I know it takes all your concentration to focus on where you’re going and what you’re doing.

I know that the edges of your mind are being enveloped in a hazy cloud.

I know you remind us over and over again of things because you need to remind yourself that you still know what’s going on.

I know you sometimes look lost because your world has slowed down, and everyone else’s has sped up.

I know that when you get angry, it’s not at us – but at this feeling of loss that you can’t control.

It’s maddening to see the mind that once clearly exposited Biblical texts week after week lose sense of history and time.

It’s heart-wrenching to see the once straight Marine stance become stooped with age.

It’s saddening to see the one who once led others with ease now need to be guided around himself.

It’s the worst possible pain to see the father you’ve always known and loved drift away piece by piece.

So let me savor every hug you give me before I’m lost to your memory, too.

Let me cherish every laugh we share together before they’re gone for good.

Let me imprint every memory we make upon my heart while I still have them.

You’ve carried me all these years in your strength.

Now let me gather my own strength and hold your hand all the way into the closing darkness.

May God be kind to you.

And may we all look with hope to that place you’ve always spoken of with tender longing – where every mind and body will be forever healed – and all our tears will be wiped away in our Savior’s presence.