He had Alzheimer's and I had heard many stories of his failing memory. So when I arrived at the facility and went to visit him, I expected him not to know who I was. But as I entered the Alzheimer's unit he looked at the door, as all these type of patients do and a glimmer of recognition came to his eyes. He exclaimed, "Merrym?!" This brought tears of happiness to my eyes. I quickly explained that I was also staying there and I'd be by daily to see him. He became excited and jumped for joy in his wheelchair. At this first visit I stayed for quite a while, but became tired faster than I expected, due to my infection. We said our goodbyes and as I left I reminded him I'd be back the next day, even though I knew he would forget.
The next day came and after all my medical procedures, I slowly, yet exhaustedly made my way to his unit. I wondered all the while, how long I'd be able to stay, because I tired so easily. But once again I entered and the sight and sound that came to my senses brought a renewed energy to my drained form. My dad was sitting right inside the door with a gigantic grin on his wonderfully, etched face and cried out in delight, "Yeah! It's Merrym! Hey everyone, it's my youngest daughter! I knew you'd make it!"
We went into the visiting area and I said, "You get to choose what we do first today. The choices are watch TV, have a father-daughter talk or I can read from the Bible to you." Now my dad was a relatively new Christian, so I was overjoyed with his answer. Before I could finish he interrupted,"The Bible! Let's read God's word!"...
The word of the Lord came to me:
Ezekiel 21:1
I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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