The Three Word Philosophy Lesson From Mama

Sometimes, in the midst of the chaos and stress of Alzheimer’s, I think God sends messages even through the voice of a person with dementia. I know it happened several times with my mom, anyway.

This post is about one lesson Mama gave me… a life-changing perspective in three short words. And I think I need to take it to heart even more today than I needed it then…

I went through the normal struggles with Mom’s bath that night. Then I sat with her and helped her eat her supper while Dad took his shower.

After her meal, Mom looked at one of her life story pages that I’d printed up for her, with photos and facts to help her recall her life. She was only able to read a couple of the words. And she didn’t recognize herself or me or Dad in the photos. I told her, “Mom, that’s a picture of you and me!”
She smiled and said, “Oh, my goodness!”

She didn’t know John 3:16, nor could she name her sibling’s as she usually can. And she only sang a few words of familiar songs I tried to sing with her.

But for all the things Mom couldn’t do that night, she did give me the gift of  a philosophy lesson to ponder. A couple times Mom randomly said, “Let it be.” She’s not a Beatles fan. She doesn’t know the song. She just said, “Let it be,” for no reason I could figure out.

But now I’m thinking she gave me a wise perspective for dealing with Alzheimer’s. And actually life in general. Obviously I have God-given responsibilities that I have to do my best with. But there are many things I have no control over.

There are so many things I tend to worry about, that I need to give to God instead. I need to let go and trust Him and let it be. Just let it be.

God is wise and powerful and strong and in control. I need to do what He tells me to do and let the rest be on His shoulders. His mighty shoulders that can handle everything.

I can take a big breath, and exhale and let it be. I can trust Him and let it be. Just let it be.

Let it be.