A Variety of Writings
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Author: Judy D. |
Always on the Line
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08/07/2008 |
Central’s never “busy,” always on the line; You may hear from Heaven almost any time; ’Tis a royal service, free for one and all; When you get in trouble, give this royal line a call. In 1919 Frederick Lehman penned the words and music to this old time hymn. Years have past since the telephone company was known as “Central.” However, we have become dependent upon our telephones, haven’t we. Want a pizza? We don’t even need to go out for it. Just pick up the telephone and place the order and ask for delivery. I was amazed to discovered in the 1960s, a woman having her pacemaker checked by telephone. The telephone has become our life-line. When we have an emergency, we need only to call 9-1-1 and help is on the help. However, the message of the old hymn hasn’t anything to do with the accessibility of the telephone and the conveniences it offers. It has everything to do with the accessibility of our God. When our infant daughter was in the hospital, I often woke during night concerned for her. I could call the hospital to ask how she was doing. There were times when the phone rang and rang and rang. Those were nerve-racking times. There were many days and nights when I made use of that “line” that was never busy. I knew in my heart that sometime the phone would ring at home and it would be the hospital telling me Kim had died. As much as I appreciate the convenience of the land-line telephones and the cell telephones, I am deeply grateful to the telephone that’s never busy. Lehman was correct when he penned the words, “You may hear from heaven almost any time.” The prophet Samuel heard from God in the wee hours of the morning. Moses had a “red telephone” called the burning bush. Jeremiah must have been playing his “toy” phone because he claimed he was only a child when God called him. I’ve heard from God in the middle of anthem at church. Frederick Lehman understood the telephone service was not free. But he reminded others of the free service offered by God to all humans known as prayer. The only thing I might possibly disagree with Lehman on is his statement, “When you get in trouble, give this royal line a call.” Oh, without a doubt, I experience troubles, but I love to “pick up the telephone” and call “Central” just to chat. It is so gratifying to know I can pray anytime, anywhere about anything. I’m so blest to know “Central’s never busy.” Are you? |
My "Criminal" Activity
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07/24/2008 |
Some people call me a criminal. The designation is rather offensive to me. Yet, I admit it. I don't have the best of reputations. Families hold me in great contempt. But at the same time, I am feared. The power I hold is amazing. Misplaced keys? Immediately I am accused. However, when watching a loved one succumb to my shenanigans, such as their mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt or uncle, denial seems to help them deal with their grief. If I could be nabbed for my perceived "crime," I would be booked for robbery. My name is Alzheimer's Disease, AD for short. I am hated. Oh, my goodness, I am hated. And I am feared. I rob others of their memories. In the movie "The Way We Were" Barbra Streisand effortlessly sang "Memories, light the corners of my mind." The song painted a beautiful picture of our lives. Can't you just see the "misty watercolor memories?" Some memories are pleasant; other memories, perhaps, are somewhat painful. Yet, I gradually rob my victims of all memories. The narrator of this piece smarted from my creative activity. I successfully plundered her mother's cognitive ability. One day I heard a conversation. "Mom," the daughter began. She was showing her mother a photograph. "Mom, who is this?" As an amateur genealogist, she really wanted to know who the older, stern looking woman was. "Mmm," the confused woman looked intently at the photo. Her mother slowly answered, "Is that me?" "No, Mom. This isn't you. But, thank you for your efforts." Her daughter's smile faded and the light in her eyes was gone. The narrator knew in a sense she'd lost her mother. She was sure she'd lost her mother's memories. On the other hand, I was gleeful. Another victim I could chalk up to my "criminal" activity. ______________________________________________________________________________ Alzheimer's Disease is a feared disease. It slowly, and without a doubt destroys one's ability to remember. The strange thing about AD is its capability of affecting each person differently. Some people with AD experience a change in behavior. If kind and patient before AD, rudeness and impatience may be the new behavior. My mother's behavior rarely changed. She was kind and pleasant prior to AD. But as the disease progressed, she occasionally showed signs of behavioral digressions. A lady who never swore, my mother, at least once, told someone where to go and she didn't mean heaven. My visits with Mom became more difficult. No longer did we converse. It became a monologue with me talking. I tried to remember for her and told her how much she meant to me. She didn't know me, her son, or the grandchildren. It was heart-wrenching to watch Mom's health and mental capacities deteriorate. ______________________________________________________________________________ The narrator's mother died almost eight years ago. But I continue to harass this narrator. She's never been an organized person. Therefore, I capitalize on her disorganization. She can't find her business calendar? So I plant the devious thought, Maybe it's Alzheimer's. She's forgotten a meeting, again. I hear her thinking, "Oh, I hope I'm not getting Alzheimer's." Scientists are searching for what makes me tick and how they might control me. However, until that day arrives, I plan to continue to do what I do best. I will continue robbing people of their memories. Until the time scientists discover a cure for AD, let me make a suggestion. Talk with your family, share memories, write your memoirs. If I decide to visit your family, it will be important to have shared those memories. As you share the memories now, it will help keep you alive in their hearts and minds if and when I have triumphantly claimed your loved one's memories. However, 'til that time comes, I've got work to do. See ya'. Oh! Didn't you forget something?
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