Tag Archive for "Alzheimer’s"

Posts Tagged ‘Alzheimer’s’

Family Caregivers

Posted on: August 16th, 2021 by Alden

This is a prayer to be said on behalf of those family members and friends who have taken on the task of daily caregiving of another member of the family or a close friend, devoting their days and energy to the care of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, and other dear ones.

Family Caregivers
G-d of health and healing,
Bless our family and friends
Who have taken on the sacred task
Of giving care and comfort
To their loved ones,
Committing their time, energy, and physical labor
To the well-being of dear ones
At a time of immeasurable need.
Grant them wisdom and skill,
Compassion and dedication,
Energy and endurance,
As time passes and tasks increase.
Remind them to care for themselves,
And to nourish their own bodies and souls,
So easily forgotten in this time of need.

Source and Shelter,
Rock of life,
Bless all who dedicate themselves
To the care of others,
And bring lasting health and healing
To all in need.

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Postscript: Thanks to my friend Joel Africk for the idea for this prayer.

Please check out my CCAR Press Grateful/Joyous/Precious trilogy. The individual books are: This Joyous Soul , This Grateful Heart, and This Precious Life. Here’s a link to my ELItalk, “Falling in Love with Prayer..” For reprint permissions and usage guidelines and reprint permissions, see “Share the Prayer!” To receive my latest prayers via email, please subscribe (on the home page). You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo Source: CDC

For Missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370

Posted on: March 17th, 2014 by Alden

It has been a week. Can we still hope to find the people from missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370? This is an adaptation of a prayer to be said for a specific missing person.

For Missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370
G-d of the frightened,
G-d of the missing and the lost,
Return the passengers of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370
To the cradle of their family’s arms,
And the refuge of their homes,
Speedily, in life and in health.
Watch over them. Protect them.
Shelter them from harm.
Deliver them from evil acts and evil intent.
Bless the professionals dedicated to the search.
Grant them skill, insight, fortitude and luck.

G-d of Old,
We understand the desperation of the families.
We understand that these hours and days
Of dismay and dread are almost too much to bear.
Grant the families endurance, hope and faith
That they will soon know what happened to their loved ones.
May they be reunited in the fullness of joy.
Still, we fear the worst.
If, G-d forbid, complete tragedy befell these people,
Let it have been swift and merciful,
Without suffering.

Holy One,
Protector and Redeemer,
Hear our prayer for the people of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370.
Hear this prayer for safety and peace.

Postscript: Here’s a link to “For the Missing (Specific Person in My Family)” and one to “For the Missing (Specific Person, Non-Relative).”

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Photo Source: AP/Channel 2 via Jerusalem Online

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

Posted on: February 19th, 2014 by Alden

This 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.

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.

For usage guidelines and reprint permissions, see “Share the Prayer!” For notices of new prayers, please subscribe. You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter. If you like this prayer, please post a link to Facebook, your blog or mention it in a tweet.

Photo Source: USPS

Diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on: January 26th, 2014 by Alden

This is a prayer to be said upon receiving the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. This difficult disease contains a certain element of cruelty that’s addressed head on by this prayer and others in my series of prayers on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and dementia, including: “To a Spouse/Partner on Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease” and “Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or Dementia.” This series of prayers appear in my book, Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing.

Diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease
In stages,
I am told,
In stages I will lose control of my body
And then my mind,
Losing my ability to care for myself
And to hold on to my memories.

G-d of compassion,
Stand with me in the days ahead.
I am [frightened/angry/sad /confused/defiant][add a description of your emotions].
Grant me time to remain
Mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally present
For my family,
For my friends,
And for myself.

Grant healing power to my treatments
To keep this disease at bay.
Give my physicians knowledge and insight
And my caregivers skill and perseverance.
Grant scientists and researchers tools and understanding
To develop new treatments,
Speedily, in our day.

Ancient One,
I need Your care,
Your consolation,
And Your loving hand.

G-d of old,
You are my Rock and Redeemer.

Postscript: Here are prayers for “R’fuat HaNefesh” and “For Healing the Spirit.” Please consider purchasing my new book, Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing.

Photo Source: parkinsonsresource.org

For the Missing, Caleb Jacoby

Posted on: January 9th, 2014 by Alden

This is a prayer for a missing person, posted here for Caleb Jacoby. This prayer is to be said on behalf of someone whose name is known but is out of one’s personal circle, such as when a missing person is named in the news. Here’s a link to the generic version, without Caleb’s name filled in. I previously posted a prayer to be said for a specific missing person in one’s family or circle of friends. Optional word selections are identified with a slash (“/”). In coming weeks I’ll post one more version: a general prayer for all missing persons.

UPDATE, Jan. 10: Caleb has been found, safe and sound.

For the Missing
G-d of the frightened,
G-d of the missing and the lost,
Return Caleb Jacoby
To the cradle of his family’s arms
And the refuge of their home
Speedily, in life and in health.
Watch over him. Protect him.
Shelter him from harm.
Deliver him from evil acts and evil intent.
Bless the professionals and volunteers dedicated to his return.
Grant them skill, insight, fortitude and luck.

G-d of Old,
These hours/days
Of dismay and dread are almost too much to bear.
Grant his family endurance, hope and faith
That they will soon be reunited with Caleb
In the fullness of joy.

Holy One,
Protector and Redeemer,
Hear this/my/our prayer.

Postscript: Here’s a link to “For the Missing (Specific Person in My Family).” Please consider purchasing my new book, Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing.

Photo Source: Tablet Magazine

Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Posted on: December 22nd, 2013 by Alden

Here’s a prayer to be said on receiving the difficult diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. One of the ironies of this prayer is that it anticipates an early diagnosis, at least early enough that one might be able to understand, read and say this prayer. The same is true of my prayer “To a Spouse/Partner on Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease.” This is one of several prayers addressing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as dementia, that appear in my new book, Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing.

Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
In stages,
I am told,
In stages I will lose my words,
My memories,
My ability to care for myself,
My connection with my family,
My connection with myself.

Ancient One,
I need Your care,
Your consolation,
And your loving hand.
G-d of old,
You are my Rock and Redeemer.

Postscript: Here are prayers for “R’fuat HaNefesh” and “For Healing the Spirit.” Please consider purchasing my new book, Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing.

Photo Source: Forget Me Not

For the Missing (Specific Person, Non-Relative)

Posted on: October 24th, 2013 by tobendlight

This is a prayer for a missing person. This prayer is to be said on behalf of someone whose name is known but is out of one’s personal circle, such as when a missing person is named in the news. Here’s a link to a prayer to be said for a specific missing person in one’s family or circle of friends. Gender selections are identified with a slash (“his/her”). In coming weeks I’ll post one more version: a general prayer for all missing persons.

Addendum, Aug. 26, 2014: Aaron Sofer disappeared during a hike in the Jerusalem Forest on Friday. Please pray for his safe return. This prayer was originally posted in 2013 on behalf of a missing 14-year old, mute, severely-autistic teen, Avonte Oquendo, who’s remains were found months later.

For the Missing (Specific Person, Non-Relative)
G-d of the frightened,
G-d of the missing and the lost,
Return ___________________________ [full name]
To the cradle of his/her family’s arms
And the refuge of their home
Speedily, in life and in health.
Watch over her/him. Protect her/him.
Shelter her/him from harm.
Deliver her/him from evil acts and evil intent.
Bless the professionals [and volunteers] dedicated to her/his return.
Grant them skill, insight, fortitude and luck.

G-d of Old,
These [hours/days/weeks/months/years]
Of dismay and dread are almost too much to bear.
Grant his/her family endurance, hope and faith
That they will soon be reunited with ___________ [first name]
In the fullness of joy.

Holy One,
Protector and Redeemer,
Hear this/my/our prayer.

Postscript: Here’s a link to “For the Missing (Specific Person in My Family).”

Photo Source: Times of Israel

To a Spouse/Partner on Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on: October 7th, 2013 by tobendlight

How painful is it to know that you’ll slowly lose your memories, your personality, your understanding of who you are in this world? And how painful is it to know the impact it will have on your spouse or partner? There is an element of what appears to be cruelty in this disease. This prayer is one antidote for that cruelty. It’s a prayer of love and gentleness to be said together, the one with the diagnosis and his or her beloved. This is one of several prayers addressing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases that appear in my new book, Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing.

To a Spouse/Partner on Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease
My darling,
Dear _________________ [Name],
The doctors say that I will be leaving,
Perhaps slowly,
In stages,
[First losing control of my body and then]
Retreating into my mind,
Visiting with you less and less.
It is not my choice to say goodbye.
It is our path.

G-d of compassion,
Watch over my [husband/wife/spouse/partner]
In the months and years ahead.
Give her/him the strength to live
To love and to mourn
As we lose each other to this disease.
Grant her/him courage and peace of mind
As we face difficult decisions and difficult moments together
And, in time, she/he faces them without me.

My love,
It is not my choice to leave.
It is not my choice to depart.
It is not my choice to disappear.
Forgive me when my disease
Speaks words of anger or pain.
Remember my devotion to you.
Remember our love and our lives for both of us,
Our joys, our hopes, our dreams.

G-d of compassion,
Bless my [husband/wife/spouse/partner]
In her/his hours of loss and grief.
And grant her/him a life of wonder and awe
In the years ahead.

Postscript: I wonder if this prayer can be used by the spouse or partner during the late stages of these diseases? In other words, would I be able to say this prayer and hear it in the voice of my loved one? Here are prayers for “R’fuat HaNefesh” and “For Healing the Spirit.” Please consider purchasing my new book, Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing.

Please check out my ELItalk video, “Falling in Love with Prayer,” and This Grateful Heart: Psalms and Prayers for a New Day. For reprint permissions and usage guidelines and reprint permissions, see “Share the Prayer!” To receive my latest prayers via email, please subscribe (on the home page). You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo Source: Fire Fighters with Parkinson’s Disease

For the Missing (Specific Person in My Family)

Posted on: June 30th, 2013 by tobendlight

Here’s a prayer to be said on behalf of a missing person. This is for a specific person in one’s family or circle of friends, such as – G-d forbid – a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, a hiking accident, an abduction or an Alzheimer’s patient disappearing. Gender selections are identified with a slash (“his/her”). In coming weeks I’ll post two additional versions: one to be said on behalf of someone whose name is known but is out of one’s personal circle – such as when a missing person is named in the news – and a general prayer for all missing persons.

For the Missing (Specific Person in My Family)
G-d of the frightened,
G-d of the missing and the lost,
Return my [father/mother/sister/brother/son/daughter/friend/husband/wife/partner]
___________________________ [full name]
To the cradle of my arms
And the refuge of our home
Speedily, in life and in health.
Watch over her/him. Protect her/him.
Shelter her/him from harm.
Deliver her/him from evil acts and evil intent.
Bless the professionals [and volunteers] dedicated to her/his return.
Grant them skill, insight, fortitude and luck.

G-d of Old,
These [hours/days/weeks/months/years]
Of dismay and dread are almost too much to bear.
Grant me [and my family] endurance, hope and faith
That I/we will soon be reunited with ___________ [first name]
In the fullness of joy.

Holy One,
Protector and Redeemer,
Hear [this/my/our] prayer.

Postscript: Here are two prayers about family, one “For Family” and another for “Family Healing.”

For usage guidelines and reprint permissions, see “Share the Prayer!” For notices of new prayers, please subscribe. You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter. Please consider making a contribution to support this site and my writing.

Photo Source: New York City Fire Department

Posts Tagged ‘Alzheimer’s’

Family Caregivers

For Missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370

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

Diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease

For the Missing, Caleb Jacoby

Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

For the Missing (Specific Person, Non-Relative)

To a Spouse/Partner on Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease

For the Missing (Specific Person in My Family)

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