I wish I could see into Gary's brain sometimes to see what is going on in there. How many of the normal brain cells are left? What does he think? DOES he think? What does he perceive? Is it just images and sounds that mean nothing? I'm sure there is something going on, because he tries to wipe his mouth or itch his nose, but his arm is too weak to reach all the way. He looks right at me, occasionally, but I can't tell if he knows me. He still eats so I know his brain is still causing him to respond to food in his mouth. So anyway, I really like this 3 minute animated video describing what happens to a person's brain when they have Alzheimer's Disease. I have watched Gary progress through nearly all of these stages. I'm not real good with clinical explanations, and that's why I like this. Many of you know someone with Alzheimer's so I hope it is helpful for you too.
This devastating illness separates loved ones with an invisible wall, yet I am confident that Gary is not alone. There is One that knows exactly what is happening deep in Gary's brain, and He will love him to the end. Gary's Savior, Jesus Christ is not on vacation or asleep and even though Gary's mind is being taken over by the disease, he is being loved and cared for, by his Lord, just like King David.
"O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You." Psalm 139