September 4th 2022: Finding Humanity in Dementia

Starting, September 4, we will begin a month-long theme on Dementia. We will look at dementia from different points of view. Chris Avis has agreed to share his perspective as a caregiver omne Sunday. And we hope to hear from in the field of gerontology as well.

This Sunday, we will try to centre the person with dementia. Because dementia hinders the ability to communicate we never get an accurate report from the sufferer. So often, our understanding comes through the voice of a loved one or caregiver. But we must always remember the humanity of the one receiving the care. As they change through their affliction they appear to be a different person but even if they are a shell of themselves we must honour their humanity.

This brings us to the question of what it means to be human. In a world where people are regularly written off or erased because of their disability, race, gender,or some other difference  the question of what it means to be human must be addressed. Understanding the humanity of the person suffering from dementia may open us to new connections in the Web of Life that can help us honour and support the humanity of all people. 

1st Reading: In Waiting to See Who I Am by Maureen Pearce, a poem by Maureen Pearce the poet is doing that each time she visits her mother. She is waiting to see who she is. She is waiting to find out who her mother thinks she is that day. This poem reflects the shifting grounds of a relationship where one person has dementia. It is a bittersweet poem where Pearce celebrates her mother even as she watches her slowly drift away. https://100.best-poems.net/dementia-friend.html

2nd Reading: A Dementia Friend by Sarah Merriman. The poet Sarah Merriman encourages us to be A Dementia Friend in her poem of the same name. She writes from the perspective of someone with dementia. She asks for relationship even though she is forgetful. She asks for patience when she struggles with simple tasks. She reminds us that deep, deep, down she is the same person. https://100.best-poems.net/dementia-friend.html