"Thank you so much for speaking so beautifully and gently to the hearts of children." ~Cameron Bellm

Last week I shared "Prayer for a Pandemic" by Cameron Bellm. After getting her permission to post her prayer on my blog, I sent her a message that I had some thoughts about adapting her prayer for children. She urged me to go for it. After writing "When and Then Prayer," I ran it by Cameron, received her encouraging words, and am now posting it on my blog.

WHEN AND THEN PRAYER
            by Lynda Boucher

When I can't be with all my friends,
Then help me remember people who have no friends.
When I'm healthy, loved, and safe,
Then help me remember people who are sick and alone.
When I have to stay home and do school,
Then help me remember teachers preparing my lessons.
When we have to call off our vacation and stay home,
Then help me remember people who have no home.
When we can't get everything we want at the store,
Then help me remember people who don't have what they need.
During this time when life is so different than ever before,
Then help me do what I can to make someone else's life better.
I can make phone calls, write letters and stories, send email,
Read to someone, play games with my family, and
Pray!
Amen

Stay safe and healthy!

PS- I recently read a suggestion (I wish I could remember where) about having kids keep a journal during this time when life is so different. It could be a few words, or many. It could be pictures or drawings. It could really be anything that fits their learning style, or whatever they're inspired to do on any given day, to express what they're thinking, feeling, or experiencing. Many years from now, this will be history to show to their kids and grandkids.

"Thank you for praying with me!" ~Cameron Bellm

The other day I read a prayer-poem a friend posted on Facebook. Perhaps you've seen "Prayer for a Pandemic" by Cameron Bellm, which she recently wrote. Very timely and inspiring for such a time as this. I'm sharing her words here, with her permission, in case you haven't seen it, heard it, or read it. You will also find it on Cameron's blog, Krug the Thinker, at
http://krugthethinker.com/2020/03/prayer-for-a-pandemic/

Prayer for a Pandemic
             by Cameron Bellm

May we who are merely inconvenienced
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors
Remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close
Remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips
Remember those that have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market
Remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for quarantine at home
Remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country,
Let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,
Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.
Amen.

Stay healthy and safe!

"It's like watching The Notebook." ~ Deb Marshall

A couple times on this blog I've mentioned Alzheimer's, my mom's fight with the dreadful disease, and a friend who walked every step on that long path with her precious husband. (Long Story Short - 4/16/18; On My Heart - 3/11/19)

A few days before Valentine's Day, TA's final chapter ended. Since then, I knew I wanted to share something with you. I've processed and mulled over what to say for days. Actually, as I started this, I still wasn't exactly sure where it would end up. Just let it flow, and then figure it out.

Eleven months and two days was TA's time at a care facility, first in Assisted Living, and then Long-Term Care. He began Hospice while still at home, which carried straight through to his final day. (Hospice staff really are angels here on earth, IMHO.) What a blessing it was that someone from Hospice spent each night by his bedside so the family could rest at home when it was clear his days were numbered.

Long before Alzheimer's stole his memory, he and his bride, my dear friend, planned and arranged to donate their bodies to science for medical research. In my head, I imagine how wonderful it would be if the scientists studying his brain made an important discovery about Alzheimer's that would lead to groundbreaking treatments, understanding, and an eventual cure! I told my husband I think a decision to donate your body to science is admirable, and I need to find to more about doing it.

I've been friends with LouRae (LRA) and Tom (TA) since the early 1980's. We've been through many things together, and she and I have a special sisterhood. A most precious memory I have of them on this Alzheimer's journey is even in his final days whenever she would put her face near his face, even if his eyes were closed, he knew it was her and would pucker up for a kiss. That's the sweetest thing! And it's a true testimony to the powerful love they shared, and the legacy of their marriage and life together.