A lovely activities director working in memory care once shared something that I have never forgotten: There are two things that tend to remain with folks who are living with dementia: prayers and songs. She would often lead residents in reciting The Lord's Prayer not only because of the comfort of the words, but also because of the comfort of remembering.
How sweet to find that comfort, especially when much of life is not registering as it used to. I have seen folks who were otherwise unresponsive or agitated, effortlessly sing the words of a familiar song. At other times, it has simply been a toe tapping in perfect time to the music. Perhaps that's an example of muscle memory; the body knowing how to bring a bit of comfort to the soul.
There is such comfort in remembering; all the more so when remembering can no longer be taken for granted. That simple prayer, that old hymn or folk tune could be the one place in someone's day where they feel the most like themselves. And it is a precious thing to help them get there. Let's never underestimate the joy and the comfort of remembering!
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