“Source of all blessings,
you bless us with memory —
that sacred ingathering of the past
into the present
that allows us to
recognize faces,
learn poems by
heart,
find our way back when we
are lost,
and bring forth old and
new from its nearly inexhaustible
store.
May I know what to forgive
and forget and what to retain and
treasure,
keeping in mind the
smallest kindness shown to me
and spreading its ripples for a
long time.”
— Br. David Steindl-Rast
The image of ripples is so good, isn’t it Ceil?
You say good morning and I am saying good evening. LOL.
I am so sorry you both are struggling with parents with the “long goodbye” I worked with a great many caregivers over my pubic health career and know it isn’t easy. Just love em the best you can and keep praying.
Hi Jean! I just heard a sermon about how memory is a gift and a treasure. It reminds us of who we are. Like Joanne’s in-laws, if we lose our memory, we lose that sense of identity.
I liked the part about spreading those ripples of goodness. That’s what it’s all about. This was a really simple, beautiful prayer. Thanks for sharing!
Ceil
Good Morning Jean – Both of my husband’s parents are struggling with Alzheimer’s. Thank you for sharing this prayer which means so much at this time.
Blessings,
Joanne