SpclEdtn

SFPNN Special Edition – 04/04/08 – I Still Know Who She Is

Join us on-line at: http://www.sfpnn.com/

________________________________________________________________

— Thanks to Chuck S. for today's Special Edition

I STILL KNOW WHO SHE IS

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him.

I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors and got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of him, I asked if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, “And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?”

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, “She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.”

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, “That is the kind of love I want in my life.”

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

-- Author unknown to us but greatly appreciated!

# # #

A PERSONAL NOTE from Jeanette: This story has significant meaning for me. And with the growing epidemic of Alzheimer’s and other dis-eases which affect people’s memory and ability to communicate, I imagine there are many others who will be touched by it, also.

In addition to having several family members and friends affected by Alzheimer’s, strokes, and other conditions, I’ve personally had the experience of being inside a body which could not function nor communicate properly.

Reading my daily greetings in SFPNN, that may come as a surprise. By now you know I’m not one who is at a loss for words! But for a short time in my life, I was.

I couldn’t remember how to spell, read, write, add, subtract, or other basic functions. The few words I could utter were often flip-flopped, slurred, and difficult to understand. My mind was in a complete fog, I couldn’t tell you what day it was or what my favorite food was. I couldn’t even walk on my own! (My 78 year old Grandmother had to help me.)

I still knew who I was on the inside. But I could not get my body and mind to coordinate to express myself on the outside.

Within less than a week’s time, I went from a being a healthy 27 year old to a complete invalid as the result of a misdiagnosis and subsequent prescription drug reaction. I was a total mess! Fortunately I stopped the medications after only a month. But it took me well over a year to recover basic language functions, and several years with some of the math skills. And there are memories which have been lost forever.

It was one of the most difficult times of my life and I wondered what good could possibly come out that situation. But good did come out of it. Greater good than I could ever imagine.

You see, I realized what it’s like to have your Spirit in a body which simply can’t filter your thoughts and emotions the way most people communicate. I learned what it was to have a soul unable to express itself – and how people react to you in this situation.

Perhaps the greatest lesson of all… even though I could not formulate the thoughts and words I once knew, I could still recognize and receive love and compassion.

Understanding these things has allowed me to carry on relationships with Loved Ones affected by Alzheimer’s, strokes, Down Syndrome and more. I know THEY are “in there.” Regardless of whether the body is able to communicate with words or coherent signs and symbols, it still houses a great Soul who needs Love and Compassion.

As a care-giver it can be disheartening and overwhelming to see our Loved Ones unable to function “normally.” We often wonder where “they” went. . . What are they thinking? What are they feeling? Do they understand what I'm saying to them? We may never know.

One thing we can be assured of is EVERY SOUL RECOGNIZES LOVE.

Whether or not the body responds, the soul knows love when it receives it. It doesn’t matter if the person is conscious or in a coma, cognitive or seemingly lost in their own world. The SOUL ALWAYS RECOGNIZES LOVE even if outwardly, it appears different.

Incidentally, for anyone with a Loved One who has Alzheimer’s, The Alzheimer’s Association can provide a lot of insight, understanding, help, support and hope for dealing with this disease. Visit them at: http://www.alz.org/index.asp or you can call their 24 hour help line at 1.800.272.3900.

“Words, memories, and basic functions may be forgotten,
but one never forgets love.”
-- JMP

* * *

Find all of your favorite SFPNN Special Editions in one place at: http://www.sfpnn.com/pnn_special_edition.htm

Also look for our Soul Magic series! http://www.sfpnn.com/soul_magic.htm

For current and back issues of Sir Froggie's Positive News Network, go to: http://www.sfpnn.com/pnn_current_issues.htm

______________________________________________________________

Ask me about Angel Therapy®, Reiki and Theta Healing!
(Click to e-mail.)

For help receiving Divine guidance, healing energy and positive life changes, e-mail Jeanette (SFPNN’s Editor) or visit the following webpages for more information:

Angel Therapy®: http://www.sfpnn.com/ask_your_angels.htm

Reiki: http://www.sfpnn.com/reiki.htm

Theta Healing: http://www.sfpnn.com/theta_healing.htm

Sessions may be done in person, over the phone, or even via e-mail in some instances.

________________________________________________________________

sfpnn subscription information

We welcome you to share your sfpnns with others but please note… SFPNN is NOT "spam" and may only be received through a confirmed free subscription request from yourself or from someone who wished to give you a subscription as a gift.

To SUBSCRIBE to Sir Froggie's Positive News Network, click on the following link and enter the appropriate information:

http://www.sfpnn.com/subscribe_to_pnn1.htm

To change your existing subscription to a different e-mail address, or to UNSUBSCRIBE, use the link at the bottom of your individual issue.

________________________________________________________________

submission guidelines

If you’ve got a story you would like to submit to Sir Froggie’s Positive News Network, please visit the following link for our Submission Guidelines. This is the best way to get your work published in our e-zine. Thanks for sharing!

http://www.sfpnn.com/Submission%20Guidelines.htm

________________________________________________________________

This and every issue of SFPNN is dedicated to MISTY, a tiny angel who taught us to love unconditionally and bask in the glory and joy of each moment.

For more information about Misty, please read Misty’s Miracle at: http://www.sfpnn.com/SoulMagic/Soul2001/sm040601.htm and visit our Reflections of a Zen Master / Fuzzy Tales page at: http://www.sfpnn.com/misty.htm .