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Jodi's Story
Tending a dying parent brings Jodi depth, wisdom and fulfillment. She cared for her mother until she died,
and now she cares for her father who has Alzheimer's. Each day as her father gets worse and remembers less,
she takes care of his basic needs and keeps him wrapped in her love. Jodi turns the adversity of his disease and
dementia into a beautiful gift of unconditional love.
She has created art from irritation, beauty from adversity. She wrote this poem for her Dad.
Dad
You gentle spirit. You strong hero.
Your fine soft white hair
Creating a halo around your innocent face.
You break into a smile and it makes my day.
You lie in bed, tucked in and content,
And I feel blessed that you are safe.
Who would have known that the love
I feel for you now,
as I care for you daily,
Would so far transcend the typical love
of a daughter for her father?
How else would I have ever really understood
What compassion is?
Or what it is to be a hero.
You break my heart
and you make it whole again.
The disease you endure with such bravery and grace
Will not let go of you.
All I can do is protect you from discomfort,
Unfairness, pain, and loneliness.
I can wrap you in a cocoon of normalcy.
Fill you day with little expressions of love.
How long a journey will this be
Before you slip away from me forever?
I don't want you to suffer.
So I sacrifice my days
to share them with you.
Now.
When you need me there so much.
Together, we are God's children.
And this time is sacred.
Your Story?
Do you know, or are you, someone who has taken a challenge
and transformed it into a pearl? If so, please send me your
story! It might be posted here online, and I might include
it in a new book I am editing.
Stories can be up to 500 words. Please include your name, address and phone, as well as your email address.
Email your stories to: PathofthePearl@aol.com
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