiritual path a priority in my life.

At this time of year when giving thanks is prevalent in our thinking and in our lives, I once again thank my mother for giving me the struggle of her Alzheimer’s—it has helped me to transform my thinking, my life, my priorities, and my capacity to love.  Alzheimer’s was my path to peace – my catalyst for change.  Out of so much loss came a road map for loving my mother, loving myself, and for living my life with greater patience and purpose.

This is what I mean when I say I found a path to peace through Alzheimer’s.  You can find your own path, too. Let this season of thanksgiving be the time for you to begin walking the path of Alzheimer’s with purpose and intention, and gathering the gifts your loved one has to offer you along the way. Blessings to you!