So many of us are touched by the pain of mental health deterioration in some way. As a little girl, I remember my grandmother once repeatedly telling me how much she loved the ice cream sundae I made for her, not realizing until later that she had expressed her gratitude at least three times within five minutes. Though she was embarrassed, I recall loving her all the more in that moment, while simultaneously being frustrated that sickness can be so debilitating to experience and to witness. My grandmother was one of the most grace-fillled and beautiful women I’ve ever known, and I am thankful that even today, many years after her passing, I can relish not only the good memories we had, but also the faith in Christ and in His Church that we shared.
If you or someone you love is in a battle with declining mental health, I hope my recent article in the National Catholic Register on Caring for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s brings you some help and consolation.
“Time spent with the sick is holy time.” -Pope Francis
