This Watching, This Waiting (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or Dementia)

Alzheimers-StampThis is a prayer to be said by the spouse or partner of someone whose Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or dementia has progressed to the point where physical abilities, memory and/or cognition deteriorate drastically. It recognizes the pain of watching as a disease strips away the essence of your beloved. It’s one of four related prayers that appear in my new book, Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing.

This Watching, This Waiting (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or Dementia)
This watching,
G-d of Old,
This watching my [husband/wife/spouse/partner]
Slowly lose himself/herself to disease
Is a grief beyond my imagination.
Talents and personality,
Plans and dreams,
Moments of conversation,
Moments of pleasure,
Departing stage-by-stage.

Who is this person inhabiting his/her body?
Where are your memories of our life together?

This waiting,
G-d of Old,
This waiting for the next loss to come
Is a grief beyond my imagination.
Grant me strength and wisdom,
Fortitude and courage,
As the days pass,
As the waiting continues,
As I pray for his/her consolation and peace.

© 2014 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.

Postscript: Here are links to related prayers: “To a Spouse/Partner on Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease” and “Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or Dementia” and “Diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease.” Here are prayers for “R’fuat HaNefesh” and “For Healing the Spirit.” All of these prayers appear in my new book, Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing.

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