My husband, Roy and I left a week ago and headed to Nashville, Tennessee. We knew it would be a difficult trip for us. We were meeting his brother and sister-in-law there to spend time with Roy’s sister, Suzanne and husband, Larry. Larry had been diagnosed with Alzheimers and Parkinson’s Disease. Suzanne had decided to move Larry to an Assisted Living Facility in the next couple of weeks. We knew she would need lots of emotional support during this very difficult time. Because they have no children, we are her famlily. This was a very difficult time for all of us. Larry is only 67 years old.
Suzanne and I are very close. She is like another sister to me. We laughed, we cried! Suzanne wanted this trip to be as normal as possible because she knew this would be the last time we would all be together, before he was admitted. It was so hard to see Larry, who was once a CEO of a large insurance company, not be able to dress or even feed himself. He would try to communicate with us and I think at times, he knew what we were saying. But, it was so sad! Alzheimer is such a horrible disease! It was like a death.
Suzanne and Larry have a strong faith and that is what has got them through this so far. They have a wonderful church home and family and friends that have been there for them. I know that God will give her the courage and peace she is needing.
As I thought about how God would want me to spend my Helpers of People Leave, it became evident that this is where I needed to be this past week.
I am so thankful to be part of a company who truly believes in their people. To be able to take the time and be able to be there for them is such a blessing!
Thank you, Kris and the Board of Directors of FDLIC for this awesome opportunity!
Blessings,
Vicki Dickson